Low endangerment

Swallowtail is butterfly of the year

The swallowtail is considered a "bird of paradise" among the local butterfly species.

(Bild: Walter Ederer/Schmetterlingsapp)

The swallowtail is the butterfly of the year 2025. Papilio machaon impresses with its exotic beauty and yet is native. 

With its striking black and yellow wings, elegant little tail and bright red eyespot, it is one of the most striking butterflies in the country. It is also pleasing to note that the species is still at low risk. 

The swallowtail can be found in all federal states and feels at home on dry grasslands, embankments and parks.

The colorful swallowtail caterpillars feed on the herbs of carrots, caraway and dill.

(Bild: Marion Jaros)

Thanks to their high adaptability, they can even be found in gardens, where the equally colorful caterpillars feed on the herbs of carrots and the like.

Dill, fennel and co. attract "birds of paradise"
"Garden lovers should sow umbelliferous plants (lovage, dill, fennel, celery, parsley, aniseed, caraway, etc.) and leave them over the winter if possible, then the exotic butterfly feeling is almost guaranteed," says Peter Huemer, butterfly expert at the Tyrolean State Museums and board member of "Blühendes Österreich".