Scarce Swallowtail
VU

Scarce Swallowtail

Iphiclides podalirius

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarce_swallowtail

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Scarce Swallowtail faces significant population declines across its European range due to habitat fragmentation and loss of traditional agricultural landscapes. Intensive farming practices have eliminated many of the flower-rich meadows and orchards where adults feed, while urbanization has destroyed breeding sites containing its host plants, primarily blackthorn and hawthorn species. Climate change is shifting suitable habitat northward faster than the species can adapt, particularly affecting southern European populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Scarce Swallowtail inhabits warm, sunny slopes with scattered trees and shrubs, particularly favoring traditional agricultural landscapes with orchards, hedgerows, and flower-rich meadows. Adults require nectar sources from various flowering plants while larvae depend on Prunus species, especially blackthorn and wild cherry trees.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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ApolloVU

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Calidris ferrugineaVU

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Scarce BlackneckCR

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Lygephila craccae

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Struga Trout

Salmo balcanicus

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EN

Niceforonia adenobrachia

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Scarce Swallowtail classified as Vulnerable?
Scarce Swallowtail is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Scarce Swallowtail faces significant population declines across its European range due to habitat fragmentation and loss of traditional agricultural landscapes. Intensive farming practices have eliminated many of the flower-rich meadows and orchards where adults feed, while urbanization has destroyed breeding sites containing its host plants, primarily blackthorn and hawthorn species. Climate change is shifting suitable habitat northward faster than the species can adapt, particularly affecting southern European populations.
Where does Scarce Swallowtail live?
Scarce Swallowtail occurs in Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, and Azerbaijan (plus 54 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Scarce Swallowtail?
The main threats to Scarce Swallowtail are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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