Tuesday 22 July 2008

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

OTHER NAMES: Sail Swallowtail, Pear-tree Swallowtail
Latin Etymology: Iphiclides (?) podalirius ("a healer")
  Adult Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) at Madrid, Spain - June 2015

Featured Subspecies: N/A 
Length: ?  /  Wingspan: 76-86mm
NO UK STATUS IUCN Red List: Data Deficient

A large distinctive species, only likely to be confused with the Common Swallowtail, it is widespread in Spain, though not necessarily numerous locally.  It can be found in habitats that would preclude either of the UK's large species due to being highly disturbed - this particular individual was sighted right in the heart of Madrid.  As such, the English name is fairly misleading, it's certainly not scarce within its own range.  It is however decreasing slightly as its food-plant of blackthorn is cleared.

Related Species:
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Papilionidae
Genus: Iphiclides
SUBSPECIES: None - monotypic

- Sighting Locations -
SPAIN - Spanish - Chupa Leche ("Suck Milk")
Locally abundant resident.
 - MADRID 2015 TRIP: Seen in several parks in Madrid.

Further Notes: BirdGuides, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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