Butterflies of Tunisia Flambé - Iphiclides podalirius

This stamp illustrates the Flambé, one of the largest and most graceful butterflies of the Regency. Its silhouette is distinguished by its wings striped with black bands on a creamy white background and its characteristic long tails. The artist depicted it rising towards fleur-de-lis, illustrating its majestic gliding flight. It is an emblematic species of Mediterranean hills and gardens, whose survival depends on the preservation of wild fruit trees (plum, almond) which serve as food for its caterpillars.