Papilio machaon is a large size butterfly widespread in Europe, Asia and North America. Also known als Common Yellow Swallowtail, this butterfly has a pair of protruding tails and a reddish-orange eyespot on the hind wings. It is capable of covering large distances and has a preference for pink or mauve flowers such as Thistle and Ragged Robin, knapweeds. Male Swallowtails are and are often seen flying at the top of hills, where are trying to attract the passing females.
The picture was created with a Nikon D40X camera and Nikon 55-200mm VR AF-S f/4-5.6G ED lens using these settings: exposure time – 1/200 seconds, focal length – 200mm, ISO – 200, F-number – 5,6.