I saw this species for the first time ever, in the Peloponesse in 2014. Several of them in fact, at different times, but they were not easily approached, and on flying, they were absolutely gone, with no intention of an early return. I was taken aback at how big they are, compared with the Peacocks and Red Admirals I am used to. 

These butterfly photos now include fresh individuals in June 2017 in France, prior to their aestivation.