Swallowtail Butterfly

Posted by Rosie

Swallowtail butterfly - June 2011

Unlike in England, where they are rare and confined the Norfolk Broads, swallowtail butterflies are relatively common in France.  I have seen plenty of their caterpillars feeding on my fennel and carrot but my only sighting, until today, of an adult butterfly has been a couple of very fleeting views as they fluttered away.  Today however, I found one in the polytunnel and managed to catch it.  

It's a really quite large butterfly and exceedingly beautiful.  I quickly took this photo and then released it back outside.  Hopefully this won't be my last sighting of this lovely creature.