InsectNet forum

One of the most outstanding species of the Parides
genus is this one --- Parides ascanius. It is a species
endemic to certain preferred wetland habitats of
costal Brazil near/about Rio de Janeiro.

The species was named in the classic tradition in that
the original describer (Cramer, 1775) looked to Roman
mythology for ideas and found Ascanius to be a legendary
king of renoun.

The species is well known to collectors of the more
exclusive species of (hard to find) butterflies. The
striking reddish/pink hues of the hindwings make this
species a real "standout" amongst its peers.

While both sexes are similar in appearance it is the
males which have on their hindwings a hindmarginal
fold covered in white wool (nearest the abdomen).

On my particular specimen the folds were not "flattened"
out for optimum appreciation by the original preparator.
Sometimes, people are hesitant at forcing these folds open
from papered specimens; as even with relaxation they may
split open badly causing a tear.

I decided it best to leave well enough alone on such an
otherwise perfect specimen (all legs still intact, no repairs).

A true gem for those of us who fancy the exotic "queens" of
the butterfly world which are fast becoming less available
and FAR more expensive than ever before....

Beautiful specimen. A species sadly missing from my collection & likely to remain so I fear. As you say it has become much harder to obtain & a lot more expensive recently.

My specimens, pair are from the Campbell Black collection, he didn't do a very good setting job, the other female is ex BMNH.

And pair

Indeed, some species of Parides are quite difficult to find, and you're fortunate to have those specimens of P. ascanius.

Some favorites of mine from this genus are P. childrenae -



P. photinus -



and P. gundlachianus (though I'll probably never get a specimen of this species) -

Parides iphidamas, a commercially farmed species that I've seen several times at live butterfly exhibits -