Alpine Butterflies of Daisetsu-zan, Hokkaido

Photo Gallery SPECIAL SERIES No.2
Alpine Butterflies of Daisetsu-zan, Hokkaido
Photo by WATANABE, Yasuyuki　 (Council member of our society)

Daisetsu-zan is the mountain range located in Hokkaido (northern part of Japan), which is famous for its biodiversity.
This mountain range played an important role as a “refugia” of many circumpolar species.
Therefore rich flora and fauna has been preserved up to now.
Mr. WATANABE, Yasuyuki is a skilled climber and also a keen naturalist.
As a professional nature photographer, he has been producing many great photo books on butterflies.
His favorite place is Daisetsu-zan, he has been visiting there for more than 30 years.
He offered the following butterfly photos for our website. Many thanks to his kindness.

Photo 1: Yellow Apollo Parnassius eversmanni daisetsuzanus visiting a flower.　(June 28, 2010)

Photo 2: Yellow Apollo Parnassius eversmanni daisetsuzanus laying eggs. 　(June 20, 2010)

Photo 3: Freija Fritillary Clossiana freija asahidakeana visiting a flower.　(June 21, 2010)

Photo 4: Melissa Arctic Oeneis melissa daisetsuzana mating.　(June 28, 2010)