Iberian Scarce Swallowtail
Common NameIberian Scarce Swallowtail
Scientific NameIphiclides feisthamelii
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, black, blue, orange
HabitatOpen woodlands, scrubland, orchards, cultivated areas, river valleys
Geographic RangeIberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal), North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)
Host PlantsPrunus spinosa, Prunus amygdalus, Prunus persica, Prunus domestica
Flight PeriodApril to September
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of host plants. Larvae are green with pale stripes, feeding on the leaves, and pupate into a chrysalis resembling a twig.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive cream-white wings with bold black stripes, the very long tails on the hindwings, and the characteristic blue and orange markings near the hindwing tails.
Description
A striking butterfly with cream-white wings boldly marked with black tiger-like stripes. Its hindwings feature long tails and a series of blue lunules and orange eye-spots near the anal angle.
