Scarce Swallowtail
Image: Free Public Domain Illustrations by rawpixel (CC BY 2.0)
Common NameScarce Swallowtail
Scientific NameIphiclides podalirius
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsyellow, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, scrubland, orchards, gardens, often near host plants.
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, parts of North Africa, and temperate Asia.
Host PlantsPrunus spinosa, Prunus domestica, Crataegus
Flight PeriodApril to September
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a pale lateral stripe, pupating on stems. Overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pale yellow and black striped pattern, long hindwing tails, and characteristic elegant gliding flight. The specific stripe arrangement helps differentiate it from other swallowtails.
Description
A pale yellow butterfly with prominent black stripes on its wings and long, sword-like tails on the hindwings, as depicted in the top-left of the illustration.
