Scarce Swallowtail
Iphiclidespodalirius
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Gardener's Notes:
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philomel
(Zone 8a) |
September 2007 |
Positive
This is a fast and strong-flying butterfly, which typically glides while in flight. It is seen here in SW France in April/May and September, with the different generations having slightly different coloration and markings. A few can be seen during the summer.
Caterpillar food plants are Prunus spp. particularly Blackthorn (P. spinosa) and P. domestica.
There is a story that an English amateur naturalist thought that it was a rare sp. and named it the Scarce Swallowtail, not realising that it is actually common in southern europe. I can't vouch for the truth of the story...... It is certainly a very beautiful butterfly and I feel privileged to see it in my garden.
Caterpillar food plants are Prunus spp. particularly Blackthorn (P. spinosa) and P. domestica.
There is a story that an English amateur naturalist thought that it was a rare sp. and named it the Scarce Swallowtail, not realising that it is actually common in southern europe. I can't vouch for the truth of the story...... It is certainly a very beautiful butterfly and I feel privileged to see it in my garden.
