The scarce swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) is a large butterfly; its wingspan ranges between 6.5 and 8.0 cm. Its black tiger stripes are on a wing background that varies from fairly bright yellow in the first brood to almost pure white in second brood butterflies. The swallowtail butterflies (Papilio) are found worldwide except in the Arctic. They are named for the characteristic tail-like extensions of the hindwings, although many species are tailless. It is widespread in the East Palearctic realm and in most of Europe with the exception of the northern parts.