Scarce swallowtail
Iphiclides podalirius
CommonInsectherbivore
The sail swallowtail is a striking butterfly with pale yellow wings marked by black stripes and elegant tails. It flutters through warm parts of Europe and Asia, often spotted near orchards or flowering trees. Its slow, gliding flight makes it look like a tiny sailboat drifting on the breeze.
- Its wings can span up to 8 centimeters when fully open.
- Caterpillars feed on leaves of fruit trees like pear and cherry.
- The black stripes on its wings help break up its outline from predators.
ForestGrasslandFarmEuropeAsia
Photo sourceRead more on WikipediaAt a glance
- Classification
- Insect
- Scientific name
- Iphiclides podalirius
- Habitat
- Forest, Grassland, Farm
- Regions in this directory
- Europe, Asia
- Diet
- herbivore
- Relative size
- small
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (LC)