Swallowtail Butterfly

A nature observer in Spain reports seeing very few Old World swallowtail butterflies (Papilio machaon) this year, and was surprised to find one flying so late in the season. The insect would not allow a close approach, so the photograph was taken by holding a mobile phone up to binoculars. The sighting is drawing interest from wildlife enthusiasts concerned about how scarce the species has seemed this year.