Scarce swallowtail
The Most Elegant Flight 
The Scarce swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius, Papilionidae family) is a beautiful butterfly, large and striking, with a distinctive and delicate flight. The background color is a pale yellow, with six thin black bands in a V shape.
The Scarce swallowtail is very common and widespread, even in orchards 
and gardens. It is associated with mild climates and is rarely observed in Northern Europe.
and gardens. It is associated with mild climates and is rarely observed in Northern Europe.The caterpillar 
primarily develops on Rosaceae plants, such as peach, apricot, blackthorn, etc.
primarily develops on Rosaceae plants, such as peach, apricot, blackthorn, etc.Adult butterflies feed on nectar 
, playing an important role as pollinators.
, playing an important role as pollinators.
Did you know? 
The colorful spots on the hindwing and the two long tails mimic the head of an insect, deceiving predators into attacking the butterfly from the wrong side 
. It’s an effective defensive strategy!
. It’s an effective defensive strategy!#LIFEprogramme #LIFEproject #EUpollinators #Natura2000
#iphiclidespodalirius #swallowtail #pollinators #bees #butterlies
Photo Pixabay
