Scarce Swallowtail
Image: Herbierly (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameScarce Swallowtail
Scientific NameIphiclides podalirius
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorscream, black, blue, red
HabitatOpen woodlands, scrubland, orchards, gardens, meadows
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsPrunus spinosa, Prunus domestica, Prunus avium, Crataegus monogyna
Flight PeriodApril to September (two to three broods)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Caterpillars are green with yellow stripes, feeding on leaves before pupating on a stem or twig.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its pale yellow to creamy-white wings with four prominent black longitudinal stripes on the forewings, and long, slender tails on the hindwings, which also feature a blue and red eyespot.
Description
A large, elegant butterfly with creamy-white wings marked by bold black stripes and long, sword-like tails on the hindwings.
