Despite its name, the Scarce Swallowtail is actually more common than the European Swallowtail throughout much of its range. A large butterfly with a strong, gliding flight, it can be surprisingly oblivious to onlookers whilst it feeds on flowers, such as scabiouses. The zebra-like stripes are distinctive.

Distribution: Most of Europe, but absent from Fennoscandia, Britain and Ireland, Estonia and some Mediterranean islands. It is absent from the Iberian peninsula where it is replaced by the Iberian Scarce Swallowtail.

Flight Period: March-October in several broods.

Habitat: Woodland margins, scrub, orchards, grassy areas, rocky hillsides up to 1500m.

Foodplants: Prunus trees, such as Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and Plum (Prunus domestica).

Nectar Sources: Buddleia, scabiouses (Knautia), knapweeds (Centaurea), thistles (Cirsium, Carduus), Lantana, Cherry (Prunus avium), apple (Malus) and others.

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