The European swallowtail is one of Europe's most magnificent insects. Its wings are large and brightly coloured; the bright red spot at the base of each hindwing may serve to distract insect-eating birds, so that they peck at the rather than at the body. The European swallowtail ranges from western Europe and North Africa to the Himalayas and Japan. It occurs in open country, but in England is restricted to the remaining fens that surround Norfolk Broads. Once more widespread, it has now disappeared from much of its range through loss of habitat.