Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

The Old World Swallowtail, scientifically known as Papilio machaon, is a striking and widely distributed butterfly found across Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. Here are some key features and characteristics of the Old World Swallowtail:

1. Appearance:

• Size: It is a large butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 65 to 90 millimeters (2.5 to 3.5 inches).
• Color: The upper wings are yellow with bold black markings. Each forewing has a series of black bands and the hindwings feature distinctive “tails” with a central black spot.
• Markings: The hindwings also have blue and red spots near the tails, adding to their distinctive appearance.

1. Habitat:

• The Old World Swallowtail inhabits a variety of environments including meadows, fields, grasslands, hillsides, and gardens.
• They are often found in open, sunny areas where their larval host plants grow.

1. Distribution:

• This butterfly is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of North America.
• It is known from temperate to Arctic regions, including high altitudes in mountainous areas.

1. Lifecycle:

• Eggs: The female lays spherical, pale green eggs on the leaves of host plants.
• Larvae: The caterpillars are initially black with a white saddle and eventually become green with black and orange spots. They have a distinctive osmeterium, a defensive organ that emits a foul smell when threatened.
• Pupae: The chrysalis can be green or brown, providing camouflage depending on the surroundings. Pupation occurs on stems or leaves of the host plant.
• Adults: The adult butterflies typically emerge in spring and early summer, and there can be two or more generations per year depending on the climate.

1. Feeding:

• Larvae: The caterpillars feed on a variety of plants in the carrot family (Apiaceae), such as fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), and Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota).
• Adults: Adult butterflies feed on nectar from a wide range of flowers including thistles (Cirsium), clovers (Trifolium), and knapweeds (Centaurea).

1. Behavior:

• Old World Swallowtails are strong fliers and are often seen gliding gracefully over their habitats.
• They engage in “hilltopping” behavior, where males fly to hilltops or other high points to find mates.

1. Conservation Status:

• The Old World Swallowtail is not considered at risk and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
• However, local populations can be affected by habitat loss and the use of pesticides.

1. Cultural Significance:

• The Old World Swallowtail has been admired for its beauty and is often featured in art, literature, and postage stamps.
• In some cultures, it is considered a symbol of transformation and renewal due to its life cycle from caterpillar to butterfly.

1. Interesting Facts:

• The swallowtail’s “tails” on the hindwings are thought to distract predators, such as birds, making them more likely to attack the less vital parts of the butterfly.
• The caterpillars’ osmeterium not only emits a foul smell but also can be protruded to startle predators, adding an extra layer of defense.

In summary, the Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) is a large, colorful butterfly known for its distinctive wing patterns and widespread distribution. It thrives in various habitats and feeds on a diverse range of host plants. Its life cycle, strong flying ability, and fascinating behaviors, such as hilltopping, make it a remarkable and admired species in the butterfly world.

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common tiger (Danaus genutia)

Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines)

Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Orange gull (Cepora judith)

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Common copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Blue glassy tiger (Ideopsis similis)

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

Download full size image The Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is a charming butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae, known for its striking appearance and widespread distribution across Europe and parts of Asia. Here's a detailed description: Physical Characteristics: The Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is of medium size, with a wingspan typically ranging from 45 to 55 millimeters. It displays a distinctive pattern of bright orange wings bordered by a black band with white spots. The forewings also feature a row of blue crescents near the outer edge, while the hindwings have a series of blue spots and a border of black and yellow. The undersides of the wings are mottled brown, providing effective camouflage when the butterfly is at rest. Habitat and Distribution: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. They are distributed across much of Europe, including the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean region, as well as parts of Asia, such as Siberia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. They are particularly abundant in temperate regions with diverse plant species. Behavior and Life Cycle: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are diurnal and active during the warmer months of the year, especially in spring and summer. They are strong and agile flyers, often seen fluttering among flowers in search of nectar and mates. The females lay eggs singly on the leaves of stinging nettles (Urtica spp.), which serve as the primary larval host plant. The caterpillars hatch from the eggs and feed on the leaves of the host plants before pupating and emerging as adult butterflies. Conservation Status: The Small Tortoiseshell is not considered globally threatened and is generally common and widespread throughout its range. However, like many butterfly species, it may face localized threats due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation caused by agricultural intensification, urbanization, and climate change. Conservation efforts focused on preserving and restoring habitats, protecting larval host plants, and minimizing human disturbance are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of this iconic butterfly species. Overall, the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is a beautiful and ecologically important species, valued for its striking appearance, graceful flight, and role in pollination and ecosystem functioning. Its presence adds vibrancy and vitality to natural landscapes and serves as a symbol of the rich biodiversity of the regions where it is found.

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

False heath fritillary (Melitaea diamina)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Northern chequered skipper (Carterocephalus silvicola)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Chestnut heath (Coenonympha glycerion)

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Common tiger (Danaus genutia)

European peacock (Inachis io)

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

« ‹ of 4 › »