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Scarce swallowtail

Scarce swallowtail

Iphiclides podalirius

A species of Iphiclides, Also known as Pear-tree swallowtail

Its slow and floating flight pattern makes it easy to identify the scarce swallowtail as it soars over gardens, orchards, and scrublands. The butterfly has a large presence across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The adult lifespan is brief, only two or three weeks. Planting flowers like blackthorn can encourage the butterfly to visit a garden.

General Info About Scarce swallowtail
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Attributes of Scarce swallowtail
Colors
Black
White
Blue
Habitat
garden; town; countryside; field; woodland; place with sloe thicket (orchard)
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers such as buddleia (buddleja species), lavender (lavandula species), thistles (cirsium species), and red valerian (centranthus ruber)
Larva Food Source
Leaves of blackthorn (prunus spinosa), ash (fraxinus species), pear (pyrus species), apple (malus species), almond (prunus dulcis)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Scarce swallowtail is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Scarce swallowtail is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Scarce swallowtail feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Scarce swallowtail
It is widespread in the East Palearctic ecozone and in most of Europe with the exception of the northern parts. It is now protected by law in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Russia, Ukraine and Poland. It is considered rare and endangered and protected in some provinces of Austria and of indeterminate status throughout Europe. In Armenia the species demonstrates stable population trend and is evaluated as Least Concern.
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Distribution Area of Scarce swallowtail
Britain, South-east of England, mainland Europe, Far East
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Appearance of Scarce swallowtail
Iphiclides podalirius has a wingspan of 6 - 8 cm in males, of 6 - 9 cm in females. It is a very large distinctive butterfly. The background color of the wings is creamy white or pale yellow. The newly hatched caterpillar is dark in colour with two smaller and two bigger greenish patches on the dorsal side; later they are greenish with yellowish dorsal and side stripes.
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How to Identify Scarce swallowtail?

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Life Cycle of Scarce swallowtail
Egg Eggs are laid by the female scarce swallowtail on host plants. They are small, round, and may have fine structural details. Eggs serve as the protective casing for the developing embryo.
Larva Upon hatching, the scarce swallowtail larva, or caterpillar, is a feeding machine, focusing on consuming foliage to grow. It exhibits several instars, shedding its exoskeleton to accommodate its increasing size.
Pupal The scarce swallowtail undergoes significant transformation within a chrysalis. As a pupa, it’s dormant externally but experiences dramatic changes internally, restructuring into the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult scarce swallowtail’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Scarce swallowtail
6 - 9 cm
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Predators of Scarce swallowtail Larvae
Birds, small mammals, reptiles, various arthropods
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Predators of Adult Scarce swallowtail
Birds, mammals, spiders, reptiles, insects
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Interesting Facts About Scarce swallowtail
Scarce swallowtail exhibit a rare 'fake antennae' display on their wings, which confuses predators by reversing the perceived orientation of their body.
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Scientific Classification of Scarce swallowtail
Tips for Finding Scarce swallowtail
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Youth Habitat of Scarce swallowtail
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Mountains and Alpine Regions
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Adult Habitat of Scarce swallowtail
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas, Mountains and Alpine Regions
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How Can You Attract Scarce swallowtail
For adults: Overripe fruits or flower nectar. For larvae: Leaves of host plants like blackthorn and plum.
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Habitat Preferences of Scarce swallowtail Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of scarce swallowtail are typically found on leaves of host plants such as Blackthorn and other Rosaceae members. Caterpillars emerge and remain on those plants, consuming the foliage. Pupation often occurs close by, with chrysalises attached to plant stems or leaf undersides. To find these stages, search the foliage of host plants in the butterfly's range, which includes open woodlands, meadows, and edges of forests. The adults, with their striking wing patterns, frequent flowering fields and gardens for nectar. Observing these locations during warm months increases the chances of encountering various stages of scarce swallowtail development.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Scarce swallowtail
Adults: Warm, sunny days, preferably in the late morning or early afternoon. Larvae: During daylight hours when temperatures are mild.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Scarce swallowtail
Dry and warm conditions are most suitable for finding scarce swallowtail, as it avoids rain and cold weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Scarce swallowtail at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of scarce swallowtail are typically laid on the host plants' leaves. Search the undersides of leaves on known host plants such as blackthorn, plum, or pear trees.
Larva Larvae or caterpillars of scarce swallowtail can be found on host plants. Look for chewed leaves and frass (caterpillar droppings) to locate them.
Pupal Pupae of scarce swallowtail are often attached to twigs or leaves near the ground. You can find them by carefully inspecting the foliage and twigs of host plants.
Adult Adult scarce swallowtail are attracted to flowers with abundant nectar. Search in gardens, meadows, and forest edges where these flowers are plentiful. Observing in the late morning and early afternoon on sunny days is most effective.
Are Scarce swallowtail harmful?
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Usually, the scarce swallowtail won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Scarce swallowtail harmful to humans?

They are not a poisonous butterfly, but they have a special gland that secretes bad smells and chemicals.
Harmful Effects of Scarce swallowtail
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Hurt Plant

When present in large numbers, larvae of scarce swallowtail can range from causing mild to severe damage by chewing on leaves. The foliage becomes riddled with holes, which can lead to reduced plant vigor and aesthetic value.

More Effects of Scarce swallowtail

Beneficial Effects of Scarce swallowtail
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
The striking scarce swallowtail is inadvertently involved in pollination while pursuing the nectar and pollen for sustenance. With their fluttering flight, they brush against the anthers and stigma, transferring pollen with each visit without preference for any specific plant type.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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