British swallowtail split from European cousins much earlier than thought, study finds | TheBriefWire
British swallowtail split from European cousins much earlier than thought, study finds
Published 5 July 2026 ยท europe
Finding that Norfolk butterfly has been distinct subspecies for 200,000 years could transform conservation approach The endangered swallowtail butterfly Papilio machaon britannicus, which is only
Finding that Norfolk butterfly has been distinct subspecies for 200,000 years could transform conservation approach The endangered swallowtail butterfly Papilio machaon britannicus, which is only regularly found breeding in Britain on the Norfolk Broads, has been a distinct subspecies for at least 200,000 years, according to a study. Smaller, darker in colour and much rarer than the continental swallowtail, britannicus was previously considered to have developed its distinctive form during its confinement in the wetlands of eastern England over the last 8,000 years, after the flooding of Doggerland. Continue reading...
Published: July 5, 2026 โข 4:30 PM IST ยท Updated: July 5, 2026 โข 5:07 PM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points
Finding that Norfolk butterfly has been distinct subspecies for 200,000 years could transform conservation approach The endangered swallowtail butterfly Papilio machaon britannicus, which is only regularly found breeding in Britain on the Norfolk Broads, has been a distinct subspecies for at least 200,000 years, according to a study.
Smaller, darker in colour and much rarer than the continental swallowtail, britannicus was previously considered to have developed its distinctive form during its confinement in the wetlands of eastern England over the last 8,000 years, after the flooding of Doggerland.