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Gallery - Swallowtails

Swallowtails (Papilionidae)

A large group with over 500 mostly large and colourful butterflies, mainly tropical. Most have tailed hind wings and all have 3 pairs of functional legs. The caterpillar has a retractable fleshy process behind the head. The pupa is usually attached to the food plant in a upright position by tail hooks and a girdle of silk.


[More information about Swallowtail][swallowtail6]Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

This butterfly is common throughout most of Europe but in the British Isles it is restricted to the Fens of East Anglia.



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