Unknown Species of Swallowtail Like Butterfly

[PhilB]

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

[Pat]

hi Phil
what about a swallow tail moth, its yellow, but goes whiter with age, and has brown spots on base of tale, re Field guide to moths of Britain and Ireland
Pat

[BrianP]

Phil
I think Pat could be right - was this the one?
The Swallow-tailed Moth Ourapteryx sambucaria



Brian

[PhilB]

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.