Lulworth Swallowtail

[Deb London]

It has got a chunk of its tail missing, if that helps, LOL.

[Johnny Redgate]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

If you look at the left hindwing, there is a sizeable chunk missing- the tail bit appears to have been nipped off, perhaps by a bird whilst in transit.

Yep - sorry WW, we crossed posts as I was editing my first post.

Colours are very fresh and vibrant. As I said, it could be an immigrant, but they do get released.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Johnny Redgate

Not wishing to put a dampener on things, but this looks absolutely pristine (apart from the pecked(?) left hindwing). Captive bred adults do get released deliberately or accidentally. One found its way to my Dad's carrots in Lincs once and laid a few eggs which themselves hatched larvae and he raised a couple through to pupation, though I seem to remember one was parasitised.

But whatever. It may be an immigrant and its a stunning butterfly and a superb photo.

It's true that a release/escape possibility can't be completely dismissed I'd have thought the location found is a good one for a potential migrant.