Hi everyone,
I would be very interested in any information regarding the Papilio machaon subspecies/form 'alpica'.
If it is more than only a cold-form, does anyone know if it also occurs in Valais near Martigny?
One week ago I let a few wild females (from 2000m-2100m height) lay eggs in captivity and I released the butterflies the next day.
These females were very pale yellow with orange eyes and they were more hairy than 'normal'. I will rear part of the caterpillars
at alpine conditions and the the others at lowland conditions. If possible I will also use different foodplants, until now they have
only accepted Angelica. If the characteristics from the females have a genetic basis, they should be visible in the offspring reared
at both conditions am I right? I will post some pictures of some P. machaon specimens that I photographed soon.
Regards, Klaas