Insect
Old World Swallowtail
Papilio machaonAlso known as Common Yellow Swallowtail
Old World Swallowtails carry bold yellow-and-black wings, short hindwing tails, and red eyespots near the rear margins. Strong adults patrol sunny openings, while striped caterpillars feed on selected plants in the carrot family.
Large ButterflyTailed WingsStrong Flier
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyCarrot-family leaves, Flower nectar
Predators
- Birds
- Spiders
- Parasitoid wasps
ThreatsPesticides, loss of host plants, wetland drainage, and poorly timed mowing
HabitatsMeadows, fens, open hillsides, roadsides, gardens, and mountain grasslands
Life spanUsually about one year per generation, with adults living for several weeks
Classification
- FamilyPapilionidae
- SpeciesPapilio machaon
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Watch without netting adults or removing caterpillars from their host plants.
Responsible observation
- Markings: Confirm yellow wings crossed by bold black veins and borders.
- Behavior: Watch hilltops and flower patches for repeated patrol circuits.
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.