- Family: Papilionidae
- Scientific name: Zerynthia rumina
- English common name: Spanish Festoon
- Spanish common name: Arlequín
- Portuguese common name: Borboleta Carnaval
The Spanish Festoon – Zerynthia rumina – Arlequín is a medium sized butterfly that often flies at low levels among grasses. The main colour is yellow with an attractive pattern of black with large red spots over the upper wings. The under wings have an intricate design, including a wavy line of black and red on an off-white background colour.
The caterpillars of this species are up to 3.5cm long. The colour can vary greatly from yellow to brown, covered in spines that are often orange.
- Wing size: 44-46mm
- Altitude: Sea level to1500m
- Flight time: March-May
- Over-wintering: Chrysalis
- Caterpillar food plant: Aristolochia species
- Distribution: Iberia, Southern France, North Africa
Similar species: Not in Iberia (Southern France has Southern Festoon (Zerynthia polyxena)
Butterflies of Iberia
These are included in the list of butterflies in Andalusia.
Images taken by Sue Eatock in Grazalema, Southern Spain.
The Grazalema Guide
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The Grazalema Guide – Tourist Information Portal for the Sierra de Grazalema, Wildside Holidays, the town of Ronda and the Caminito del Rey.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!