Continental Swallowtail (Papilio machaon gorganus)

Although widespread and common in much of Europe and the entire Palearctic region, this is a very rare visitor to the UK. Indeed, the British sub-species, P.M. britannicus is itself very rare and restricted to a small corner of the Broads and Fens of north Norfolk.

Elsewhere, there are generally a very small number (in single figures) of reports of Papilio machaon gorganus seen in the wild on the south coast of England each year, so to be one of the lucky one's in 2023 was fortunate indeed.

To learn more about the Continental Swallowtail and how it differs from its British cousin, check out this video on my YouTube Wildlife Channel: