Swallowtail
Scientific name: Papilio machaon
The exotic and beautiful swallowtail is the UK's largest butterfly. A strong flier, residents can be spotted over wetlands in Norfolk during summer. Migrants occasionally appear in southern England.
Species information
Statistics
Wingspan: 7.6-9.3cmConservation status
Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.
When to see
May to JulyAbout
The UK's largest butterfly, the swallowtail is striking and exotic-looking. Adults fly between May and July when they can often be seen over reedbeds, or feeding on ragged-robin or flowering thistles. Swallowtails are restricted to reedbeds and marshlands in the Norfolk Broads; very rarely, migrants from the Continent appear on downland in southern England. The foodplant of the caterpillars of our native race is Milk-parsley, whereas migrants may feed on wild carrot.How to identify
The swallowtail is a large and unmistakeable butterfly. It has creamy-yellow wings with heavy black veins and blue margins. The hindwings have distinctively long 'tails' and a red spot.In our area
Where to see: Hickling Broad and Marshes; Ranworth Broad and Marshes; RSPB Strumpshaw Fen
When to see: Adults usually fly between May and July, with the middle of June being the best time to see them. Sometimes, a second brood may emerge from the end of August to mid September.
You will only see the swallowtail butterfly in the Norfolk Broads, where they seek out sites with plenty of milk parsley and lay their eggs on the tallest plants. During the 20th century, especially after the Second World War, much of the swallowtail's habitat was lost. Today, active management of fenland, with reed and sedge being cut to allow other plants to grow, plays an important part in the survival of the swallowtail in Norfolk.