The Cretan endemic butterfly Zerynthia cretica

The species uses impressive defense mechanisms of predation

The caterpillar is poisonous to birds

Zerynthia cretica, known as Cretan festoon, is a Cretan endemic butterfly of the family Papilionidae. The butterfly is widespread and common across Crete, flying in a variety of habitats at altitudes 0-1600 m from March to June.

The species uses impressive defense mechanisms of predation. The caterpillar is poisonous to birds because it consumes the toxic compound aristolochic acid from the leaves of plants of the genus Aristolochia. In addition, yellow, black and red coloration of adults’ wings warn enemies that the butterfly is poisonous.

You can obtain more information and photographs about this spectacular endemic butterfly of the island on the website Butterflies of Crete.

Kalliopi Borboudaki, Chemical Engineer MSc, creator of the website https://butterfliesofcrete.com.