Scarce Swallowtail Butterfly

Scarce Swallowtail Butterfly (Iphiclides podalirius, family:Papilionidae). Again at the Medieval Gardens at the Rocca di Angera on the Eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, Italy, a butterfly that is scarce in my locality. Hence the common name in English, Scarce. In reality these are not uncommon throughout central and southern Europe.

This particular Butterfly has had a bit of a hard life and just a little ragged around the edges but at least retains its signature swallowtails. Seen here feeding on the Gomphrena globosa or globe amaranth a plant popular with the pollinators.

scarse swallowtail butterfly - Iphiclides podalirius

Jersey Tiger Moth – Euplagia quadripunctaria

Jersey Tiger Moth – (Euplagia quadripunctaria, family:Erebidae). Also known as Spanish flag, are a striking moth to see, given many moths are quite dull in colouration. They inhabit most of Eastern Europe from the Baltic’s down through the Caucuses to Iran and beyond. But the common name comes from its frequent visits to the Channel Islands of the UK.

This black and white moth has striking orange underwings that become apparent in flight making it a real sight to behold in the world of moths,
Oregano – Origanum vulgare

Oregano – (Origanum vulgare, family: Lamiaceae). From the mint family and one of the most popular culinary herbs, especially in Southern Mediterranean, Greek and Turkish dishes. This can be cultivated but here seen growing wild adorning the summer meadow. A surprise that needs to be protected from the masses, as it could easily be trampled if care is not taken.

In colder climates it grows as an annual but in wormer areas it is a perennial. Given the warmer climate is moving further north these days the Oregano plant is comfortable in more northerly regions. That’s good news for pizza lovers across the north of Europe and beyond.
Speckled Wood Butterfly – Amazing Aerobatics

The speckled wood butterfly can be seen showing off its amazing aerobatic skills as they flit about the woodlands in such mesmerising displays. It’s hard to catch them in a moment of still to get a good image, especially once the day has warmed up and they are active.

They range between various shades of brown and orange with patches of yellow, orange and cream. They have some that look like targets with a bullseye. Given the fall in numbers of many species of butterflies, as reported in the Big Butterfly Count, it is good to see them in such numbers this year.
Old World Swallowtail Butterfly

Old World Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio machaon, family:Papilionidae). On a recent visit to the Medieval Gardens at the Rocca di Angera on the Eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, Italy, I came across a butterfly that normally I would not see. Of course you don’t get much more ‘old world’ than there, so a fitting sight in the old garden with all its old world plants that have been specifically planted to recreate the original medieval garden that would have great significance to the occupants back in the day.

The significance of the garden is that it was created to provide the medicinal and herbal remedies of the age as well as plants that had a spiritual significance to the people of the age. Some of these have proved to be useful to this day whilst others have not proved to be particularly helpful. The garden provides insight into the ideas and thinking of the time. It also proved very popular with the local insect life. Worth a visit.
Hornet Mimic Hoverfly – Volucella zonaria

Hornet Mimic Hoverfly – (Volucella zonaria, family:Syrphidae). This very large hoverfly was largely absent from the UK until after 1940 but is now a relatively common sight. On initial sight you are thinking Hornet, but these have much bigger eyes and thankfully no sting. Very impressive at about an inch long with a wide body and impressive wingspan.

Good pollinators, this one was busy on the Buddleja as can be seen from all the pollen collected around the abdomen. It was resting on the Indian Bean Tree making for a good clear image.
Hemp-agrimony – Holy Rope – Eupatorium cannabinum

Hemp-agrimony – (Eupatorium cannabinum, family: Asteraceae), also known as holy rope. This tall hemp-like flowering perennial plant certainly makes an attractive sight but is also a favourite with the butterflies. Native to most of Europe, NW Africa and Central Asia it is part of the large Asteraceae or daisy family.

Although called a ‘hemp’ and the Latin name suggests a link to the Cannabis plants they are not closely related and not used in the same way. They do have a history of medicinal use as anti-inflammatory and for healing wounds. Otherwise an attractive flowering plant.

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