Swallow-tailed Moth

Ourapteryx sambucaria

Species ID / Swallow-tailed Moth
Iain H Leach
Patrick Clement
Iain H Leach

Identification Tip

Pale lemon-yellow moths with ‘tails’ on their hind wings, like those of a swallow.

What do they eat?

Caterpillars munch on a wide variety of plants:

  • Ivy
  • Blackthorn
  • Hawthorn
  • Honeysuckle
  • Holly
  • Forget-me-nots
  • Elder
  • Horse Chestnut

Where does it spend the winter?

Caterpillars spend the winter tucked into a bark crevice. The following summer they spin a cocoon from silk, become a chrysalis and emerge as an adult the following summer.

Ideas to help Swallow-tailed Moth in your Wild Space

Grow a butterfly-friendly climber

Make your hedge a haven for butterflies and moths

Size

small
medium
large

Flying Season

June - August

Life Cycle

Adult

June, July, August

Egg

July

Caterpillar

January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November, December

Chrysallis

May, June

UK Distribution

  • England
  • Scotland
  • Wales
  • Northern Ireland

Want to learn

more?

There is even more about this species on the main Butterfly Conservation website

Fun Facts
about the Swallow-tailed Moth

Caterpillars of the Swallow-tailed Moth look just like twigs. They spend the day completely still, feeding only at night, to avoid being detected by predators.