Yellow swallowtail

Again a beautifully hot day - too hot to go out, this one was taken on our 'arbre à papillons' which does exactly what it says on the tine.

See it larger here.

I noticed a lot of swallowtails, Papilio machaon, around today both yellow, tiger and darker ones.

The cicadas are merrily singing away in the trees - honourable son n°1 saved two from drowning in the swimming pool this afternoon.

The caterpillars of the yellow swallowtails have special tactics to detract enemies. They have an eversible (turn inside out) cervical gland called osmeterium, which produces acidic secretion effective in defence against ants.

Now for the arrival of Le Tour de France - hoping for another stage win for Mark Cavendish - Well done all the riders who arrive this evening - what an achievement and what a fabulous 3 weeks it has been!

Hope you all had a lovely Sunday - stay in the shade!