Host plants:
The larvae feed on Aristolochia species, in Southern France almost exclusively on Aristolochia pistolochia. In May 2007, I found there also some eggs and young caterpillars on A. rotunda, together with numerous Zerynthia polyxena.
Habitat:
Zerynthia rumina inhabits light, dry woods, edges of grasslands, dry ravines and other partially open areas with woody stocks.
Life cycle:
In Southern France, Zerynthia rumina occurs in a single generation. Butterflies are observed from mid March to early June, with a later peak than with Zerynthia polyxena. In the French Massif de la Sainte Baume, I found many mostly already worn adults and caterpillars in all instars around 20/05/2006. The caterpillars live between May and early July. The maure caterpillar seems to go through a dormancy of several days to several weeks before it proceeds to pupate. Pupation takes place well concealed on loosely spun twigs or bark. The pupa overwinters. In southern Spain and probably in north Africa according to literature a second generation appears in the spring/winter (or only faked by another strategy of some individuals?). I recorded some butterflies in Andalucia near the cost in extreme dry environments in late September 2017.
Endangerment factors:
Zerynthia rumina is quite common in many places for example in the south of France and there more widespread than Zerynthia polyxena. Thus Zerynthia rumina is presumably still at low risk at least in the relief-rich regions (such as the Haute Provence). In other regions, it is pushed back by expanding agriculture and industry.
Remarks:
Zerynthia rumina occurs from Northwest Africa to southeast France. The distribution overlaps in southern France with Zerynthia polyxena.