Photo © by Mario
Maier. Papilio machaon, April 1997, Southern France
5 + 6 (by Paolo Henrique Rodrigues)
|
| More photos: 1 + 2
(by Mario Maier), 3
(by Jan Weima),
4
(by Natalia
Dobrzańska), 5 + 6 (by Paolo Henrique Rodrigues) |
 |
Family: Papilionidae Subfamily: Papilioninae |
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Description:
One of the largest European butterflies. The fore-wing
span of the female is sometimes more than 3.5 inch. The swallowtail exhibits an
interesting form of courtship behavior, called hilltopping. It serves as a means to
recognize the sexes. A similar species, which is rare in Northern Europe, is Iphiclides
podalirius, the Scarce Swallowtail.
More information and photos see metamorphosis of the
swallowtail.
Flight period:
Two, sometimes three broods, from
April to September.
Larval host plants:
Mainly various species of umbelliferae.
Description: On the uppersides of the wings are black transverse lines on a pale yellow
background, and two orange dots.
Red List Germany: n.a.
Copyright ©
1998 - 2005 by Mario Maier
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