Living in South Cumbria, I was more than a little surprised to see an Butterfly showing chracteristics of a Swallowtail in the garden this morning.
I have had experience of the Common Swallowtail in Continental Europe and this clearly was not one. It was predominantely white - the markings were more reminiscent of a Large White, although the size and presence of a swallowtail clearly meant it wasn't.
There was surprisingly little black on the forewing - just really at the tips. Again not like Common or Scarce. The butterfly was in good condition with little sign of abrasion.
I am a reasonably experienced butterfly observer, but am completely mystified and cannot see it in any of the European guides.
Phil
Unknown Species of Swallowtail Like Butterfly
Swallowtail
Thanks for the photo. It was definetly a Swallowtail butterfly sp and not a moth. I am inclined to think that it was an escape from somewhere.