Scarce Swallowtail
Image: Edmund Evans / Richard Doyle / Andrew Lang (Public domain)
Common NameScarce Swallowtail
Scientific NameIphiclides podalirius
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)70
Primary Colorswhite, black, blue
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open woodlands, orchards
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, parts of Asia
Host PlantsPrunus spinosa, Prunus domestica, Crataegus monogyna
Flight PeriodApril to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Caterpillars are green with a yellow lateral stripe, pupating on stems or leaves.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pale yellow or white wings with prominent black stripes, and long, slender tails on the hindwings. Actual hindwings have blue and red ocelli, not a solid blue underside.
Description
A large, elegant butterfly with pale wings marked by bold black stripes and long tails on the hindwings. The illustration depicts the hindwing underside as a vibrant blue, a stylized interpretation.
