The Old World swallowtail belongs to the brightest and most beautiful, as well as the largest butterflies in Central Europe.
This species can be found in many temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It preferentially occurs in alpine areas [up to 2000 m], along forests, and on open hilltops.
The Old World swallowtail has a wing span of 50 to 100 mm. Body and wings are patterned in black and yellow. Hind wings have one red and six blue spots each. The underside is somewhat paler in color. Each hind wing has one tail.
Finding an Old World swallowtail does not happen very often. Finding one that does not take wing immediately is a rare event for me. Finding one that is as impeccable as this one is a gift from heaven. Lucky me!!!