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Papilio machaon is a butterfly of the family Papilionidae and the type species of the genus Papilio. Despite its common name Old World swallowtail, this species is not restricted to the Old World, as populations can be found in North America.
The butterfly has a strong and fast flight, but frequently pauses to hover over flowering herbs and sip nectar. It frequents alpine meadows and hillsides, and males are fond of congregating near summits to compete for passing females. The species feeds mostly on plants of family Umbelliferae.Photograph: Werner Pichler