Swallowtail
Photo: Urmas Tartes
Translation: Liis
Swallowtail sucking nectar.
| Swallowtail, Common yellow swallowtail |
Pääsusaba
|
Papilio machaon |
Occurs sparsely in Estonia, but this large and eyecatching species is easily recognised. The basic colour on both sides of the wings is yellow, with a network of black veins and bands. The hind wings have a band of blue scales and a coloured eyepatch, paler on the underside of the wings. The hind wings also have pointed tips that have given the swallowtail its name.
After emerging from the pupa the adult butterfly has about one month to provide a new generation. The partners find each other through chemical signals that can’t be detected by our sense of smell. The female butterfly lays her eggs on plants of the Umbelliferae family, even garden plants like carrots and dill. When the mission is accomplished, the adults die. In south-western Estonia the second generation of this year’s adults seems to be around.
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