Swallowtail

This is one of most spectacular butterflies on Menorca, easy to identify by it size, way of flying and patterns on its wings. It is common in open wasteland, where it flies from February-March until well into the autumn. It hibernates as a chrysalis. The females are often seen laying their eggs on fennel and rue. Males take up territories on hilltops to await the arrival of the females so that they can mate. If you plant a rue on your terrace or in your garden you won’t have to wait long before one of these wonderful butterflies comes along! If you are lucky, she will lay her eggs and your rue will become the food plant for this species’ colourful and inoffensive caterpillars.
Scientific name: Papilio machaon

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