Download Butterflys - Moreton Bay Regional Council

Butterflies
Living with the
Butterflies of the
Moreton Bay Region
1
We will encourage more
butterflies (and other native
wildlife) into our gardens if we
plant local native plants and
reduce or avoid pesticides.
Butterflies are among the most delightful and
interesting of animals. Every garden no matter
how small is visited by butterflies from time to
time. The Moreton Bay region (and its surrounds)
is home to a great variety of butterflies.
Courtyard & balcony gardens, small backyards,
and bushland blocks can all supply food for
butterflies.
This booklet provides information about butterfly
caterpillar food plants as well as nectar rich
plants for adult butterflies.
Did you know?
Council’s Environmental Services Department
can provide you with a list of native plant species
especially suited to your property’s location and
geology. Environmental Officers can also offer advice
about property management, plant and animal
identification, revegetation, weed control and wildlife
conservation.
2
3
The butterfly garden
Butterflies and other insects
Every garden will have many butterfly species flying,
feeding and completing their life cycles (eggs, larvae,
pupae and adults), if we supply the needs of larvae and
adults. To ensure this, gardens can be designed to provide
foliage and plant material for caterpillars, and a good
range of nectar rich flowers throughout the year.
Butterflies are invertebrates (animals without backbones)
and belong to Class Insecta. Insects, like all arthropods,
have segmented bodies and paired, jointed legs. Instead
of an internal skeleton, insects have a hard outer covering
(exoskeleton). Insects, typically, in the adult form, possess
three major body parts (head, thorax and abdomen) and
most have three pairs of walking legs.
By providing food and habitat for caterpillars and adult
butterflies we are also supplying resources for many
other native animals. Local native plants (those species
that naturally occur in our region) are the best choice for
creating a butterfly friendly garden. See page 15 for plant
species information.
Abdomen
Proboscis
Wings covered in
coloured scales
This garden at Mt Glorious was designed
for butterflies. It now provides food and
habitat for many other native animals
including insects, lizards, frogs, birds and
possums.
4
Image: T. Bailey
Thorax
5
Butterflies and moths
Moths and butterflies are pollinators active
at different times of the day and night.
Butterflies and moths are grouped into the Order
Lepidoptera and differ from other insects. For example, the
adult typically has much-reduced mouth parts except for
those parts associated with and forming the proboscis – a
coiled tube used for sucking up water, nectar and other
plant juices. The membranous wings are covered on both
surfaces with overlapping scales, and are strengthened by
veins which also brace them – much like battens do a sail.
We usually think of butterflies as having beautiful colours
and moths as being in shades of grey and brown. However,
some butterflies are drab in appearance while some moths
are exquisitely coloured.
Moths, though closely related to butterflies, differ in
several ways. If the antennae (‘feelers’) are not clubbed it
is a moth. Some Australian moths have clubbed antennae,
but those that do also have a bristle attached near the
base of the hind wing that fits under the fore wing. The
only Australian butterfly that has this is the male Regent
Skipper.
Moth
s
Image: T. Burrow
Generally, butterflies are day active (diurnal) but some only
fly during twilight hours. Moths are usually night-active
(nocturnal) but some fly only during the day. Moths are
generally nectar feeders – though some may not feed at all
during their adult phase.
Joseph’s Coat
Moth
DAY (Diurnal)
Tailed Emperor
Butterfly
NIGHT-TIME (Nocturnal)
Female Erebus terminitincta
moth
Image: T. Burrows
Evening Brown
Image: A. Hiller
Image: P. Chew
Evening Brown
butterfly
DUSK/DAWN (Crepuscular)
6
beautiful and
day-flying.
well camouflaged
on leafy forest
floor where it
often rests during
the day.
Butterflies have excellent colour vision (as do birds and
humans). Some butterflies have a preference for some
colours over others (e.g. Swallowtails are attracted to red).
Many moths, because they fly at night, are attracted to
white and yellow flowers, which are more easily seen in
darkness.
7
From caterpillar to
adult butterfly
Butterfly life cycle
(species shown: Orchard Swallowtail)
Like insects of some other groups, butterflies go through
four major changes (complete metamorphosis) during their
life history – egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis) and
adult. The female lays her eggs on plants that she ‘knows’
to be suitable for her larvae to eat (i.e. host plants). As the
larva feeds, it grows and sheds its skin
(a process called ecdysis). Some larvae, especially those of
Birdwing butterflies, consume the freshly shed skin in order
not to lose the valuable biochemicals contained within.
Freshly hatched larvae of this group also eat the eggshell
from which they have hatched.
Egg
Larva
An early instar
The periods of larval growth in between successive ecdyses
are called instars. In butterflies there are typically four
instars. The pupa (often called a chrysalis) is a non-feeding
stage in which the larval organs are
re-organised. After the adult emerges it never grows
any larger.
FA - How long do butterflies live?
As with most insects their lifespan depends on if and when
they are taken by a predator. As a rule, smaller species such
as the Lycaenids (Blues) live for around three weeks or so,
while larger butterflies such as Birdwings can live for over
two months. These estimates are taken from a captivebreeding situation where most predators are excluded.
Some species whose larvae feed on toxic plants are able to
sequester (store) these toxins in their systems. Unpalatable
due to toxicity, they are avoided by predators and may live
for many months – some even being able to overwinter.
Examples are the Wanderer, Crow, and Blue Tiger butterflies.
8
Adult
Pupa
The relative length of time of the stages
that butterflies progress through varies
according to species and environmental
conditions such as climatic zone, local
weather and season of the year. Some
butterflies may have only one brood per year
and spend most of their lives in the larval stages.
Some may have autumn and spring broods, or,
especially in tropical areas, a succession of broods.
In cooler areas one or more of the early stages is
often much longer than those of the same species in
warmer areas.
9
Display flights and mating
Butterfly larvae
by Anthony Hiller
Butterfly larvae themselves are often particularly
beautiful and interesting.
Image: P.
Chew
Display flights and mating are one of the most interesting
facets of butterfly behaviour. The Swallowtail butterflies
are particularly spectacular in this respect. Males will fly
closely behind the female and wait for her to alight (land).
When she does, he will hover over her, getting closer
and closer, land beside her, and if she is receptive she
will allow him to mate. Usually, this occurs in a sheltered
situation to avoid predation. If she is already mated,
she may reject him and fly off and he will depart to seek
another female.
Evening Brown larvae
feed on the foliage of
native grasses - Blady
Grass and Kangaroo
Grass.
Image: A.
Hiller
Mating may last for an hour or more depending on the
species and whether or not the pair is disturbed.
Once mating is completed the female will seek a suitable
host plant on which to lay her eggs.
Orchard Swallowtail larva
showing its red osmeterium
– a gland which emits an
odoriferous liquid and is
displayed when the animal is
threatened.
Some butterfly
species congregate
on hills and ridges.
ew
Ch
Image: P.
Image: D.
Metters
A Glasswing
deposits eggs
onto host plant
Glasswing larvae feed
on the foliage of Spade
flower and Corky Passion
Vine.
Hilltopping
Hilltopping, although not well
studied, is the congregation of some butterfly species on
the tops of ridges and hills – and a captivating sight to
behold. It is thought that this behaviour may maximise the
chances of finding a suitable mate. There is still much to
discover in this fascinating area of butterfly study.
10
Wanderer Larva.
11
Butterfly dispersal
A (comparatively) recent arrival
Once emerged, some butterfly species embark on
impressively long journeys – often referred to as migration.
In the Moreton Bay region the Caper White butterfly is
one of the most conspicuous. Assisted by the wind, these
butterflies can travel hundreds of kilometres to find food
trees and mates. During springtime (and often coinciding
with hot stormy weather) Caper Whites begin to disperse
throughout South-East Qld – some years in very large
numbers indeed.
In February 1871 the Brisbane Courier reported that
the Monarch butterfly (known commonly here as the
Wanderer) had arrived in Australia.
Image: J. Miners
This large butterfly has dispersed widely from its native
home in the Americas – ‘hop-scotching’ across the Pacific
Islands to reach Australia. Monarchs have also colonised
parts of Europe. Monarch larvae feed on certain plants of
the ‘milkweed’ family, ASCLEPIADACEAE, including the Red
head cotton bush - a common weed (pictured below).
Many Caper Whites
Image: G.
Leiper
Brush Caper Berry
– a food source for Caper
White, Striated Pearl-white
and Southern Pearl-white
caterpillars.
Image: A. Hiller
Monarch
A defoliated host tree
– this frenzied feeding
process is a natural
phenomenon to which
the plant is adapted. It
will soon recover with a
flush of new foliage.
12
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Requirements of butterflies
Growing caterpillars
In general, butterflies need
To encourage butterflies to breed, we may plant suitable
native food hosts (local plant species) in our gardens.
Some native host plants may be partially or almost totally
defoliated by feeding larvae. We need not
worry. The plant is adapted to this and will recover;
and we will be rewarded with a multitude of newly emerged
butterflies.
Suitable food plants for caterpillars
Food for adults
Water for adults
Many local native plant species provide food
for butterfly caterpillars.
Suitable larval food plants
(caterpillar food)
Just some butterfly-caterpillar food plants of the
region . . .
Small
Green
Banded
Blue on
Soap Tree,
Alphitonia
excelsa –
its larval
food.
Image: M. Fagg
Image: M. Fag
g
Red Passion Vine
Passiflora aurantia –
Glasswing larval food.
Ground covers and herbs
Image: M. Fagg
Image: P. Che
w
Caterpillars of particular species will only survive on the
leaves of certain host plants. Others will eat more than one
species of plant.
Black JeZebel
caterpillars feeding
on mistletoe.
14
Evidence of
caterpillar activity
– if no insecticide is
used, butterflies
will follow.
Spade flower
Hybanthus stellarioides
Foliage of this delicate herb
is a food source for Glasswing
larvae. The species often
features in eucalypt forests
with moist understoreys.
Yellow Buttons
Chrysocephalum apiculatum
Caterpillars of the Australian
Painted Lady feast on the
leaves of this common
perennial herb. Yellow Buttons
is easily cultivated from
cuttings or seed and is a fine
plant for rockeries and cottage
gardens.
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Butterfly-caterpillar food plants of the region cont. . .
Love Flower
Pseuderanthemum variabile
The leaves of this delicate
herbaceous perennial provide
food for several butterfly
caterpillar species including
the beautiful Blue-banded
Eggfly and Leafwings. The
species is commonly found in
moist shady eucalypt forests.
It looks spectacular as a mass
planted understorey.
Lomandra
Lomandra hystrix, L. longifolia etc,
Lomandra foliage provides food
for the larve of some species of
Skipper butterflies. The larvae
construct ‘shelters’ by joining
leaves together to form a tight silklined structure. Lomandra plants
are commonly used in landscaping
and are especially good for creek
bank stabilisation.
Kangaroo Grass
Themeda triandra
This native grass is gaining
popularity as a landscaping
species. Kangaroo Grass is a
food source for butterfly species
including the larvae of the
Evening Brown, Common Brown
and Orange Ringlet.
Image: A. Hiller
Stinging Nettle, Urtica incisa
Caution! A prickly customer,
yes, but nettle is a very useful
plant for butterfly gardens.
Stinging Nettle is a food plant for
caterpillars of the Yellow Admiral
butterfly. Obviously site selection
should favour areas away from
paths – preferably towards the
rear of garden beds, and shady,
moist areas. Appropriate clothing
(including gloves) is necessary
when working near nettle.
Native grasses
A Yellow Admiral freshly
emerged from pupa on stinging
nettle.
16
Pademelon Grasses
Oplismenus species. These soft
trailing groundcovers are larval
food plants for Wonder Brown
Butterflies. Oplismenus species
are good natives for shadier areas
of the garden – and especially
useful under trees and between
stepping stones. Similar species
includes Graceful Grass, Ottochloa
gracillima, which is also a
caterpillar food plant.
17
Shrubs
Native Finger Lime
Citrus australasica
This tall shrub (growing to around
4m) is host for the sweetly
named Dainty Swallowtail
butterfly. The Native Finger
Lime is hardy, slow growing,
and produces edible fruit. It is a
nice addition to any bush tucker
garden.
Forest hop Bush
Dodonaea triquetra
The Native Hop shrubs grow
to about 3m and are ideal for
smaller gardens. Caterpillars of the
exquisite Fiery Jewel butterfly
feed on the foliage of this species.
Image: A. Hiller
Coffee Bush
Breynia oblongifolia
This spreading shrub to about
2-3 metres tall bears bright red
fruit which turns black when
ripe. It’s a useful pioneer
species and a host plant for
the Large Grass-yellow butterfly
(see page 33)
Image: M. Fag
g
Dainty Swallowtail
depositing eggs on
native citrus
Acacia foliage is eaten by caterpillars of the Imperial
Hairstreak, Moonlight Jewel, and others. Acacias are
pioneer plants – and often the first to appear after
disturbance. They are useful for revegetation projects and
attract lots of animals including possums, gliders,
and birds. Most grow to 3-5 metres. Some
dwarf forms are available.
Green Wattle
Acacia irrorata
subspecies irrorata
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Brisbane Wattle
Acacia fimbriata
Dogwood, Jacksonia scoparia
Caterpillars of the Fiery Jewel and
Copper Pencilled-blue eat the flower
buds and flowers of this species.
Dogwood grows to around 4m tall, and
provides interesting form and colour
for a mixed planting.
Native Plum
Guilfoylia monostylis
Native plum is a small tree
(to 6m) with lime green
leaves and bearing bright
yellow flowers midsummer.
Native Plum grows on the
edges of rainforest and
wet eucalypt forest and is
a food for Tailed Emperor
caterpillars.
19
g
Image: M. Fag
Trees
Sandpaper figs
Ficus coronata,
F.opposita, F. fraseri
grow to about 10–15m if left
unpruned. The leaves are food
for caterpillars including those
of the Common Crow and Purple
Moonbeam butterflies. This
species attracts loads of wildlife.
Although hardy, it excels in moist
shady areas – especially along
creeks and drainage lines.
Vines and Palms
Native Wisteria
Callerya megasperma
Surely one of our prettiest rainforest
vines. This species does best where it
can clamber into the canopy of a tall
tree. It’s a host plant for
Common Pencilled-blue butterfly.
Barbed Wire Vine, Smilax australis
This is a tough leaved climber
common in our region, and host plant
for Fiery Jewels.
Brush Box
Lophostemon confertus
Brush Box is a handsome,
manageable gum tree to 30m
– but usually only reaching this
height in a forest setting. It is a
good shade tree and lovely main
feature when given adequate
space. Brush Box leaves are eaten
by the Coral Jewel and Bronze Flat
butterflies. Under-planting with
shrubs, grasses, and ground covers
will attract many more butterfly species. It’s also a
Koala food tree.
Image: M. Fag
g
Brown Kurrajong
Commersonia bartramia
Medium sized tree to 20m.
Brown Kurrajong is quick
growing – making it a popular
species for revegetation
projects. Its leaves are eaten by
caterpillars of the Coral Jewel
butterfly. It also attracts Ladybird
beetles.
Tuckeroo
Cupaniopsis anacardioides
A small tree (to 10m) popular with
urban landscapers; its dense crown
of glossy green leaves provides
good shade and requires little
maintenance. Foliage and fruit are
food for caterpillars including the
Common Pencilled-blue and Bright
Cornelian butterflies.
20
Piccabeen Palm
Archontophoenix cunninghamiana
The leaves of this gorgeous palm tree
provide food for larvae of the Orange
Palm-dart and Yellow Palm-dart
butterflies. These palms grow
best in moister environments –
and naturally occur in rainforest and
wet eucalypt forest.
Monkey Rope, Parsonsia straminea
Monkey Rope is one of the many
species on which Common Crow
butterflies lay their eggs. It’s a
widespread woody climber in the
Moreton Bay region, and commonly
seen growing on eucalypts,
melaleucas and she-oaks.
21
(nectar and plant juices)
Many native plants provide nectar
for butterflies
Some local plants that feed
adult butterflies include . . .
Pavetta, Pavetta australienses
Pavetta is a gorgeous shrub growing to
around 4m and naturally occurring in
dry rainforest. Sweet Pavetta nectar is
consumed by butterflies and moths.
Bolwarra, Eupomatia laurina
Bolwarra is a glossy leaved shrub/small
tree to around 6m. Its flower scent is
suggestive of sweet sherry and irresistible
to many insects including some butterfly
species.
Image: J. Bow
den
Melaleuca spp. (including those
formally of the Callistemon genus)
Many different species belong to this
genus. All produce sweet flowers which
attract butterflies.
22
Macadamia
Macadamia trees usually flower in late
winter/spring and will attract butterflies
and native bees. Flowers of the ‘Home
Beauty’ cultivar
(M. integrifolia x M. tetraphylla)
are pictured here.
den
Rusty Gum
Angophora leiocarpa
A tree to 25m, though probably smaller
in cultivation, and can be pruned. Its
sweet flowers attract loads of wildlife. It’s
also a Koala food tree.
Butterflies need water
Especially in hot dry weather, butterflies need extra water.
We can provide water for butterflies and other wildlife
by constructing garden ponds and bog gardens with
peripheral ‘sand soaks’. Pond plants with floating leaves
cater for butterflies and other insects.
Some butterflies will also seek moisture from
decaying fruit.
Birdbaths provide
water for butterflies.
Image: S. Petro
Contact council’s Environmental Services Department
for more information about local native plants.
Environmental Officers can supply you with a list of
plants suitable for your location.
Image: J. Bow
Butterflies feed on nectar from flowers, and other suitable
plant juices. If we plant natives that produce large quantities
of nectar, we can attract a wide variety of butterflies that
would otherwise fly past. Many plants from overseas will also
supply this food, but a lot are weeds that invade bushland.
For example, Lantana produces lots of flowers and is often
suggested as a species to attract butterflies. Lantana species
though, are such serious weeds that we should not encourage
any of them to grow anywhere. We should replace them with
suitable native species.
Crown of Gold Tree
Barklya syringifolia
This rainforest tree is stunning
in flower. Crown of Gold occurs
naturally in our region. It may grow
to 20m in a rainforest; and around
7m in cultivation. Easily prune
managed.
Image: N. Kirby
Food for adults
Here, an aggregation of butterflies
sip water from moist sand. It is
thought that some species exhibit
this behaviour (known as mudpuddling or puddling) in order to take
up mineral salts in the water, which
in some way are beneficial to the insect. It may be important
to the males’ fertilisation process as it is normally only
males that are found in this situation. Mud-puddling is most
commonly practiced by Papilionid (swallowtails) and Pierid
(whites) butterflies, and also Lycaenids (blues).
23
What to avoid
Some imported plants may also be eaten by butterfly
larvae, but it is more environmentally sound to use
only native plants. For example, leaves of the imported
Camphor Laurel tree are larval food of Blue Triangles, but
this tree is one of the most serious environmental weeds;
and there are many lovely native laurels and other suitable
replacements.
Pesticide chemicals
Some exotic plants
(including Jacarandas and Dutchman’s Pipe Vine)
Avoiding pesticide chemicals
Spraying caterpillars (‘grubs’) with pesticides will diminish
butterfly populations. Unfortunately, many of us have been
mislead by television and radio gardening shows and the
advertisements of chemical companies into believing that
any chewed, curled or less than perfect leaf on any plant
is unnatural, unsightly and indicates that application of
insecticide is necessary.
A Blue Triangle on
(local native) Wild Ouince,
Guioa semiglauca.
Some imported plants that
are closely related to natives,
attract and cue female
butterflies to lay their eggs,
but the larvae die when they
eat the leaves. This is how the
exotic Dutchman’s Pipe vine
kills the caterpillars of our very
beautiful and rare Richmond
Birdwing butterfly.
There are no chemicals that kill
only the ‘bad’ insects.
Egg from an Orchard
Swallowtail butterfly
on a lemon tree.
If we stop all spraying of our
citrus (and other plants in our
lawns and gardens) ‘friendly’
insects, spiders and other
animals such as birds, lizards
and marsupials will help to
keep unwanted insects under
control.
Chewed leaves of Hairy Birds
Eye, Alectryon tomentosus.
24
Image: T. Burrows
Most butterfly caterpillars eat plant leaves. For example,
Orchard Swallowtail butterflies and many of their family
eat the leaves of citrus plants. If we spray the caterpillars
(along with other ‘pests’) no citrus butterflies will result.
Dutchman’s Pipe – an exotic
that kills the larvae of the rare
Richmond Birdwing.
Image: T. Bailey
Some plants to avoid
The rare
Richmond
Birdwing
butterfly.
female
male
Richmond Birdwing Vine
Pararistolochia praevenosa
A rainforest vine and host for the
Richmond Birdwing. Best planted
in groups of three or more i.e. plant
several vines in close proximity –
somewhere where they can climb
in among the canopy of local native
trees.
25
Image: K. Hiller
Butterfly predators
by Anthony Hiller
Many insects are food for predators, and butterflies are no
exception.
Richmond Birdwing
Vine Flower.
Mammals and birds
Obvious butterfly predators are birds – especially those
that feed on the wing (catch their food while flying).
Swallows have been observed taking Caper White
butterflies and many smaller species fall prey to birds such
as Fantails and Yellow Robins. Species of insectivorous
birds also search foliage for larvae and eggs.
Some plants to avoid continued...
Some small mammals, notably the carnivorous marsupial
mice Antechinus species, also feed on larvae and pupae.
Spiders, wasps and flies
Jacaranda mimosa is
poisonous to Tailed
Emperor caterpillars.
The parasites of the early stages of butterflies are many
and include Chalcid wasps that pierce the shell of the
pupa with a sharp egg-laying tube (ovipositor) and lay their
own eggs inside. The hatchling wasp larvae feed on the
contents of the pupa, and emerge as adult wasps.
Image: A. Hiller
Chalcid wasp
parasitising butterfly
pupa.
Tailed Emperor
caterpillar
Image: T. Burrows
Image: P. Chew
Caterpillars of the Tailed
Emperor butterfly are poisoned
fatally after ingesting the
foliage from Jacaranda trees.
Image: M. Fagg
Tailed Emperor
adult butterfly
26
Lacebark Tree
Brachychiton discolour
A local beauty, Lacebark is
an excellent replacement for
Jacaranda. It attracts
local wildlife.
Many wasps take butterfly
larvae to provision their own
brood cells and feed their own
larvae. Tiny species of parasitic
wasps even pierce butterfly eggs
with the same result.
Tachinid flies glue their eggs to the skins of butterfly larvae.
Upon hatching, the fly larvae burrow through the larval skin
and consume the contents, leaving the vital organs until
last to ensure an ongoing fresh food supply.
Other parasitic flies lay their eggs on the larval host plant
which are then consumed by the butterfly larvae with the
same result.
27
Image: A. Hiller
Spiders, too, are serious butterfly predators, taking
butterflies which are snared in their webs.
Males and females of some butterflies
differ. This is termed sexual dimorphism.
Image: T. Burrows
The Flower Spider lies
in ambush waiting for
unwary butterflies to
visit the flower.
Clearwing
Swallowtails
male
FA - Why are there fewer butterflies
now than when I was a child?
Firstly, children are often more observant and have more time
to take in their surroundings than do adults. Unfortunately,
our current regimes of insecticide spray use in the garden
as well as environmental degradation and native vegetation
clearing is having a negative effect on butterfly populations.
FA - Do butterflies die if the
coloured ‘dust’ is rubbed from their
wings?
Butterfly wings are covered in tiny pigmented scales, much
like miniature tiles on a roof. Each one overlaps others and
they are fastened by one end only. If these are rubbed,
they will come away from the wing, leaving colour on the
fingers, and a clear patch on the wing. This does not kill
the butterfly, but may interfere with mate selection as the
pattern would be altered. It will also reduce the insect’s
ability to repel water.
Image: P. Chew
Many butterfly species lay over 200 eggs per female. It has
been stated that were it not for all these predators and
parasites, we would not be able to breathe for the amount
of butterflies occupying the air.
female
Image: T. Bailey
Image: J. Miners
male
Varied
Eggfly
female
28
29
Butterfly family groups
Some butterflies are more beautiful under
the wings than above.
(Images not true to life-size)
Image: A. Hiller
Image: P. Chew
Skippers etc
Yellow
Albatross
Regent Skipper
A Skipper
Scarlet
JeZebel
Image: P. Chew
Image: P. Chew
Image: T. Burrows
Image: T. Burrows
Swallowtails
Four-Barred
Swordtail
Chequered
Swallowtail
30
31
Butterfly family groups
Butterfly family groups
Image: T. Bailey
Whites and
Yellows
Macleay’s
Swallowtail
Black JeZebel
Image: T. Bailey
Image: T. Bailey
Blue Triangle
Yellow-spotted
JeZebel
Image: P. Chew
Swallowtails
Image: D. Cook Photography
(Images not true to life-size)
Image: A. Hiller
(Images not true to life-size)
Yellow Albatross
Richmond Birdwing
(Male)
Image: A. Hiller
Caper White
Clear-Wing
Swallowtail (Male)
32
Large Grass-yellow (male)
- Wet season form
33
Butterfly family groups
Butterfly family groups
(Images not true to life-size)
(Images not true to life-size)
Image: T. Bailey
Image: A. Hiller
Nymphs etc
Image: S. Petro
Nymphs etc
White-banded Plane
Australian Painted
Lady
Image: T. Burrows
Image: P. Chew
Blue Tiger
Purple Crow
Common Brown Ringlet
34
Image: T. Burrows
Lesser Wanderer
Image: P. Chew
Common Brown
Image: T. Burrows
Swamp Tiger
Yellow Admiral
Tailed Emperor
35
Butterfly family groups
Butterfly family groups
(Images not true to life-size)
(Images not true to life-size)
Image: T. Bailey
Image: T. Burrows
Blues,
Coppers, etc
Nymphs etc
Imperial Hairstreak
Image: T. Burrows
Image: T. Burrows
Meadow Argus
Image: A. Hiller
Image: T. Burrows
Small Green-banded Blue
Glasswing
Australian Leafwing
36
Common Pencil
Blue (Female)
37
Some butterflies of the Moreton Bay region
and food sources for their caterpillars
Common Name
Scientific Name
* introduced
+ = suitable for small gardens
Native Plants for Caterpillars
Family Hesperiidae (Skippers, Awls, Flats)
Badamia exclamationis
Pongamia pinnata
Orange Palm-dart
Cephrenes augiades
Piccabeen Palm, Archontophoenix cunninghamiana; +Walking Stick Palm,
Linospadix monostachya; Cabbage Tree Palm, Livistona australis
Regent Skipper
Euschemon rafflesia
+Tetra Beech, Wilkiea huegeliana; +Large-leaf Wilkiea, W. macrophylla
Green Awl
Hasora discolor
Burny Bean, Mucana gigantea; Macaranga, Macaranga tanarius
Large Banded Awl
Hasora khoda
Native Wisteria, Callerya megasperma
Netrocoryne repanda
Brush Box, Lophostemon confertus; Corkwood, Endiandra sieberi; Kurrajong, Brachychiton
populneus; Flintwood, Scolopia braunii; Wild Quince, Alectryon subcinereus; +Mock Olive,
Notelaea longifolia; +Blueberry Ash, Elaeocarpus reticulartus; Native Laurels, Cryptocarya
spp; +White Bolly Gum, Neolitsea dealbata; Brown Bolly Gum, Litsea leefeana
Narrow-winged Awl
Bronze Flat
Family Lycaenidae (Blues and Coppers)
38
Common Pencilled-blue
Candalides absimilis
Tuckeroos, Cupaniopsis spp; Black Bean, Castanospermum australe; Native Wisteria,
Callerya megasperma; +Coast Bird’s Eye, Alectryon coriaceus; Scrub Whitewood,
Atalaya salicifolia; Blunt-leaf Tulip, Harpullia hillii; Supplejack, Flagellaria indica;
Macadamia; Flame Tree, Brachychiton acerifolium; Kurrajong, B. populneus;
Copper Pencilled-blue
Candalides cyprotus
+Dogwood, Jacksonia scoparia; Devils Rice, Conospermum taxifolium;
Varied Dusky Blue
Candalides hyacinthina
+Dodder Laurels, Cassytha pubescens; C. filiformis
Speckled Line-blue
Catopyrops florinda
Peach Leaf, Trema tomentosa; Caesalpinia bonduc; Tulipwood, Harpullia pendula;
+Native Mulberry, Pipturus argenteus
Small Green-banded Blue
Psychonotis caelius
Soap Tree/Red Ash, Alphitonia excelsa; Pink Ash, A. petrei
Hairy Line-blue
Erysichton lineata
Tuckeroo, Cupaniopsis anacardioides; +Coast Bird’s Eye, Alectryon coriaceus; Koda, Ehretia
acuminata; Macadamia, Macadamia integrifolia; Blue Lilly Pilly, Syzygium oleosum
Copper Jewel
Hypochrysops apelles
Soap Tree, Alphitonia excelsa; Red Mangrove, Rhizophora stylosa; Orange
Mangrove, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza; Yellow Mangrove, Ceriops tagal; Grey
Mangrove, Avicennia marina; Grey Ironbark, Eucalyptus siderophloia
Fiery Jewel
Hypochrysops ignita
+Dogwood, Jacksonia scoparia; Soap Tree, Alphitonia excelsa; Tuckeroo,
Cupaniopsis anacardioides; Hard Quandong, Elaeocarpus obovatus; +Hop Bushes,
Dodonaea triquetra & D. viscosa; +Native Daphne, Brachyloma daphnoides;
Hickory Wattle, Acacia disparrima; +Barbwire Vine, Smilax australis; +Lolly Bush,
Clerodendrum floribundum; Native Cherries, Exocarpus cupressiformis &
E. latifolius; Swamp Box, Lophostemon suaveolens
Imperial Hairstreak
Jalmenus evagoras
Mistletoe, Amyema pendula; Wattles e.g. Blackwood, Acacia melanoxylon; Blue Skin
Wattle, A. irrorata; Brisbane Wattle, A. fimbriata; +Sickle-leaf Wattle, A. falcata
Large Purple Line-blue
Nacaduba berenice
Tuckeroo, Cupaniopsis anacardioides; +Coast Bird’s Eye, Alectryon coriaceus;
Macadamias, M. integrifolia & M. tetraphylla; Rose Tamarind, Arytera divaricata;
Scrub Whitewood, Atalaya salicifolia; Native Elm, Aphananthe philippinensis
Common Moonbeam
Philiris innotatus
Sandpaper Figs, Ficus coronata; F. opposita
Felder’s Lineblue
Prosotus felder
Wattles e.g. Early Black Wattle, Acacia leiocalyx, +Mountain Hickory, A.
penninervis; +Dune Wattle, A. sophorae; +Coast Bird’s Eye, Alectryon coriaceus;
Tuckeroo, Cupaniopsis anacardioides; Macadamia, Macadamia integrifolia
Zebra Blue
Leptotes plinius
+Plumbago, Plumbago zeylanica
Glistening Blue
Sahulana scintillata
Tuckeroo, Cupaniopsis anacardioides; +Coast Bird’s Eye, Alectryon coriaceus;
Early Black Wattle, Acacia leiocalyx
Common Grass-blue
Zizina labradus
+Emu Foot, Cullen tenax; +Native Indigo, Indigophera australis; +Twining Glycine,
Glycine clandestina; +Wooly Glycine, G. tomentella +Desmodium nemorosum,
+D.rhytidophyllum; False Sarsparilla, Hardenbergia violacea
39
* introduced
+ = suitable for small gardens
Common Name
Scientific Name
Native Plants for Caterpillars
Family Papilionidae (Swallowtails)
Protographium leosthenes
Zigzag Vine, Melodorum leichhardtii
Graphium macleayanus
Socketwood, Daphnandra species; Rib-fruit Pepperberry, Cryptocarya
hypospodia; Pigeonberry Ash, C. erythroxylon; Brown Laurel, C. triplinervis;
Hairy Walnut, Endiandra pubens; Rose Walnut, E. discolor
Blue Triangle
Graphium sarpedon
Camphorwood, Cinnamomum oliveri; Blush Walnut, Beilschmiedia obtusifolia;
Brown Laurel, Cryptocarya triplinervis; Rib-fruit Pepperberry, C. hypospodia;
Murrogun, C. microneura; Bolly Gum, Litsea reticulata; Brown Bolly Gum,
L. leefeana; Scrub Wilga, Geijera salicifolia; +White Bolly Gum, Neolitsea
dealbata; +Lolly Bushes, Clerodendrum floribundum & C. tomentosum
Pale Triangle
Graphium eurypylus
Zigzag Vine, Melodorum leichhardtii; Canary Beech, Polyalthia nitidissima;
Native Tamarind, Diploglottis australis
Clear-wing Swallowtail
Cressida cressida
+Native pipe vines, Pararistolochia sp. aff. pubera, Pararistolochia laheyana,
+P. praevenosa
Richmond Birdwing
Ornithoptera richmondia
+Native pipe vines, Pararistolochia praevenosa, P. laheyana & P. sp. aff. pubera
Dainty Swallowtail
Papilio anactus
+Native Lime, Citrus australis; +Finger Lime C. australasica
Orchard Swallowtail
Papilio aegeus
+Native Lime, - Citrus australis; +Finger Lime, - C. australasica; +Sandfly Zieria
- Zieria smithii; Crow’s Ash, Flindersia australis; Bennett’s Ash, F. bennettiana;
Leopard Ash, F. collina; Bumpy Ash, F. schottiana; Scrub Wilga, Geijera salicifolia;
Thorny Yellowwood, Zanthoxylum brachyacanthum; Saffron Heart, Halfordia
kendack; Silver Sycamore, Cryptocarya glaucescens;
+Long Leaf Wax Flower, Philotheca myoporoides
Chequered Swallowtail
Papilio demoleus
Emu’s Foot, Cullen tenax; Native Lime, Citrus australis
Common Name
Scientific Name
Native Plants for Caterpillars
Four-barred Swordtail
Macleay’s Swallowtail
Family Pieridae (Whites and Yellows)
40
Lemon Migrant
Catopsilia pomona
Cigar Cassia, Cassia brewsteri; Cassia tomentella;
Striped-pod Cassia, Senna pleuracarpa; S. coronilloides; S. marksiana
Large
Grass-yellow
Eurema hecabe
+Native Coffee bush, Breynia oblongifolia; +Sesbania Pea, Sesbania canabinna,
Senna coronilloides; Maiden’s Wattle, Acacia maidenii;
+Native Indigo, Indigophora australis
Small Grass-yellow
Eurema smilax
+Native Coffee bush, Breynia oblongifolia; +Sesbania canabina; Senna
coronilloides; Senna surrattensis; Wattles e.g. Maiden’s Wattle, Acacia maidenii
Spotted
Jezebel
Delias aganippe
+Native Cherry, Exocarpos cupressiformis; +Mistletoe, Amyema spp.
Scarlet Jezebel
Delias argenthona
+Mistletoes, Amyema, Muellerina & Dendrophthoe spp.
Black Jezebel
Delias nigrina
+Mistletoes, Amyema, Muellerina & Dendrophthe spp.
Yellow-spotted
Jezebel
Delias nysa
+Mistletoes, Korthalsella spp., Amyema spp
Caper White
Belenois java
+Brush Caper Berry, Capparis arborea; Tree Caper, C. mitchellii;
+Scrambling Caper, C. sarmentosa
Caper Gull
Cepora perimale
+Native capers, e.g. Capparis mitchellii
Yellow Albatross
Appias paulina
Yellow Tulip, Drypetes deplanchei; +Capparis spp.
41
* introduced
+ = suitable for small gardens
Common Name
Scientific Name
Native Plants for Caterpillars
Family Nymphalidae
(Danaids, Crows, Browns, Nymphs)
42
Swamp Tiger
Danaus affinis
+‘Peanut Vine’, Cynanchum carnosum
Lesser Wanderer
Danaus chrysippus
+‘Peanut Vine’, Cynanchum carnosum
Blue Tiger
Tirumala hamata
Corky Milk Vine, Secamone elliptica;
+‘Peanut Vine’, Cynanchum carnosum
Wanderer/Monarch
Danaus plexippus
Introduced, *Balloon Cotton Bush, Gomphocarpus physocarpus
and *Red Cotton Bush, Asclepias curassavica
Common Crow
Euploea core
Rock Fig, Ficus rubiginosa; Small-leaf Fig, F. obliqua; White Fig F. virens; +Wax Flower,
Hoya australis; Corky Milk Vine, Secamone elliptica; + ‘Peanut Vine’, Cynanchum
carnosum; Monkey Rope, Parsonsia straminea; Gargaloo, P. eucalyptophylla; Common
Milk Vine, Marsdenia rostrata; +Current Bush, Carissa ovata
Purple Crow
Euploea tulliolus
Burny Vine, Trophis scandens
Evening Brown
Melanitis leda
+Blady Grass, Imperata cylindrica; Kangaroo Grass, Themeda triandra
Common Brown Ringlet
Hypocysta metirius
+*Green Couch, Cynodon dactylon; +Blady Grass, Imperata cylindrica; +Kangaroo
Grass, Themeda triandra; Swamp Rice Grass, Leersia hexandra; Gahnia clarkei
Ringed Xenica
Geitoneura acantha
+Kangaroo Grass, Themeda triandra; +Rice Meadow Grass, Microlaena stipoides
Common Brown
Heteronympha merope
+Kangaroo Grass, Themeda triandra; +*Green Couch, Cynodon dactylon;
+Rice Meadow Grass, Microlaena stipoides
Dusky Knight
Ypthima arctoa
+Blady Grass, Imperata cylindrica
Tailed Emperor
Polyura pyrrhus
Native Elm, Aphanantha philippinensis; Investigator Tree, Celtis paniculata; Flame
Tree, Brachychiton acerifolium; Kurrajong, B. populneus; Lace Bark, B. discolor;
Native Plum, Guilfoylia monostylis; Wattles, e.g. Qld Wattle, Acacia podalyriifolia;
Maiden’s Wattle, A. maidenii; +Snow Wood, Pararchidendron pruinosum
White-banded Plane
Phaedyma shepherdi
Burny Bean, Mucana gigantea; Native Elm, Aphananthe philippinensis; Investigator
Tree, Celtis paniculata; Flame Tree, Brachychiton acerifolium; Koda, Ehretia
acuminata; Flame Tree, Brachychiton acerifolium; Kurrajong, B. populneus; Lace
Bark, B. discolor
Laced Fritillary
Argyreus hyperbius
+Purple Violet, Viola betonicifolia
Jezebel Nymph
Mynes geoffroyi
Stinging Trees, Dendrocnide moroides, D. photinophylla;
+Native Mulberry, Pipturis argenteus
Australian Leafwing
Doleschallia bisaltide
+Love Flower, Pseuderanthemum variabile
Varied Eggfly
Hypolimnus bolina
+Joyweed, Alternanthera denticulata; +Love Flower, Pseuderanthemum variabile;
+Smart Weed, Persicaria species;
Australian Painted Lady
Vanessa kershawi
+Golden Everlasting, Xerochrysum bracteatum;
Yellow Buttons, Chrysocephalum apiculatum
Australian Admiral
Vanessa itea
+Stinging Nettle, Urtica incisa
Meadow Argus
Junonia villida
+Hygrophila angustifolia +Australian Centaury, Centaurium spicatum;
+Nutheads, Epaltes australis; +Evolulus alsinoides; +Star Goodenia, Goodenia
rotundifolia; +Mountain Primrose, G. grandiflora;
+Fairy Fan Flower, Scaevola aemula
Glasswing
Acraea andromacha
+Spade Flower, Hybanthus stellarioides;
+Red Passion Flower, Passiflora aurantia; Yellow Passion Flower, P. herbertiana
43
Where to source local
native plants
Image: A. Hiller
Have you seen this butterfly?
Our community nurseries
produce plants from
provincial seed, that is,
seed collected locally in the
Moreton Bay region.
Laced Fritillary
Host food for Laced Fritillary
Arrowhea
Viola beto d Violet
nicifolia
Image: M. Fa
gg
Argyreus hyperbius
Pine Rivers
Community Nursery
Kumbartcho Sanctuary
The Laced Fritillary (also called Australian Fritillary) is a
butterfly with a very localised distribution in our region.
It’s one of two species listed as endangered under the
Queensland Nature Conservation Act (1992). The other
is the Bulloak Jewel, Hypochrysops piceata, from the
Western Darling Downs.
Most specimens of the Laced Fritillary have been collected
from river estuaries or swampy coastal areas at or near sea
level. They are restricted to open, swampy, coastal areas
where the larval food plant, Viola betonicifolia, grows as a
small, insignificant ground herb in association with Lomandra
longifolia (Long-leaved Matrush) and grasses, especially the
grass Imperata cylindrica (Blady Grass)
This habitat is called Melaleuca wetlands, although the
larval food plant does not occur in all sub-types of this plant
community.
Its range has decreased due to habitat loss.
Bunya Pine Court, Eatons Hill
Ph (07) 3264 3953
Opening times: Thursday and
Friday 9am – 3pm;
Saturday 8am – 12noon
Redcliffe Botanic Gardens
Community Nursery
Off street parking located on
Henzell Street, Redcliffe
Open: Tuesday 9 – 12noon and
Saturday 8 – 10am.
The nursery is also
open by appointment.
Email: [email protected]
Information supplied courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency,
Queensland.
44
45
Where to source local
native plants
Bribie Island
Community Nursery
208 First Avenue, Bongaree
Ph (07) 3410 0088
Open: Monday to Friday
8 – 11am
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Anthony and Katie Hiller of
Mt Glorious Biological Centre for information and images,
www.mountgloriousbutterflies.com
Photograph contributors: Anthony & Katie Hiller,
Bernadette May, Peter Chew, John Bowden, Jenny Miners,
Todd Burrows, Tony Bailey, Steven Petro,
Nathan Kirby, Glenn Leiper, Deborah Metters,
David Cook Photography. Photos taken by M Fagg are
© Australian National Botanic Gardens.
Creec Community Nursery
This nursery produces local
native plants.
CREEC Environment Centre
150 Rowley Road, Burpengary
Ph (07) 3888 8751
This nursery predominantly
sells local native species.
Woonara Drive, Petrie
Plant sales are
Wednesdays and Fridays only
from 1 - 3.45pm.
46
Butterflies of Australia by Michael F. Braby.
Create More Butterflies by Frank Jordan
and Helen Schwencke.
Image: T. Bailey
Pine Rivers District
Council Nursery
Further reading:
47
Moreton Bay Regional Council offsets the energy and
resources used to produce this and other Living With
the Environment booklets, brochures, and posters,
through a program of revegetation plantings and habitat
restoration projects in the Moreton Bay region.
Sunshine
Coast
Bribie
Island
Caboolture
Somerset
Region
MORETON BAY
REGION
Redcliffe
Strathpine
Moreton Bay
Port of
Brisbane
Brisbane
MORETON BAY
REGION
North
Stradbroke
Island
LWTE-1408-05
This brochure is printed on Onyx, an Australian made
100% recycled stock made from 60% pre-consumer
and 40% post-consumer waste and manufactured under
the environmental management system ISO 14001.
48
© Moreton Bay Regional Council 2009