Old World Swallowtail
Image: Mar.3615 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameOld World Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio machaon
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)70
Primary Colorsyellow, black, blue, red
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open country, fens
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North Africa, parts of North America
Host Plantswild carrot, fennel, parsley, dill
Flight PeriodMay to August (multiple broods)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with black bands and orange spots, possessing an osmeterium. Pupae are camouflaged, typically green or brown, resembling twigs or leaves.
Identification TipsKey features for the Old World Swallowtail include its large size, bright yellow and black striped pattern, and prominent hindwing tails with blue and red markings. Note that this analysis is based on an illustration on a decorative box, not a live specimen.
Description
This image displays a decorative wooden box adorned with illustrations of various butterfly species. The most prominent and clearly labeled butterfly, the Old World Swallowtail (*Papilio machaon*), is a large species with bright yellow wings, bold black stripes, and distinctive tails on its hindwings, which also feature blue and red eyespots.
