The Apollo butterfly is of interests to lepidopterists because of the many sub species which have been found. Being a mountain butterfly usually found above 2,000 m, it is physically separated from contact with species living in different mountain ranges e.g. Alps and Pyrenees. The male prevents the female from mating a second time by depositing a hard shell like structure called a Sphragus on the female's abdomen.

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Pyrenees near Gèdre, France 13th June 2009

Added on 16th June 2009