SWALLOW-TAIL. 47 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE BRITISH BUTTERFLIES SEPARATELY DESCRIBED. 



THE SWALLOW-TAILED BUTTERFLY. (Papilio MacUaon.) 

 (Plate III. fig. 1.) 



THERE is no possibility of mistaking this noble insect 

 for any other of our native species, after a glance at its 

 portrait. Its superior size, conjoined with the pos- 

 session of a pair of long tails on the hind wings, would 

 at once mark it distinctly, independently of the peculiar 

 markings and colour. 



In the colouring of the wings, a broad simplicity 

 prevails, the general ground-tint being a clear creamy 

 yellow, with the bars and marginal bands of the deepest 

 velvety black. The broad bands of black on the front 

 wings are powdered towards the centre with yellow 

 scales, and those on the hind wings with blue scales. 

 The only other colour on this side is a spot of rust-red 

 at the inner angle of the hind wings. 



The underside is very similar in colouring to the upper, 

 but the black markings are less decided and sharp, and 

 there are several additional rust-red spots on the hind 

 tvings. 



The caterpillar, which is a very handsome creature, is 

 found feeding on various umbelliferous plants ; among 

 which, its chief favourites in this country appear to be 

 the "Wild Carrot (Daucus Carota), the Marsh Milk- 

 ! parsley (Selinum palustre), and Fennel (Anethwm Foeni- 

 \ culum). In colour it is bright green, with velvet-black 

 i rings, which are spotted with red. A distinguishing 



