Zerynthia cretica (Rebel, 1904)

Host plants:
The larvae feed on the Aristolochia species which occur in Crete (Aristolochia cretica and A. sempervirens). In the very east of Crete (Elounda) perhaps also A. parviflora is used.

Habitat:
Zerynthia cretica inhabits different habitats of its host plants. I found it often in the garrigue and maquis mostly on Aristolochia sempervirens. This plant rambles often in thorny bushes (protection against goats) and dwarf shrubs or at fences. Besides, I found larvae and butterflies in grasslands and on stony-rocky slopes up to 1600m NN (Ida mountains) more on A. cretica.

Life cycle:
The pupa hibernates. The adults are on the wing between March and May or early June. The males fly perseverely while searching for females. Oviposition occurs most often on the lower side of a leaf (observed in Aristolochia sempervirens). The young caterpillars preferably consume flowers or at least young shoots. The larvae are very variable and occur in light and dark forms. The life cycle and ecology does not differ from Z. cerisy.

Remarks:
Zerynthia cretica is endemic to Crete (Greece). It is still quite common there in many sites (between 100 and 1600m asl).

Zerynthia cretica is closely related to Zerynthia cerisy and is perhaps only a well defined subspecies.