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Zerynthia polyxena - Southern Festoon
On a visit to the Var in France, this was one butterfly species which was really hoped for. We saw a few but many were towards the end of their days. The right side example shown however, was in rather better condition, and eventually paused for our photographs.
I found the resemblance of the open hindwing pattern to be very reminiscent of the head on view of a small bird of the Parus family, I would guess no coincidence. Unfortunately to the right, the best shot I have does not display this feature. Below however, you may see what I mean.
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