Survey of Parnassius apollo in France (Lepidoptera : Papilionidae)

Parnassius apollo was selected as a test-species for a two year population study on the alpine are: and the Central Massif. This lepidoptera was obser ved in most French mountains above 1000 m. but has recently disappeared fro m several areas. The results of the survey are given together with a list o f the partners and the different methods used in the study. The establishme nt of the network for the survey and monitoring of P. apollo populations is also presented. The knowledge of the species biology and the characterizat ion of the habitats are reviewed in order to generate a database on the pas t and current localities and on the population dynamics of the insect.