The Swallowtail, papilio machaon

There is a main brood, flying in June, with a second brood flying in August.

The larval food plant is Milk Parsely.

Now extinct in the Fens, the British race of the Swallowtail is resticted to the Norfolk Broads.

At Strumpshaw they hatch and head for garden flowers, but at Wheatfen they make do with Yellow Flag Irises, scattered over the whole reserve. They are remarkably tolerant of photographers and not easily disturbed.

Personal sightings:

Strumpshaw Fen, RSPB., Strumpshaw.
25 June 2013. Mostly sunny, mid-late morning. 1 Swallowtail (flower bed by the entrance.), 2 Swallowtails in Tinkers Lane.

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Wheatfen. Ted Ellis reserve, Surlingham.
25 June 2013. Bright intervals, early afternoon. 2 Swallowtails visiting Yellow Flag Iris flowers.