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Iphiclides podalirius

Scarce Swallowtail

Field Notes

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High Atlas, Morocco, July 2005

 

Alpes de Haute Provence, France, May 2005

 

Alpes de Haute Provence, France, May 2005

 

Var, France, April 2004

 

Macedonia, Greece, May 2004

 

Macedonia, Greece, May 2004

One of several eggs laid at approximately head height on isolated Prunus shrub.

 

Var, France, April 2004

 

Sicily, Italy, May 2000

 

Catalonia, Spain, August 2003
 

Sicily, Italy, May 2000

 

My overriding memory of this widespread and often common species is of it hanging in the air on upward air currents. The large triangular wings catch the up draughts on hills and they soar effortlessly for ages without any wing beats at all. They feed at flowers avidly. The races from N Africa, Spain and SW France are referred to as feisthameli which many treat as a separate species. This race is somewhat yellower than the nominate form occurring elsewhere.

Females are often seen flying around isolated fruit trees and other bushes in scrubland or open orchards. They arrive downwind of the bush and float around looking for egg laying sites. It is possible to get very close to these females intent on laying.

 

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