Swollowtail Butterfly

[Chipchopper]

I saw one today very striking indeed!!

I'm sure it's the first one I've seen in the UK, how rear are they ?
The main plant in in area is hemlock.

[Milvus]

Ragged Robin is their main plant. They only really exist in the Norfolk Broads. Is that where you saw yours?

[Chipchopper]

No, Milvus, I spotted this one in Hertfordshire (EN4). Didn't see any ragged robin, mostly tall hemlock, hogweed and comfrey

[Milvus]

Terrific thing to see. I haven't seen one yet sadly. They do feed on other plants. They breed exclusively on Milk Parsley, which is a fenland plant which ties them to the Broads for breeding, but they do get out and about a bit occasionally.