Iphiclides podalirus , Linnaeus 1758
Scarce Swallowtail
The Podalirius is one of the largest butterflies of Europe, the females can reach 8 cm .- and competes in size with the swallowtail (Papilio machaon ), the only butterfly which could confused. Differs from it by having a design similar to that of a zebra, with dark wing bands in the longitudinal and decreasingly on a white or yellow background. The hind wings ending in a slender tail very flashy in the beginning of which can be seen a large ocellus (colored circle in the wings) blue partially wrapped in black and red. The presence of ocelli has a very clear purpose, to attract the predators to attack these vital points
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The caterpillar is plump reaches 4 cm length in the final stages of development, and its color is green with bands oblique yellow and a tiny, bright red spots. They feed on various species of Rosaceae such as hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna ), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa ) Seval (Sorbus acuparia ), apple (Malus ), pear (Pyrus , etc.).
It is widely distributed throughout the Iberian Peninsula, but is becoming less frequent, probably due to the significant changes undergone by agricultural practices and organization landscape. Because of this, have gone much of the hedges of their larvae feed. It is a species protected by law in some European countries.
easily It can be seen flying through the higher areas of Mount Serantes between the months of April to September in two generations per year.
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