Parnassius smintheus

Parnassius smintheus is also known as the Rocky Mountain Parnassian butterfly. The adult flies slowly and can be found in high mountain areas. Members of this species prefer sunlight and usually reside around meadows. Males fly to patrol for females and are the mate selector for this species since females prefer not to fly. This individual was photographed at an elevation above 10,000 feet along the Beartooth Highway.

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Papillionidae
Species: Parnassius smintheus

Photograph: © 2015 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 17 August 2015
Location: Montana, Park Co. (45^o00'22" N 109^o24'09" W)