Photo © Pete Eeles
Swallowtail
Papilio machaon
Checklist Number56.003 [B&F: 1539]
Verification
Record will normally be accepted but photo evidence may be required - check with CMR if not sure of identity
Classification
| Family: | Papilionidae |
| Subfamily: | Papilioninae |
| Genus: | Papilio |
| Species: | machaon |
| Authority: | Linnaeus, 1758 |
A rare Red Data Book species, protected under the UK Wildlife and Countryside Act, and a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Found in fens, marshes and other damp areas (dry open areas in Europe); 0-50 m (0-1500 m in Europe) in parts of East Anglia, also appearing as a migrant in the south of England; mainland Europe and Fennoscandia. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight an occasional and rare immigrant. Wingspan 64-100 mm. Larva feeds on Milk-parsley and Fennel.