Insect · GBIF taxon 1938214
Scarce Swallowtail
Iphiclides podaliriusAlso known as Sail Swallowtail, Pear-tree Swallowtail
The Scarce Swallowtail is a large pale butterfly crossed by bold black stripes and drawn into long hindwing tails. Adults glide over warm slopes and gather on high points, while caterpillars feed on blackthorn and other rose-family shrubs.
striped butterflyhilltop flyerlong hindwing tails
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Adults drink nectar; caterpillars browse blackthorn, hawthorn, plum, pear, and related foliage
Predators
- birds
- spiders
- praying mantises
ThreatsShrub removal, pesticide exposure, intensive orchard management, fire, and habitat fragmentation
HabitatsWarm scrub, open woodland, orchards, hedgerows, rocky slopes, gardens, and river valleys
Life spanAdults live for several weeks; the full life cycle usually spans one season
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPapilionidae
- SpeciesIphiclides podalirius
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Observe without netting or touching wings, caterpillars, or host shrubs.
Responsible observation
- Pattern: Look for pale wings crossed by black tigerlike stripes.
- Flight: Watch sunny ridge crests for long glides and hilltop circling.
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