Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) https://karits.eu/index.php/2024/10/31/old-world-swallowtail-papilio-machaon-34/

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The Old World Swallowtail, scientifically known as Papilio machaon, is a striking and widely distributed butterfly found across Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. Here are some key features and characteristics of the Old World Swallowtail:

Appearance:

Size: It is a large butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 65 to 90 millimeters (2.5 to 3.5 inches).
Color: The upper wings are yellow with bold black markings. Each forewing has a series of black bands and the hindwings feature distinctive “tails” with a central black spot.
Markings: The hindwings also have blue and red spots near the tails, adding to their distinctive appearance.

Habitat:

The Old World Swallowtail inhabits a variety of environments including meadows, fields, grasslands, hillsides, and gardens.
They are often found in open, sunny areas where their larval host plants grow.

Distribution:

This butterfly is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of North America.
It is known from temperate to Arctic regions, including high altitudes in mountainous areas.

Lifecycle:

Eggs: The female lays spherical, pale green eggs on the leaves of host plants.
Larvae: The caterpillars are initially black with a white saddle and eventually become green with black and orange spots. They have a distinctive osmeterium, a defensive organ that emits a foul smell when threatened.
Pupae: The chrysalis can be green or brown, providing camouflage depending on the surroundings. Pupation occurs on stems or leaves of the host plant.
Adults: The adult butterflies typically emerge in spring and early summer, and there can be two or more generations per year depending on the climate.

Feeding:

Larvae: The caterpillars feed on a variety of plants in the carrot family (Apiaceae), such as fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), and Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota).
Adults: Adult butterflies feed on nectar from a wide range of flowers including thistles (Cirsium), clovers (Trifolium), and knapweeds (Centaurea).

Behavior:

Old World Swallowtails are strong fliers and are often seen gliding gracefully over their habitats.
They engage in “hilltopping” behavior, where males fly to hilltops or other high points to find mates.

Conservation Status:

The Old World Swallowtail is not considered at risk and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
However, local populations can be affected by habitat loss and the use of pesticides.

Cultural Significance:

The Old World Swallowtail has been admired for its beauty and is often featured in art, literature, and postage stamps.
In some cultures, it is considered a symbol of transformation and renewal due to its life cycle from caterpillar to butterfly.

Interesting Facts:

The swallowtail’s “tails” on the hindwings are thought to distract predators, such as birds, making them more likely to attack the less vital parts of the butterfly.
The caterpillars’ osmeterium not only emits a foul smell but also can be protruded to startle predators, adding an extra layer of defense.

In summary, the Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) is a large, colorful butterfly known for its distinctive wing patterns and widespread distribution. It thrives in various habitats and feeds on a diverse range of host plants. Its life cycle, strong flying ability, and fascinating behaviors, such as hilltopping, make it a remarkable and admired species in the butterfly world.