Iphiclides feisthamelii
Iberian Scarce Swallowtail
High Atlas, Morocco, August 2019
Huesca, Spain, July 2017
Field notes and information
After many years being considered a subspecies of the scarce swallowtail I. podalirius this taxon can now be accepted as a full species.
Identification & Similar species: Compared to the scarce swallowtail I. podalirius, this species has a white/ grey-white rather than yellowish ground colour, but sometimes with faint yellow in the female. Markings are also darker, at least in the spring brood. The differences are subtle...
Genetalia are reportedly slightly different and there is some differentiation in mitochondrial DNA.
Distribution & Flight: North Africa, Spain and southwest France. There may be overlap with the scarce swallowtail I. podalirius in some areas particularly as these are mobile butterflies. Flies from March or April to the end of summer in multiple broods.
Habitat & Behaviour: Diverse habitats: scrub, meadows, parks, gardens, coasts to mountains.
Malaga, Spain, May 2008
High Atlas, Morocco, August 2019
High Atlas, Morocco, August 2019
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
Huesca, Spain, July 2017
High Atlas, Morocco, July 2005
Huesca, Spain, July 2017
Catalonia, Spain, August 2003
Sierra Nevada, Spain, July 2013