There is only one species of swallowtail you are likely to see - 'the Swallowtail', Papilio machaon. It is easily identified by its yellow and black/blue colouring, its pronounced tails on the hindwings and its large size.

The swallowtail flies from quite early in the year. It may be seen just about anywhere, but is usually flapping along meadows near woods in the spring. Normally, you will see it singly, not in groups. It is quite happy flying high in the mountains. In May you can see it at over 2000m, flying even in high winds, when it is very difficult to approach or photograph. In these high colonies the butterflies often stay together and you can see many at once.

Here are two pictures.The first was actually taken in Gibraltar, years and years ago. The second is a Swiss butterfly, from near Solaleil, drinking at a puddle on a very hot day in summer.