Scarce Swallowtail
ExploreInsects
Scarce Swallowtail
Iphiclides podalirius
The Scarce Swallowtail is a beautiful butterfly with long tails on its wings. It flutters gracefully in gardens and fields, showing off its yellow and black colors.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Scarce Swallowtail is a striking butterfly with creamy white or pale yellow wings marked by bold black zebra-like stripes. Its hindwings feature distinctive long, slender 'tails' and often sport blue and red eye-spots near the bottom edge. These features help it stand out from other pale butterflies.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPapilionidaeGenusIphiclides
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its name, it's widespread across Europe, just picky about its home!
In warm places, it can have two or three new generations each year!
Its caterpillar looks like a green slug before it transforms into a butterfly!
Its chrysalis can be green or brown, perfectly hiding itself on branches!
Special abilities
Ability
Quick Getaway
Scarce Swallowtail has strong, agile wings that help them quickly dart away from predators.
Ability
Nectar Reach
Scarce Swallowtail has a long, coiled proboscis to reach deep nectar from various flowers.
Ability
Host Plant Hunter
Female Scarce Swallowtails can sniff out specific fruit trees to lay their eggs on, ensuring their caterpillars have food.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 60-80 mm
- Size
- 40-60 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-25 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult butterflies sip flower nectar, while their caterpillars munch on leaves.
Age differences: As a caterpillar, it eats leaves; as an adult, it drinks nectar.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Blackthorn leaves
- Hawthorn leaves
- Peach leaves
- Almond leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Blackthorn
Prunus spinosa
Caterpillars feed on its leaves.
eats
Common Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna
Larvae eat the leaves.
pollinates
Peach Tree
Prunus persica
Adults visit flowers for nectar.
eaten by
Eurasian Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleus
Birds may prey on adults.
Traits
Striped
Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Migratory
Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Butterflies are gentle creatures. Enjoy watching them, but don't try to catch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scarce Swallowtail's wingspan?
60-80 mm
How big is Scarce Swallowtail?
40-60 mm
How long does Scarce Swallowtail live?
10-25 days
How fast can Scarce Swallowtail fly?
15 km/h
What does Scarce Swallowtail eat?
Adult butterflies sip flower nectar, while their caterpillars munch on leaves.
Where is Scarce Swallowtail usually found?
Grasslands
How does Scarce Swallowtail hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Scarce Swallowtail have?
6
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