Rare European butterfly seems to be making a home on UK’s sunny south coast

A rare and spectacular butterfly may be attempting to colonise the UK after adults recently emerged on the south coast, Butterfly Conservation has revealed. 

A dozen adult Continental swallowtail butterflies Papilio machaon gorganus have been seen across Sussex in the last few weeks after successfully overwintering in the UK.

Last year’s hot, sunny summer saw the largest Continental swallowtail invasion since 1945, with adults laying eggs in a number of gardens in Hastings, Eastbourne and Chichester.

The butterflies were also seen in other south coast counties including Suffolk, Kent, Hampshire and Dorset.

The UK’s relatively cold climate makes it very difficult for the butterfly to survive through the winter but the recent successful emergence of adults suggests last year’s breeding attempts have been successful.

The large Continental swallowtail resembles a tropical species with dramatic yellow and black markings and distinctive streamer-shaped tail.

Continued