suulaelõhe

Suulaelõhe is an Estonian term that translates to "swallowtail" in English. It primarily refers to the swallowtail butterfly, scientific name *Papilio machaon*. This large and distinctive butterfly is found across Europe, Asia, and North America. Its most striking feature is the pair of long, tail-like projections on its hindwings, which resemble the tail of a swallow bird, hence its common name.

The swallowtail butterfly is characterized by its bright yellow wings, often adorned with black markings and blue or red eyespots. In Estonia, it is a relatively common sight, particularly in open habitats such as meadows, fields, and along the edges of forests. Its larvae, commonly known as caterpillars, feed on plants from the carrot family, including wild carrot and dill.

The life cycle of the suulaelõhe involves complete metamorphosis, progressing through egg, larval (caterpillar), pupal, and adult stages. The adult butterflies are often observed feeding on nectar from various flowering plants. While generally not considered endangered, like many insect populations, the swallowtail can be affected by habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices. The term "suulaelõhe" is a direct and descriptive name given to this iconic insect within the Estonian language.