Rocky Mountain Parnassian
ExploreInsects
Rocky Mountain Parnassian
parnassius smintheus
The Rocky Mountain Parnassian is a beautiful butterfly with stunning white wings and black spots! It flutters around mountain meadows, bringing joy to everyone who sees it.
Habitat: Mountain meadows and alpine regions in the Rocky Mountains.
Appearance
The Rocky Mountain Parnassian has creamy-white wings with distinctive black markings and bright red or orange eye-spots on its hindwings. Its wings are somewhat translucent, allowing light to pass through, which makes it visually distinct from most other butterflies. They typically lack tails.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPapilionidaeGenusParnassius
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Rocky Mountain Parnassians lay their eggs on stony ground near host plants, not directly on the leaves.
Despite their seemingly slow, fluttery flight, their wing shapes make them incredibly stable flyers in windy conditions.
Their fuzzy caterpillars are dark and look almost like tiny walking woolly bears found in mountain habitats.
These butterflies are often called "ghost butterflies" due to their translucent, almost see-through wings!
Special abilities
Ability
Toxic Taste
Rocky Mountain Parnassian caterpillars can absorb toxins from their host plants, making them unappetizing to most predators.
Ability
Mating Seal
Females develop a unique hardened mating plug, called a sphragis, after mating that prevents re-mating.
Ability
Cold Resilience
Rocky Mountain Parnassians have dark bodies that help them absorb sunlight, allowing them to warm up and fly in chilly mountain air.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 45-60 mm
- Size
- 25-35 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-30 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults drink flower nectar; caterpillars munch on stonecrop leaves.
Age differences: Caterpillars eat plant leaves, while adults feed on liquid nectar from flowers.
Primary Foods
- Flower nectar
- Sedum lanceolatum (Lanceleaf stonecrop) leaves
- Various alpine wildflowers
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Lanceleaf stonecrop
Sedum lanceolatum
Its caterpillars exclusively feed on the leaves of this mountain plant.
pollinates
Rocky Mountain Goldenrod
Solidago multiradiata
Adult butterflies visit its flowers for sweet nectar, helping pollination.
pollinates
Giant Red Paintbrush
Castilleja miniata
They aid in pollinating these vibrant red alpine wildflowers for seed production.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Alpine ParnassianMountain ParnassianRocky Parnassian Butterfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rocky Mountain Parnassian's wingspan?
45-60 mm
How big is Rocky Mountain Parnassian?
25-35 mm
How long does Rocky Mountain Parnassian live?
10-30 days
What does Rocky Mountain Parnassian eat?
Adults drink flower nectar; caterpillars munch on stonecrop leaves.
Where is Rocky Mountain Parnassian usually found?
Mountain meadows and alpine regions in the Rocky Mountains.
How does Rocky Mountain Parnassian hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Rocky Mountain Parnassian have?
6
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