Iphiclides feisthamelii, the southern scarce swallowtail, southern swallowtail or Iberian scarce swallowtail, is a butterfly found in Italy, Slovenia, southern France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of I. podalirius.
The larva feeds on Prunus amygdalus (almond), P. persica (peach), P. insititia (a kind of plum), P. longipes, Pyrus communis (common pear), Malus domesticus (apple) and Crataegus oxyacantha.
This is a most majestic butterfly, huge and floating effortlessly. It is not, as its English name implies, scarce, and in my experience it is much more common than the Swallowtail (Papilio machaon). I believe the English name originates from the early English lepidopterists and refers to its scarcity as a rare vagrant to the UK in the 1800s or thereabouts.
The previously-considered subspecies feisthamelii (English name: Iberian Scarce Swallowtail or Spanish Swallowtail) is now classified as a separate species. It is principally an Iberian species with distribution "spilling" into the eastern Pyrénées of France (http://diatheo.weebly.com/iphiclides-feisthamelii.html). It differs from podalirius in that it is noticeably paler, white in the male, and pale yellow in the female.
Iphiclides feisthamelii, commonly known as Feisthamel's Swallowtail, is a striking species of butterfly belonging to the family Papilionidae. This species is primarily found in parts of southern Europe, particularly in regions such as the Mediterranean Basin, and can also be observed in areas of North Africa and the Middle East.
Feisthamel's Swallowtail is characterized by its large size and distinctive coloration. The wings exhibit a combination of yellow and black patterns, with the forewings showing prominent black stripes. The hindwings have tails, typical of swallowtail butterflies, which are elongated extensions. Beneath, the wings are more muted in color, often exhibiting shades of brown or tan with eye spots that serve as a form of camouflage against predators.
The flight of Iphiclides feisthamelii is graceful and powerful, often seen fluttering around open grasslands, meadows, and forest clearings. They are known to be quite territorial and can often be spotted basking on hot surfaces.
Feisthamel's Swallowtail prefers habitats that include sunny open areas, such as meadows, fields, and wooded borders. They are often found near their host plants, which are typically members of the family Rutaceae, particularly species like citrus trees.
The life cycle of Iphiclides feisthamelii follows the typical Lepidoptera pattern of egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly. Adults emerge in spring and can be seen fluttering around during summer. The larvae are known to be green or brown and often mimic the appearance of twigs or leaves for camouflage.
The conservation status of Iphiclides feisthamelii has been a subject of interest due to habitat destruction and climate change. While not currently considered endangered, localized populations may face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation.
For those interested in observing Feisthamel's Swallowtail, early summer is an ideal time, as they are most active during this period. Look for them in open, sunlit areas where their host plants grow. The best opportunities for viewing them are on warm, sunny days when they are more likely to be patrolling their territory or searching for nectar from flowers.
In summary, Iphiclides feisthamelii is a fascinating butterfly known for its beauty and distinct characteristics. As with many butterfly species, conservation efforts are important to ensure that their natural habitats remain preserved for future generations.