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Iberian Scarce Swallowtail

Iphiclides feisthamelii

The Iberian Scarce Swallowtail is a beautiful butterfly with striking yellow and black stripes. It flutters gracefully in gardens and meadows, bringing joy to anyone who sees it!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Iberian Scarce Swallowtail has striking pale yellow wings marked with bold black stripes, including distinctive tiger-like patterns. Its hindwings feature long, slender tails and a vibrant blue 'eyelid' spot outlined in black and orange, making it easily distinguishable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPapilionidaeGenusIphiclides
Iberian Scarce Swallowtail
striped trait badgeaerial trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Iberian Scarce Swallowtail

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It changes completely, from a tiny egg to a caterpillar, then a chrysalis!

Its scientific name, Iphiclides feisthamelii, honors a French entomologist.

The caterpillars mimic bird droppings to hide from hungry predators!

This butterfly can have two or three generations in just one year!

Special abilities

Ability

Nectar Siphon

Iberian Scarce Swallowtail can drink nectar with a long proboscis that helps them reach deep inside flowers for sugary fuel.

Ability

Agile Wing Rider

Iberian Scarce Swallowtail has strong, broad wings that help them navigate landscapes and escape predators with quick, erratic movements.

Ability

Leaf Chemosensor

Iberian Scarce Swallowtail can lay eggs precisely on specific host plants because of chemoreceptors on its legs that detect the right leaves.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
60-80 mm
Size
25-40 mm
Lifespan
10-30 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip flower nectar; caterpillars munch on the leaves of specific trees and shrubs.

Age differences: Larvae eat leaves of trees and shrubs, while adults only drink nectar from flowers.

Primary Foods

  • Rubus fruticosus
  • Crataegus monogyna
  • Prunus spinosa
  • Prunus persica

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

depends on

Blackthorn

Prunus spinosa

Larvae feed exclusively on its leaves to grow and develop.

depends on

Peach

Prunus persica

Caterpillars munch on its leaves, sometimes found in orchards.

pollinates

Common Blackberry

Rubus fruticosus

Adults visit its flowers, sipping nectar and spreading pollen.

eaten by

Eurasian Blue Tit

Cyanistes caeruleus

Adult butterflies can become a meal for hungry insectivorous birds.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are gentle and safe to watch, but don't try to catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iberian Scarce Swallowtail's wingspan?

60-80 mm

How big is Iberian Scarce Swallowtail?

25-40 mm

How long does Iberian Scarce Swallowtail live?

10-30 days

How fast can Iberian Scarce Swallowtail fly?

15 km/h

What does Iberian Scarce Swallowtail eat?

Adults sip flower nectar; caterpillars munch on the leaves of specific trees and shrubs.

Where is Iberian Scarce Swallowtail usually found?

Grasslands

How does Iberian Scarce Swallowtail hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Iberian Scarce Swallowtail have?

6

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