Iphiclides podalirius

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Iphiclides podalirius

Iphiclides podalirius

Sicily is a real paradise for butterflies. Species which used to occur all over Europe, but which have been forced out by cultivation still abound here. This one, one of Europe's largest butterflies, the Iphiclides podalirius, is one of the few of its kind which actually are able to steer. Thanks to its large wings and its loosely connected body it glides through the air, steering by shifting its weight rather than fluttering. May 22nd 2006
Gangolf Haub
on Jun 4, 2006 11:01 am
Image ID: 197969

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Charles

Charles - Jun 4, 2006 12:41 pm - Voted 10/10

the original hang glider

cheers

Charles

Gangolf Haub

Gangolf Haub - Jun 5, 2006 3:57 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: the original hang glider

Would you believe that they actually do use thermic upwinds to float? Not as elegant as eagles, though...

Charles

Charles - Jun 5, 2006 7:34 pm - Voted 10/10

Re: the original hang glider

the wonders of nature!

nartreb

nartreb - Jun 5, 2006 9:12 pm - Hasn't voted

family resemblance

I mistook this for its cousin, papilio glaucus

hiltrud.liu

hiltrud.liu - Dec 14, 2007 4:06 pm - Voted 10/10

Wonderful...

such colours!
Merry Christmas to you!
Hiltrud

Viewing: 1-5 of 5