The scarce swallowtail is often seen ‘sailing’ on its large triangular shaped wings catching up-draughts on hills. This butterfly can soar effortlessly for a long time without any wing beats at all.
The larval foodplants of the scarce swallowtail are various species of Prunus, around which they can often be seen, whether males looking for females or holding territories, or females looking for a place to lay eggs. The scarce swallowtail enjoys nectaring, but also gathers mud. It hibernates as pupae.