Papilio machaon gorganus
For Sussex butterfly enthusiasts the Continental Swallowtail is high up on the list of species that we want to see, but for most of us this wish is rarely granted. In the past there have been times when this species has been temporarily-resident on downland between Kent and Dorset, and with climate change there is every expectation that within the next few decades this will happen again, and at some point become permanently-resident.
Unlike our British subspecies britannicus which has a single brood, gorganus is double-brooded, and that provides us with the tantalising possibility of two influxes every year from mainland Europe. In reality, we mostly see this beautiful butterfly in the last week of July or the first week of August. Should we have a sighting in the period mid-May to late-June then that raises the possibility of a “home-grown” individual. This happened in the Chichester area in the spring of 2014 and doubtless it will happen again.
Most records are within 10km of The English Channel, either on the coastal strip or on downland. This is one of those species that engages in “hill-topping” , and if we are lucky, we may find a Swallowtail on a high point somewhere along the South Downs.
The larval foodplants are mostly Wild carrot and Wild Fennel and within Sussex these plant species are most abundant on the Sussex coastal strip and the South Downs (which may be one reason why most records are within 10km of the coast?). Equally, this butterfly may be found in vegetable gardens and allotments, as cultivated carrots and Green Fennel are also used for egg-laying.
Anywhere on the coastal strip or the South Downs but a large measure of good fortune is necessary to see this magnificent butterfly.
An egg-laying Swallowtail – photo by Philip Booker
With open wings - photo by Dave Brown
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Nectaring on Greater Knapweed – photo by Dave Brown
With partially closed wings – photo Sussex BC website
Algarve, Portugal – photo by Martin Kalaher
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Nectaring on Scabious species (Algarve, Portugal) – photo by Martin Kalaher
Butterfly Conservation Swallowtail
