Sent when ready in June according to availability. Widespread throughout Europe with ssp. britannicus resident in the UK, machaon is a delightful and immediately recognisable swallowtail. Gorganus has larger blue spots than our own native swallowtail and its black markings are perhaps less dense and compact. Pairings and egg laying can be achieved naturally in relatively small cages if placed in hot, bright sunshine with plenty of nectar on hand. Alternatively, machaon is one of the easier species to hand-pair and this method can be employed to great effect. Eggs are laid readily on fennel and the larvae will also take carrot tops and dill etc.
Larval foodplants: fennel (foeniculum); carrot (daucus); dill (anethum).
Rearing: flowerpot cages and sleeves.
Photographs: three day old, fertile ova x 20 magnification, showing colour change and light source reflection; final instar larvae resting vertically on fennel (foeniculum); adult male nectaring.
