Scarce Swallowtail
Common NameScarce Swallowtail
Scientific NameIphiclides podalirius
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorscream, black, blue, red
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest clearings, scrubland, orchards, gardens, meadows
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsPrunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus domestica, Malus domestica
Flight PeriodApril to September
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves; larvae are green with a yellow lateral stripe, feeding on leaves; pupae are green or brown, overwintering, often attached to a stem.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive cream/pale yellow and black striped pattern, the long tails on the hindwings, and the row of blue spots with a red/orange spot near the hindwing's anal angle.
Description
A striking swallowtail with a creamy white or pale yellow background adorned with bold black tiger-like stripes across its wings, featuring long, slender tails on the hindwings and subtle blue and red markings near the anal angle.
