Swallowtail Butterfly
Latin name: Papilio machaon gorganus
This, the largest species of butterfly found in Britain, has two recognised subspecies, britannicus and gorganus, which are native to Britain and the European Continent respectively. The continental subspecies gorganus is a rare migrant. It is bigger and much yellower than the British native britannicus which is not found on Alderney due to the lack of its sole larval food source, milk-parsley. Swallowtails are most likely to be found at Alderney’s grasslands and coasts during the summer months.
UK BAP Status: Not listed
Butterfly Conservation priority: Medium
European status: Not threatened
Fully Protected in Great Britain