Detail of an Endangered Corsican Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio hospiton) Feeding in Sardinia.

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This endangered butterfly is commonly known as the Corsican Swallowtail because it is only found in the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. It normally inhabits mountain regions above 400 meters. It is threatened by over collection and by the loss of its food plants. The local shepherds believe these plants are poisonous to their sheep. The caterpillars being only found on Giant Fennel (Ferula communis) in Sardinia,. The French government has passed laws to protect this species on Corsica but there is currently no legal protection for it in Sardinia.

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Size: 5316px × 3448px
Location: Sardinia, Italy.
Photo credit: © John Insull / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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