European Swallowtail P.machaon gorganus 15 eggs or 10 larvae according to availability

European Swallowtail Papilio machaon gorganus 

The breeding season will end in August, after which orders will be booked for the following summer. Demand is always high, and the earlier an order is booked, the sooner it gets sent out at the beginning of the next breeding season, usually in June/July.

Eggs are best kept in a clear plastic box without fresh foodplant. Newly hatched larvae need to eat their egg-shells. When they are ready for green food and wander from the egg shells, using a soft artist's brush, transfer to fresh foodplant. They do best sleeved on growing food, and this is strongly recommended, but can be reared in plastic boxes as long as always kept clean and with fresh food daily. See advice on using Plastic Rearing Containers on this website.

Easy to rear on Fennel and other Umbelliferae, such as carrot tops, Parsnip and Wild Parsnip flowers and fresh leaves. Rue is another foodplant. Very attractive caterpillar, bright green, striped black and orange. Double or even triple brooded.

This species is not suitable for beginners and schools.