The Southern Festoon (Zerynthia polyxena) closely resembles the Eastern Festoon (Allancastria cerisyi) in appearance, but they differ in their distribution area.
The Southern Festoon occurs in Southern and Southeastern Europe (from Southeastern France to the Balkans) and Western Asia.
The Eastern Festoon has a more easterly distribution area; the species is found primarily in Southeastern Europe (mainly Greece and surrounding Balkan countries) and extends into the Middle East.

1st & 2nd photo: Lake Manta, Cahul District, Moldova, 26 April 2026
3rd, 4th & 5th photo: Lower Prut Nature Reserve, Moldova, 25 April 2026