The swallowtail species Papilio machaon belongs to the genus Papilio.
Papilio is the type genus of the family Papilionidae, the swallowtail butterflies. Its members occur across many parts of the world and commonly have tails or tail-like extensions on the hindwings, although not every species has them.
Papilio machaon is the Old World swallowtail, a widespread species found across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. The genus name has an ancient connection: Papilio is Latin for “butterfly,” while Machaon was a figure in Greek mythology.
Papilio species often use plants in the families Apiaceae and Rutaceae as larval food plants. Their caterpillars may possess an osmeterium, a forked, scent-emitting organ that can be everted when threatened. This genus is distinct from Graphium and Ornithoptera, which are also swallowtails.