The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) is a butterfly of Papilionidae family. This butterfly is found across Europe with exception of norhtern parts. It is also reported to be seen in Northern part of India and China. It can be found up to the altitude of 1600m.

This one time abundant species is getting rarer due to clearing of Blackthorn bushes. Due to this it has now been protected by some central Europian countries.

It has striking wedge-shaped dark markings on a very pale ground, and a long tail.

The caterpillars of this species spin little pads on leaves and hold to them firmly. The newly hatched caterpillar is dark in colour with two smaller and two bigger greenish patches on the dorsal side, later they are greenish with yellowish dorsal and side stripes.

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The photograph and the video was taken in Italy by Elena. The content is referenceed from Wikipedia.