Scarce Swallowtail
Image: Wenceslaus Hollar (Public domain)
Common NameScarce Swallowtail
Scientific NameIphiclides podalirius
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorspale yellow, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, orchards, gardens, scrubland, flowery meadows
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, parts of North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsPrunus spinosa, Crataegus spp., Prunus spp.
Flight PeriodApril to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green, and pupae are green or brown, overwintering as a pupa.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pale yellow wings with four prominent black stripes on the forewings and two on the hindwings, plus the long hindwing tails.
Description
A large, elegant butterfly with pale yellow or cream wings marked with bold black stripes and long, sword-like tails on the hindwings.
