31-5-2026 LA LLAUNA, VALENCIA - IBERIAN SCARCE SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY (Iphiclides feisthamelii)

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.

 

24-4-2023 PLA DE CORRALS, VALENCIA - IBERIAN SCARCE SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY (Iphiclides feisthamelii)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/130391-Iphiclides-feisthamelii

After many years being considered a subspecies of the scarce swallowtail I. podalirius this taxon can now be accepted as a full species.

Identification & Similar species: Compared to the scarce swallowtail I. podalirius, this species has a white/ grey-white rather than yellowish ground colour, but sometimes with faint yellow in the female. Markings are also darker, at least in the spring brood. The differences are subtle...

Genetalia are reportedly slightly different and there is some differentiation in mitochondrial DNA.

Distribution & Flight: North Africa, Spain and southwest France. There may be overlap with the scarce swallowtail I. podalirius in some areas particularly as these are mobile butterflies. Flies from March or April to the end of summer in multiple broods.

Habitat & Behaviour: Diverse habitats: scrub, meadows, parks, gardens, coasts to mountains.

2-8-2021 SPACE MUSEUM, CUENCA - IBERIAN SCARCE SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY (Iphiclides feisthamelii)

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.

 

5-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - IBERIAN SCARCE SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY (Iphiclides feisthamelii)

The Iberian Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides feisthamelii) is a large, distinctive white-and-black butterfly found across the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, and North Africa. Characterized by long tails, wide black stripes, and a "wedge" shape, this species is often considered a separate species or a distinct subspecies of the Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius). 

Key Characteristics and Habits

Appearance: This butterfly has a white to pale yellowish base color with striking, wide black tiger stripes, long tails on the hind wings, and blue "eyes".

Flight: They have a distinctive, almost directionless, floating flight style compared to other swallowtails.

Habitat & Behavior: Often found in dry, bushy, and sunny areas, often near fruit trees (like Prunus and Malus). They are seen feeding on lavender and other nectar plants.

Life Cycle: They are bivoltine, meaning they have two generations, with the first brood often appearing in spring (e.g., May in the Picos de Europa). 

Common in Spain and Portugal, with range extensions into southern France.

It is frequently observed in Mediterranean climates, including Andalusia and the Sierra Nevada. 

While many sources refer to this as Iphiclides feisthamelii, it is sometimes referred to as a subspecies of the Southern Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) by certain authorities, although I. feisthamelii has darker, broader stripes. 

20-6-2018 ALCOY, VALENCIA - IBERIAN SCARCE SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY (Iphiclides feisthamelii)

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.

2-9-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - IBERIAN SCARCE SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY (Iphiclides feisthamelii)

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.

After many years being considered a subspecies of the scarce swallowtail I. podalirius this taxon can now be accepted as a full species.

Identification & Similar species: Compared to the scarce swallowtail I. podalirius, this species has a white/ grey-white rather than yellowish ground colour, but sometimes with faint yellow in the female. Markings are also darker, at least in the spring brood. The differences are subtle...

Genetalia are reportedly slightly different and there is some differentiation in mitochondrial DNA.

Distribution & Flight: North Africa, Spain and southwest France. There may be overlap with the scarce swallowtail I. podalirius in some areas particularly as these are mobile butterflies. Flies from March or April to the end of summer in multiple broods.

Habitat & Behaviour: Diverse habitats: scrub, meadows, parks, gardens, coasts to mountains.

2-3-2015 GATA DE GORGOS - IBERIAN SCARCE SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY (Iphiclides feisthamelii)

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.

The Southern Scarce Swallowtail is a large butterfly that can look either white or pale yellow with prominent vertical black stripes and long tail streamers, from where it gained the common name. When feeding on a flower the blue crescents and red markings on the hindwings are visible. The under wing pattern is a little paler.

Once classed as Iphiclides podalirius podalirius (Central and Southern Europe), The Southern Scarce swallowtail – Iphiclides podalirius feisthamelii (North Africa, Iberia and southwest France) is now recognised as a subspecies due to their geographic location and differences in size and coloration.

The caterpillars can be up to 4.5cm long. They are green with fine yellow lines and orange spots. The shape is deeper in the first third and tapers off sharply. They have a glandular defense system against predation. On their necks is hidden a fork of brightly coloured retractable flesh, when raised this emits a foul smell to deter predators.