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Old World Swallowtail

Papilio machaon

Photo by The MnMs
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

Butterfly yellow wings with black vein markings, and a wingspan of 65–86 millimetres (2.6–3.4 in). The hind wings of both sexes have a pair of protruding tails which give the butterfly its common name from the resemblance to the birds of the same name. Just below each tail is a red eye spot.

Habitat:

This year I have seen them more often here in Belgium. These were atracted to a Butterfly-bush (Buddleja davidii), whose flowers are relished by several species of butterflies.
Oud Heverlee.

Reference Links:

Papilio machaon

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (5)
The MnMs
Yes, it does not stop to amaze me the colors :-)
The MnMs
Thanks Madalena! I have swicthed the fourth to first position because you are right, it is nicer to show the color contrasts in the butterfly :-)

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Butterflies & Moths of the World
Mission
Nature in Yellow
Mission
European Butterflies and Moths
Mission
Biodiversity in Belgium
Mission
National Geographic's Great Nature Project

Tags

Photographed
PublishedAugust 15, 2013

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