BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY
OUR NATURE:
BUTTERFLIES
1
If you have a backyard,
courtyard or a balcony
you have the opportunity
to support our native
plants and animals by
providing habitat for
our diverse native wildlife.
ECOSYSTEMS DIVERSITY
Essential for a healthy planet
SPECIES DIVERSITY
Backyards are an important
part of the Gold Coast’s
natural landscape with
more than half of the
city’s native vegetation
on private properties.
Essential for healthy ecosystems
Our native plants and
wildlife are essential to our
environmental, social and
economic health and wellbeing.
GENETIC DIVERSITY
The Gold Coast is one of
the most biodiverse cities
in Australia.
Essential for healthy species
Backyard
Biodiversity
1
Threatened species
Biodiversity is reduced when species become extinct. Plant and animal
species which are at risk of extinction are known as threatened species.
Threatened species can be identified by their conservation status which
is specified under both Federal [Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)] and State [Nature Conservation Act
1992 (NC Act)] legislation.
A range of factors is used to assess a species’ conservation
status including:
•
•
•
the number of individuals remaining
the overall increase or decrease in the population over time
breeding success rates and known threats.
While the categories and specific definitions used differs between
State and Federal legislation, in both cases the status indicates
whether a species still exists and how likely it is to become extinct.
Gold Coast
On the Gold Coast, species which are locally significant are
known as City-wide significant (CWS) species. These species
are important because they may be threatened, restricted to
the Gold Coast, or at the edge of their geographic range.
CWS
You and your backyard can contribute to supporting threatened and
CWS species by creating and restoring habitat in your backyard.
Throughout this booklet, Threatened, Near threatened and CWS species are identified using
the symbols shown below. They are accurate at the time of printing.
Threatened species
MOST LIKELY TO
BECOME EXTINCT
EXTINCT
EPBC Act
LEAST LIKELY TO
BECOME EXTINCT
Ex
Wx
CE
E
V
CD
Extinct
Extinct in
the wild
Critically
endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Conservation
dependant
PE
E
V
NT
LC
Presumed extinct
in the wild
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near
threatened
Least
concern
NC Act
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
3
OUR NATURE: BUTTERFLIES
Everyone loves butterflies. Often brilliantly patterned and
coloured, they enhance our gardens, parks and bush –
appearing like living flowers as they flit from plant to plant
Australia is
home to almost
searching for nectar. Some are familiar to everyone: the
400
robust orange and black Wanderer is active all year; the
different species
of butterflies
black and white Crow butterfly thrives on exotic plantings
The Gold Coast is,
or has been,
home to as many as
170
species of butterflies
of oleander; the tiny blues that flitter around every lawn;
and the few species that eat things we’d rather they didn’t.
Around the world, populations of many species have
declined or even disappeared under the frantic pressure
of urban development. Only a very few species, such as
the Common Crow and Cycad Blue, have benefitted from
human modifications of the environment and are now
relatively common in urban areas.
The first meal
of a caterpillar is
frequently its own
EGGSHELL
Butterflies are
closely linked to the
HOST PLANTS
that their caterpillars eat.
Take action in your backyard
•
Protect and restore natural bushland.
•
Grow butterfly host plants.
•
Grow nectar plants.
•
Maintain or create wet areas for ‘mud puddling’.
•
Avoid using pesticides.
Some species of butterfly
DEPEND ON ANTS
which look
after their caterpillars.
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
Some species
of butterfly absorb
POISONOUS
chemicals from
the plants on which
their caterpillars feed.
5
About Butterflies
Butterflies and moths belong to the huge group of insects collectively
known as the Lepidoptera – that is insects that, as adults, have wings
covered in overlapping scales. It is these scales that carry the bright
and not so bright colours and patterns by which most of the 180,000
described species worldwide are distinguished.
Did you know?
Lepidoptera is from the Greek
words ‘lepidos’ meaning scale
and ‘pteron’ meaning wing.
Globally, butterflies range in size from just a few millimetres (our Tiny
Grass Blue can lay claim to being among the very smallest with a
wingspan of as little as 10mm) to the giant birdwings of New Guinea
(the female Queen Alexandra Birdwing has a wingspan of up to 300mm).
Our largest, locally occurring butterfly is the Richmond Birdwing, the
females of which have a wingspan up to 120mm.
Many adult butterflies have different wing patterns between the sexes
which, in the past, often led to them being identified as separate species.
Examples include the Richmond Birdwing, the Orchard Swallowtail and
the Common Eggfly. A few species have different colour forms in
different seasons.
Almost always, the colours and patterns of a butterfly’s upper wings
contrast with those on the underside. The colours of the upper wings
are involved in mate recognition and signalling, whereas the underside
colouration is often a matter of blending into the background when at
rest. For several groups of butterflies, the patterns on the underside are
the most useful feature for identifying the species.
The butterflies we see flying are the endpoint of a complex life-cycle that
can span many months. Throughout this life cycle, the lives of butterflies
are inextricably linked with plants: indeed, it is generally supposed that
the butterflies and flowering plants evolved together, developments in
one group impacting on the other, and vice-versa.
Evening Brown (Melanitis leda)
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
7
The life cycle
Life cycle - White Nymph (Mynes geoffroyi)
We are most familiar with adult butterflies. Adult butterflies are the
fourth and final of the life stages through which each and every
species of butterfly must pass.
Unlike many species of butterfly, the caterpillars and chrysalises of White
Nymphs are often found in groups.
Stage 1 – egg
Their lives begin as eggs deposited on plants by female adult
butterflies after they have mated. These eggs are generally small,
globular or ribbed and may be laid singly or in clusters.
1
Stage 2 – caterpillar (larva)
From the eggs emerge caterpillars (larvae) which generally are the
longest stage of the insect’s life. With just a very few exceptions
these caterpillars eat the leaves of plants. Some species, like
the Richmond Birdwing (Ornithoptera richmondia), have a highly
specialised diet and only one or two species of host plants will
do. For others, like the Common Eggfly (Hypolimnas bolina) or
Blue Triangle (Graphium sarpedon), a wide range of plant species
are acceptable to the caterpillar – although these plants are often
closely related. The caterpillars grow dramatically during their lives,
casting off their skins (moulting) to allow them to grow at least four
times. With the last of these moults, the caterpillar shortens and
thickens before transforming into the third life stage, the chrysalis.
2
1 Female butterfly
laying eggs
2 Caterpillars
3 Chrysalises
4 Adult butterfly
recently emerged
from chrysalis
4
3
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
9
Stage 3 – Chrysalis (pupa)
Ecological Role
The chrysalis or pupa is perhaps the most remarkable of the four
stages. Butterflies and moths (like beetles, flies and bees) undergo
a process known as complete metamorphosis. During the pupal
stage, most of the tissues and cells of the larva break up and are
re-assembled into the dramatically different adult shape. It is within
the pupa that the butterfly’s wings develop.
Butterflies, in all stages of their life cycle, play important roles in our
ecosystems. Adult butterflies pollinate flowers. Their eggs and caterpillars
are a vital part of ecosystem food chains, providing food resources for a
wide range of predators and parasites including birds, dragonflies, wasps
and spiders.
Stage 4 – Butterfly
After a few weeks or months, the chrysalis case splits and the adult
butterfly emerges, its wings expanding, drying and hardening in
the air. Adult butterflies need three things in life: energy resources
to fuel their flight – principally nectar from plants but sometimes
rotting fruit or even animal dung; they need water to prevent them
desiccating (drying out) from the sun’s rays; and they need a mate.
Most species mate only once and the male products are stored
within the female ready to fertilise each egg when it is mature and
ready to be laid. There are a fascinating range of mechanisms by
which males and females find each other, evaluate the ‘quality’ of
the potential mate, and where males try to prevent others from
mating with the same female.
Caterpillars are particularly important. They are relentless eating
machines, transforming the tissues of their host plants into body mass.
Without plant eaters like caterpillars, the energy of the sun captured by
plants would not be released to the wider world. Butterflies and moths
are one of the principal groups of animals which make this release
happen and as a result they are a driver of ecosystems. This crucial role
is often overlooked when we try to prevent our plants at home from being
eaten – without that release of energy by caterpillars, our environment
and its biodiversity is reduced.
Because butterflies are sensitive to changes in our climate and
respond quickly to environmental stress, they are good indicators of an
ecosystem’s wellbeing. An abundance of butterflies usually indicates a
healthier ecosystem.
It is the female butterflies who seek out appropriate host plants and
deposit mature eggs on or close to these plants.
SO THE LIFE CYCLE BEGINS AGAIN.
Black Jezebel (Delias nigrina) caterpillars feeding on mistletoe species
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
11
Butterflies and Ants
Ants are usually considered to be very general predators mopping up
anything in their path, alive or dead. However, for some blue butterflies
in the family Lycaenidae, ants don’t prey on them, they work with them.
These butterflies have evolved to allow ants to care for their caterpillars,
protecting them from other predators like wasps and parasitic flies – and
from other ants. In return, the caterpillars provide chemical and food
rewards which the ants ‘milk’ from specially-evolved glands.
The Gold Coast is home to at least 24 species of butterfly that have
evolved these mutualistic relationships with ants. Often this is with a
very particular species of ant – and where that sort of ant isn’t present,
then the butterfly is also likely to be absent from that location. Sometimes
the relationship is casual, with just a few ants riding on the backs of the
caterpillar: in other cases, it is so intense that it is easier to search on a
plant for a mass of ants which will be completely covering a caterpillar,
than to look for the caterpillar themselves.
In some cases these ant-friendly caterpillars shelter inside the ants’ nests.
One small group of butterflies have totally turned the tables on the ants.
They have become predatory on the ant larvae in the nest. One of our
rarest Gold Coast butterflies, Illidge’s Ant Blue (Acrodipsas illidgei), is one
of these predatory species.
Did you know?
A mutualistic relationship is where two different species have an
ongoing, long term relationship which benefits both species.
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
Large Purple Line-blue
(Nacaduba berenice) larva
feeding on the flowers of
Hairy Alectryon
(Alectryon tomentosus)
with attendant ants
13
Distribution
How far do they fly
Butterflies are found on every continent except Antarctica, but they
are most abundant in the tropics. In Australia, the greatest diversity
is found in tropical north Queensland where many species thrive in
the warm humid air of tropical rainforests. The Gold Coast is in an
area where many butterflies typically found in north-eastern Australia
and those found in south-eastern Australia converge, as a result our
butterfly diversity is also quite high.
A few species fly long distances. Others don’t venture far from their
host plants. Some are highflyers and will be found in the canopy of
trees where their host plants such as mistletoe or vines grow. Others
stick close to the ground amongst the grasses and legumes of the
understorey or open ground.
Behaviour
Butterflies are cold blooded. This means that they must absorb
heat to become active. To absorb heat they often take up basking
positions on plants, rocks or bare patches of soil. Conversely, if
conditions become too hot they run the risk of drying up through
dehydration and will rest in shady positions.
In South East Queensland, some species are active as adults all
year round. Nevertheless, there are seasonal differences and only
a few species will be encountered in the winter months. The arrival
of spring sees the emergence of many more species which often
then complete a further generation over the summer leading to a
second, often larger, emergence in February and March. These
general patterns may change in times of environmental stress, such
as during extended droughts.
Some butterflies are considered to be migratory or irruptive (many
occurring together) with large numbers of butterflies moving together,
sometimes across long distances. These migrations facilitate widespread
pollination which contribute to improved plant health and genetic
diversity. Local migratory butterflies include:
Caper White
Belenois java
Breed in the drier inland with caterpillars
common on pepper bushes (Capparis
spp.). In spring ‘excess’ adults, often in
their thousands, move eastwards to coastal
regions and out to sea.
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
Blue Tiger
Tirumala hamata
Mass movements southwards each summer
to seek nectar on flowering shrubs such
as paperbarks. Even though its larval food
plant, the corky milk vine (Secamone elliptica)
occurs widely, it probably breeds only
occasionally, if at all, in our region.
15
Butterflies of the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is, or has been, home to as many as 170 species of
butterflies supported by the many vegetation communities found here.
Different butterflies occur from the tidal wetlands and swamp forests on
the coast, through the dry and wet eucalypt forests of the foothills and
into the rainforests and montane heath of the mountains in the hinterland.
Some butterflies only occur in one vegetation community. On the Gold
Coast more than 50 species of butterflies, including Macleay’s Swallowtail
(Graphium macleayanum), Narrow-winged Pearl White (Elodina padusa)
and Bright Forest Blue (Pseudodipsas cephenes), are only found in
rainforest. As their names imply, Saltbush Blue (Theclinesthes serpentata)
and Samphire Blue (Theclinesthes sulpitius) are found on salt bushes
and samphires of our tidal wetlands. The Hyaline Swift (Parnara amalia),
Grey Swift (Parnara bada) and Swordgrass Brown (Tisiphone abeona) are
restricted to swamp forests and freshwater wetlands where the wetland
grasses and sedges that are their host plants grow.
Many inhabit forest and woodland edges. They need natural or artificial
clearings to find mates and to find particular host plants such as herbs
and scrambling vines, which are often species of disturbed areas. Others
are found only high in tree canopies where their host plants such as
mistletoe and vines grow. Some are at home in our gardens and parks.
Examples of local butterflies have been included in this booklet.
Throughout this booklet the following symbols are used to indicate the
typical habitat, behaviour and abundance of the butterflies described.
Vegetation community - see map on page 41 for the historic distribution
EC
TW
C
SF
FW
RA
E
WE
Exposed Coastal – Coastal dunes
and rocky headlands. Typically
dominated by grasses with wind shorn
shrubs and trees (e.g. coastal banksias
and she-oaks) inland from the shore.
Tidal Wetlands – Mangrove, salt
marsh and swamp oak vegetation
communities associated with tidal flats
within estuaries. Mistletoes often occur
in tree canopies.
Coastal – Protected coastal areas.
Includes open woodlands and
heathlands (wallum). Flowering
shrub component includes tea trees,
banksias, peas, wattles and grasstrees.
Swamp Forest – Lowland coastal
areas regularly inundated by
freshwater or with areas of standing
water. Typically dominated by
Melaleuca species.
Freshwater Wetlands – Areas subject
to prolonged periods of freshwater
inundation. Plants are predominantly
aquatic or semi- aquatic sedges,
rushes and similar plants.
Riverine and Alluvial – Forest
and woodlands which occur on
alluvial banks and plains adjacent to
waterways. May be periodically subject
to flooding. May include rainforest
species when fire is excluded for
long periods.
Eucalypt – Dry eucalypt forests and
woodlands. Understorey plants include
wattles, she-oaks, peas, grasstrees,
herbaceous wildflowers and grasses.
Mistletoes often occur in tree canopies.
Wet Eucalypt – Wet eucalypt forests
and woodlands. Due to higher soil
moisture and longer intervals between
fires, rainforest trees and shrubs occur
along with vines, ferns and sedges.
RF
MT
Rainforest – Complex dense forests
typically with closed canopies and an
array of plant life which can include
vines, mosses, ferns, palms, strangler
figs and epiphytes.
Montane – Occurs on mountains
either as heath communities on
expanses of rock or as small isolated
outcrops of vegetation on rock shelves
and in crevices of cliff faces.
Butterfly is associated with grasslands
and grassy understories.
Butterfly commonly occurs in parks
and gardens.
Abundance
Common – Species that are seen
daily in suitable habitat during their
flight season.
Uncommon – Species that may be
seen in suitable habitat at least once
each flight season.
Rare – Species not necessarily seen in
suitable habitat every flight season.
Local – Species which are restricted in
their distribution but at times common
in those places.
Behaviour
Migratory or irruptive – large
numbers of butterflies moving together.
Specialist – Utilises only one or
two host plant species.
Caterpillars eats plants which
contain poisonous chemicals
which deter predators.
Where male and female butterflies have
distinct forms, the sex of the butterfly
pictured is indicated:
male
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
female
17
FAMILY: PAPILIONIDAE
THE SWALLOWTAILS, TRIANGLES AND BIRDWINGS
This family contains the largest and most spectacular of all butterflies
including our largest butterfly the Richmond Birdwing (Ornithoptera
richmondia). Australia hosts 18 species in this family, of which ten
may be found on the Gold Coast.
Butterflies in this family exploit a wide range of host plants.
Species from the family Papilionidae that occur on the Gold
Coast include:
Four-barred Swordtail
Protographium leosthenes
Macleay’s Swallowtail
Graphium macleayanum
RF
Caterpillar feeds on the rainforest zig-zag
vine (Melodorum leichardtii).
RF
Caterpillars feed on a wide variety of
rainforest trees.
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
Blue Triangle
Graphium sarpedon
RF
Native habitat is rainforest edge.
Caterpillars feed upon a wide range
of rainforest trees.
Chequered Swallowtail
Papilio demoleus
E
Species of drier vegetation types.
Caterpillars feed on a range of
legumes such as Emu Foot
(Cullen tenax).
Orchard Swallowtail
Papilio aegeus
E
WE
RF
Native habitat rainforest, rainforest
edges and other moister habitats.
Caterpillars feed on a wide range of
native and introduced plants, mainly
of the citrus family (Rutaceae).
Big Greasy
Cressida cressida
E
Caterpillars feed on a number
of small species of poisonous
Aristolochia vines which grow
amongst grass and other lowgrowing vegetation.
19
The Richmond Birdwing: a conservation success story
The group of Asian and Australian butterflies known as the Birdwings
include the biggest butterflies in the world. Although we cannot claim
that accolade for our species, the Richmond Birdwing (Ornithoptera
richmondia) is certainly the biggest of our local butterflies. It is also the
only Birdwing butterfly found outside the tropics.
By 2013 the program had enjoyed considerable success not least
through the substantial involvement of volunteers through a welldesigned campaign of public awareness. You can help the Richmond
Birdwing by planting its host plants.
Once distributed from Grafton to Maryborough, the butterfly declined
through the 20th century as its rainforest habitats were destroyed,
degraded or fragmented. By the end of the last century, the butterfly
was only found as scattered, genetically isolated, populations on the
Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast. On the Gold Coast, populations
remained, occasionally numerous, in the rainforests of the hinterland
but numbers fluctuated wildly from year to year.
The Richmond Birdwing has very specialised caterpillar feeding habits.
It seeks out mature Birdwing Vines (Pararistolochia praevenosa) in its
lowland range and the Mountain Aristolochia (Pararistolochia laheyana)
in its upland habitats. Occasional severe winters in upland habitats may
substantially reduce the numbers of this species.
The species was declared Vulnerable in Queensland in the 1980’s
and a Draft Recovery Plan developed in 1996. Since then, intensive
efforts and resources have been brought to bear on the species’
conservation including extensive planting of the vines, removal of other
toxic, introduced vines (related to but not the same as the preferred
host plants), captive breeding and release, and attempts through
habitat management to develop connecting corridors of suitable
habitat to overturn the genetic isolation which had arisen during the
species’ decline.
Richmond Birdwing
(Ornithoptera richmondia)
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
V
21
FAMILY: PIERIDAE
THE WHITES, YELLOWS AND JEZEBELS
The family Pieridae includes some of our most familiar species.
Australia hosts about 35 species of which 18 may be encountered locally.
The whites and yellows can be difficult to identify as many species have
different seasonal forms. However, the brightly coloured jezebels are
beautiful and distinctive. Many species in this family have adapted to
larval host plants, such as mistletoes and plants in the cabbage family,
which make the adult butterflies distasteful to predators.
Caper Gull
Cepora perimale
E
WE
RF
Common larval host plants are
species of Capparis.
Small Grass Yellow
Eurema smilax
E
Occur, irregularly, sometimes in
very large numbers. Caterpillar host
plants are both native and exotic
species of the yellow-flowered
shrubs, Cassia and Senna species.
C
E
WE
One of the most common of the
local grass yellows. Active all year.
Caterpillar host plants are a wide
range of low growing legumes
including Cassia and Senna species.
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
Black Jezebel
Delias nigrina
SF
E
WE
A cool season species that is found
in mountains in summer and in
coastal areas in autumn and winter.
Host plants are species of mistletoe.
SF
RA
E
It favours swamp forests where
adults are often found on Melaleuca
blossoms. Its host plants include a
number of species of mistletoes.
Species from the family Pieridae that occur on the Gold Coast include:
Lemon Migrant
Catopsilia pomona
Scarlet/Northern Jezebel
Delias argenthona
RF
Southern Pearl-white
Elodina angulipennis
RF
Often found in the subcanopy of
rainforests. Local host plants are
Capparis spp.
23
FAMILY: LYCAENIDAE
THE BLUES, COPPERS AND HAIRSTREAKS
The Lycaenidae are the largest and most diverse family of butterflies
worldwide with over 6000 named species. Across Australia we have
about 140 species and about 57 are found within the Gold Coast region.
The most familiar blues are the several tiny species found in and around
urban and semi-urban lawns and gardens. Bush gardens, woodlands
and forests contain much more dramatic species whose well-being often
depends on their symbiotic relationships with specific species of ants.
Species from the family Lycaenidae that occur on the Gold Coast include:
Copper Jewel
Hypochrysops apelles
E
E
WE
Prefers disturbed dry woodlands with
an abundance of young wattle plants.
Caterpillars are always attended by ants
(Iridomyrmex spp.).
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
C
WE
One of the smallest butterflies in the
world. Local larval host plants are
small herbaceous plants Hygrophila
angustifolia. Caterpillars are
occasionally attended by small ants.
Yellow-spotted Blue
Candalides xanthospilos
EC
Tiny Grass Blue
Zizula hylax
E
Widespread and locally common.
Host plant - Oxalis spp. Caterpillars
are always attended by ants
(Iridomyrmex spp.) and pupate in
ant nests.
Common Imperial Blue
Jalmenus evagoras
TW
Occurs in tidal wetlands where its mangrove
host plants occur. Caterpillars are always
attended by ants (Crematogaster spp.).
Small Copper
Lucia limbaria
E
Occurs in coastal vegetation communities
with heath understories where its larval host
plants Pimelea spp. (rice flowers) occur.
Samphire Blue
Theclinesthes sulpitius
TW
Common in tidal wetlands. Larval host plants
are samphires - succulent, herbaceous plants
which grow in high salinity environments of
tidal areas.
25
FAMILY: HESPERIIDAE
THE SKIPPERS
Australia hosts about 120 species of skipper and as many as 50 may
be found on the Gold Coast. They occur in all terrestrial ecosystems.
Most are inconspicuous, small, and orange and brown, although there
are some large spectacular species. They have a very distinctive way of
perching with the wings partly open – the so-called ‘jet-fighter’ position.
Species from the family Hesperiidae that occur on the Gold
Coast include:
Regent Skipper
Euschemon rafflesia
RA
SF
RA
WE
Caterpillars live and feed on the
foliage of many species of native
and exotic palms. Local host plants
include the Bangalow Palm and
Cabbage Tree Palm.
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
WE
RF
Green Awl
Hasora discolor
RF
Largest Ochre. Host plant is
Lomandra longifolia which is
common in parks and gardens.
Other Lomandra species sometimes
used – L. filiformis, L. hystrix,
L. obliqua and L. spicata.
Orange Palm-dart
Cephrenes augiades
RF
Occurs in rainforests. Caterpillars feed on the
foliage of Wilkiea species which are shrubs/
small trees that grow in rainforest understorey.
Splendid Ochre
Trapezites symmomus
RF
Local but not often seen. Its caterpillar
makes a shelter by cutting and folding the
leaves of its local host plant Burny Bean
(Mucuna gigantea).
Orange Grass-dart
Suniana sunias
SF
FW
Found in vegetated swamps and freshwater
wetlands where its native host plant Swamp
Ricegrass (Leersia hexandra) grows.
Painted Sedge Skipper
Hesperilla picta
C
E
WE
Usually found in sheltered gullies. Like most
sedge skippers its host plant is a saw-sedge.
In this case, Tall Saw-sedge (Gahnia clarkei).
27
FAMILY NYMPHALIDAE
BRUSH-FOOTED BUTTERFLIES
This family – the so-called brush-footed butterflies because the first pair
of legs in the adult butterflies are reduced to mere stubs – rivals the
Lycaenidae in numbers of species. It contains a very wide diversity of
species which range from the brightly coloured milkweed butterflies and
admirals through to the rather plain ‘browns’. In the Gold Coast region
we have about 33 of Australia’s total of 81 species.
Species from the family Nymphalidae that occur on the Gold Coast include:
Common Crow
Euploea core
SF
E
WE
Occurs in a wide range of habitats.
Its caterpillars feed on monkey-rope
vine (Parsonsia straminea) and related
species. The adults may live for many
months accumulating in large roosts
over the dry months.
RF
Black and White Tiger
Danaus affinis
TW
TW
C
RA
E
A distinct Australian species, this
butterfly looks like a miniature
version of the exotic Wanderer
butterfly. Caterpillars feed on local
vines such as Vincetoxicum spp.
and Marsdenia spp.
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
WE
C
C
Its caterpillar feed on Mangrove Wax-flower
vine (Vincetoxicum carnosum) which sprawls
within grasses on the edges of mangroves
and marshy coastal areas.
Lesser Wanderer
Danaus petilia
Swordgrass Brown
Tisiphone abeona
As its name suggests this butterfly depends
on the saw-sedges (Gahnia spp.) for its
wellbeing and its caterpillars feed only on
this group of plants.
Evening Brown
Melanitis leda
C
RA
E
WE
A shade-loving species that lives
close to the leaf litter. It has two
distinct, seasonally driven colour
forms – a darker wet season
form and paler dry season form.
Caterpillars feed mainly on grasses.
RF
RF
Common Eggfly
Hypolimnas bolina
E
WE
RF
Host plants are low growing
herbaceous ground covers
such as Alternanthera spp.
Pseudoranthemum spp. and
Sida spp.
29
The Australian Fritillary –
Gone for ever?
Legal protection cannot preserve this, or any other butterfly species,
without constant vigilance and intervention, which requires intimate
knowledge of species’ biology. Modern humans have so modified the
landscape, especially of our coastal lowlands, that simply designating
areas as reserves will not always work. For our rarer and more particular
species, like the Fritillary, maintaining vegetation, soil and water regimes
will be essential if we are to keep these species for the future. Climate
change will make this an even more challenging task.
The Australian Fritillary (Argynnis
hyperbius inconstans) is, or
probably was, one of our most
spectacular butterflies. It is
our only species of Fritillary – a
large group of mostly northern
hemisphere butterflies. It occurred
from Gympie, south along
the coast to just north of Port
Macquarie. Known occurrences
in the Gold Coast included
Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads.
Mountain Birdwing Vine
Arrow-leaved Violet
The Fritillary preferred disturbed
Viola betonicifolia
wetlands with rich, moist soil
where its larval food plant,
the arrow-headed violet (Viola
betonicifolia) preferred to grow. The plant is still found in our region, but
the particular set of circumstances which sustained the Fritillaries seem
to have disappeared. It has been described as a ‘Goldilocks Species’ for
which environmental conditions had to be ‘just right’.
The Australian Fritillary has not been seen in the Gold Coast since the
early part of the twentieth century. If it survives in Australia at all, it is likely
to be at remote sites around Limeburner’s Creek north of Port Macquarie,
NSW. But even there, the species has not been seen since 2001.
E
CE
Australian Fritillary
Argynnis hyperbius inconstans
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
31
Exotics and Pests
Take action in your backyard
Australia has only two exotic butterflies: that is, species introduced to
the continent by European settlement. Both species are common on the
Gold Coast. These are the Cabbage White and the Wanderer (known
elsewhere as the Monarch).
Butterflies are an essential part of our environment, delighting us with
their passing beauty. They are also essential to the healthy functioning
of our gardens, parks and bushland. As human pressures mount – on
land area and on native vegetation – these benefits will only persist if
we are proactive in both protecting and enhancing our environment
for butterflies.
A small number of native species are occasional low level pests. Only one
of these, the Cycad Blue, impacts on horticulture in our region.
Keep it local
EXOTIC
Wanderer
Danaus plexippus
Known elsewhere (and to
a lesser extent in Australia)
for its regular long distance
migrations, the species
was first recorded in
Australia in the 1870s. It
is now common over the
entire eastern seaboard
with a satellite population
established around Perth.
Not regarded as a pest.
NATIVE
Cabbage White
Pieris rapae
Originated in Eurasia but
now found worldwide. It
arrived, probably via New
Zealand, in Australia in
1939. A significant pest for
growers of cabbages and
other brassicas.
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
Cycad Blue
Theclinesthes onycha
The one overriding principle for protecting and enhancing habitat for
butterflies is to keep it local.
To re-establish themselves, butterflies must come from somewhere.
A few species can fly long distances and will likely turn up in any halfsuitable place, but most are likely to spread out gradually from adjacent
established habitat. Don’t expect rainforest butterflies to appear in your
backyard if it is distant from the nearest natural area of rainforest –
even if you’ve nurtured or planted the ‘right’ host and nectar plants.
Historically a rare native
butterfly that was found
only in moister eucalypt
woodlands that had cycads.
Due to the popularity
of ornamental cycads
it has become a slight
inconvenience to gardeners
as the caterpillars shred the
soft new fronds of planted
cycads as they elongate.
33
Protect and restore areas of
native vegetation
First we must protect the remaining areas of natural bushland in our
backyards and landscapes. These natural areas are homes to many
species of butterfly – every time a patch of bush is cleared, however
small, it reduces the world for butterflies and other biodiversity. Butterflies
will thrive in natural bushland if left alone. Protected areas for butterflies
do not even need to be very large, although there are many other
reasons why larger reserves are required.
There are well-established practices for restoring natural bushland
(see the Want to Know More section on page 70 for information and
resources) but restoration practices can be more or less friendly to
butterflies depending on how they are done.
Some local butterflies which utilise mistletoes as host plants include:
Diggles’ Jewel
Hypochrysops digglesii
Satin Azure
Ogyris amaryllis
Trident Pencil-blue
Candalides margarita
Marbled Line-blue
Erysichton palmyra
Don’t mess with the mistletoe
Mistletoes are native plants that grow
on other plants. Because they are
parasitic (take water and nutrients
form their host plant) they are often
thought to be a problem. In fact, it is
quite the opposite. Mistletoes play a
vital role in ecosystems and support
a wide range of animals including
butterflies. In addition to their flowers
providing nectar, they are also host
plants for more than 10 species of
butterflies on the Gold Coast – let
them grow!
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
Amyema pendulum – grows on
several species of eucalypt.
35
Clear flowering weeds in stages
Adult butterflies need flowering plants to provide the nectar they require
as fuel. Clearing all flowering ‘weeds’ from a plot under restoration may
initially discourage butterflies from re-establishing, but natives will soon
begin to regenerate in their place. It’s recommended that weed control be
done in stages, allowing native nectar sources to naturally regenerate as
the weeds are removed.
Gardens for butterflies need to provide two plant types: caterpillar host
plants and flowering plants for nectar. Other resources needed by some
species – like particular ant species – are hit-and-miss affairs in a garden
and these species will probably best thrive in natural ecosystems. If they
do turn up in a garden, you should regard that as an incredibly lucky win
for biodiversity.
Maintain or create edges
Forest and woodland edges are essential for many species of butterflies.
They need natural or artificial clearings to find mates and to find particular
host plants (which may often, themselves, be species of disturbed areas,
like many herbs and vines).
Be patient
Butterflies will not return immediately. Remember, some require mature
foliage, or flowers and fruits, for their caterpillars to thrive. Others
require vines or mistletoes which will only thrive once other plants
are established.
Create butterfly habitat
Gardens are special cases for the butterfly conservationist. If your garden
abuts natural bushland then many of the principles of restoration apply.
However, no matter where your backyard is, you have the opportunity to
create a butterfly habitat which may be unlike any natural environment,
yet still be a place in which our native butterflies can thrive.
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
Common Crow courtship
– the male above dusts the
female with pheromones
from his hair-pencils
37
Grow butterfly host plants
Throughout their life cycle, the lives of butterflies are inextricably linked
with plants. Adult butterflies feed on the nectar of flowers and even
more critically, they need host plants to lay their eggs on and for their
caterpillars to eat. As noted previously, some species of butterfly are
highly specialised and their caterpillars rely on one or two species
of host plant. For other butterflies, a wide range of host plants are
acceptable – although these plants are often closely related species.
Attract a variety of butterflies by growing a variety of host plants.
Some plants – like softer-leaved wattles (Acacia spp.), the tuckeroo
(Cupaniopsis spp.), flame and bottle trees (Brachychiton spp.),
tulipwood (Harpullia spp.), native citrus (Citrus spp.), indigofera
(Indigofera spp.), mat rushes (Lomandra spp.) and native grasses
(various) – are very hardy and can support a wide range of butterfly
species, so are obvious choices.
If you have a bush garden, be sure to leave a few plants which you
might otherwise remove, such as nettles, some vines, sennas and
cassias. These will attract butterfly species whose caterpillar live on
few other plants.
Local native plants are preferred – even though non-native substitutes
will attract a few butterfly species.
Butterfly Garden - Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
39
Local Native Plants
Local native plants are those that occur naturally in a location. Native
vegetation grows in groups of local native plants and these groups vary
depending on local conditions such soil, landform, aspect and climatic
features such as rainfall.
See key
on pages
42 – 43
When selecting the most suitable local native plants for your backyard it
is useful to understand the native vegetation group which grows on your
property, or has grown in the past. It is also important to understand the
type of vegetation community re-establishing butterflies might come from.
When you plant the right local native plant in the right place, you save
time, money, effort, energy and you do less maintenance. You also create
the most appropriate habitat for local butterflies.
This map shows the historic location of vegetation groups found on the
Gold Coast.
Find the vegetation group that grows where you live. You can then
choose local native host plants from this group to grow in your backyard
by looking for the matching colour code in the local native plant list on
pages 45 to 66.
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
41
EXPOSED COASTAL
EC
COASTAL
C
FRESHWATER WETLANDS
FW
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
TIDAL WETLANDS
TW
SWAMP FOREST
SF
RIVERINE & ALLUVIAL
RA
RAINFOREST
RF
WET EUCALYPT
WE
MONTANE
MT
EUCALYPT
E
43
SHES
MA
T
RU
Local native host plants for butterflies
These local natives are butterfly host plants suitable for gardens.
Butterflies which use these plants are listed. This list was compiled from
known records of what the caterpillars eat. New discoveries will be added
to the list as time passes. Few caterpillars have more specific preferences
than the plant genus. Not all local butterflies or host plants are listed.
MAT RUSHES
Splendid Ochre, Orange Ochre, Brown Ochre, Northern Silver Ochre, Ornate
Ochre, Southern Silver Ochre, Montane Ochre, Heath Ochre, Black-ringed
Ochre, Yellow Ochre
Wallum Mat Rush
Lomandra elongata
C
Plants that also provide nectar for adult butterflies are
indicated by a butterfly icon.
CWS
Twisted Mat Rush
Lomandra obliqua
Not all plant species listed will be available from nurseries and other plant
suppliers, but the range of local native plants available is growing.
Pale Mat Rush
Lomandra confertifolia
subsp. pallida
E
WE
Asking your local garden centre or native nursery to stock specific
local native species that you would like to grow will encourage them to
increase the range of species available.
Creek Mat Rush
Lomandra hystrix
Creek Mat Rush
Lomandra hystrix
SF
RA
Long-leaved Mat Rush
Lomandra longifolia
RA
E
C
SF
Broad-leaved Mat Rush
Lomandra laxa
CWS
RF
WE
CWS
Many-flowered Mat Rush
Lomandra multiflora subsp.
multiflora
RA
E
WE
Long-leaved Mat Rush
Lomandra longifolia
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
Yellow-fruited Mat Rush
Lomandra spicata
RF
45
D
GRASSES
Kangaroo Grass
Themeda triandra
SF
RA
ES
SEDGES
Barred Skipper, Dingy Grass Skipper, Small Grass Skipper, Lilac Grass Skipper, Whitebrand Grass Skipper, Yellow Grass Skipper, Bright Shield Skipper, Dull Shield Skipper,
Large Yellow Grass Dart, Small Dingy Grass Dart, No-brand Grass Dart, White-banded
Grass-dart, Common Grass Dart, Walker’s Grass Dart, White-margined Grass Dart,
Dark-orange Grass Dart, Dingy Grass Dart, Orange Grass Dart, Swamp Darter, Hyaline
Swift, Grey Swift, Dingy Swift, Lyell’s Swift, Evening Brown, Rock Ringlet, Northern
Ringlet, Common Ringlet, Dingy Ringlet, Orange Ringlet, Common Brown, Wonder
Brown, Bank’s Brown, Dingy Ring
C
G
SE
GR
A
SS
E
Tussock Grass
Poa labillardierei
WE
RA
E
Hairy Forest Grass
Ottochloa nodosa
RA
WE
SF
E
RF
Grassy Saw-sedge
Gahnia insignis
CWS
Red-fruited Sword-sedge
Gahnia sieberiana
C
SF
WE
Black-fruited Sword-sedge
Gahnia melanocarpa
WE
Grassy Saw-sedge
Gahnia insignis
MT
Wide-brand Sedge Skipper
Weeping Grass
Microlaena stipoides
RA
E
SF
a Sedge
Scleria tricuspidata
WE
Razor-leaved Sedge
Scleria levis
Rainforest Beard Grass
Oplismenus mollis
Hairy Panic
Panicum effusum
Creeping Beard Grass
Oplismenus aemulus
Dwarf Panic
Panicum pygmaeum
RA
E
Pademelon Grass
Oplismenus imbecillis
SF
RA
E
WE
WE
Rough Sword-sedge
Gahnia aspera
E
WE
Tall Sword-sedge
Gahnia clarkei
C
SF
WE
Other local native grasses include:
Graceful/Pademelon Grass
Ottochloa gracillima
Two-spotted Sedge Skipper, Flame Sedge Skipper, Varied Sedge Skipper, Greenish
Darter, Chequered Sedge Skipper, Spotted Sedge Skipper, Painted Sedge Skipper,
Wonder Brown, Swordgrass Brown
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
RF
Raspy-leaved Sedge
Scleria mackaviensis
Raspy-leaved Sedge
Scleria mackaviensis
RA
E
WE
Razor Sedge
Scleria sphacelata
WE
RF
47
O
D COV ER
GR
UN
GROUND COVERS
Long-tailed Pea Blue, Common Grass Blue
Meadow Argus
Wallum Goodenia
Goodenia stelligera
C
Slender Swainson-pea
Swainsona brachycarpa
Darling Pea
Swainsona galegifolia
Smooth Darling Pea
Swainsona queenslandica
E
CWS
Ivy Goodenia
Goodenia hederacea subsp.
hederacea
E
CWS
CWS
Branched Goodenia
Goodenia paniculata
FW
Slender Swainson-pea
Swainsona brachycarpa
Goodenia
Goodenia rotundifolia
C
Goodenia
Goodenia rotundifolia
WE
C
RA
E
MT
Meadow Argus
Eastern Iris Skipper
Swamp Iris
Patersonia fragilis
C
Fan Flower
Scaevola calendulacea
EC
C
Leafy Purple Flag
Patersonia glabrata
Purple Fan Flower
Scaevola ramosissima
C
Silky Purple Flag
Patersonia sericea var. sericea
C
Silky Purple Flag
Patersonia sericea
var. sericea
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
E
E
Beach Scaevola
Scaevola calendulacea
49
O
D COV ER
GR
UN
GROUND COVERS
Meadow Argus
Meadow Argus
Blue Trumpet
Brunoniella australis
RA
E
Trailing Speedwell
Veronica plebeia
WE
Leafwing, Common Eggfly, Blue Eggfly,
Danaid Eggfly, Blue Argus
Australian Painted Lady
RA
E
Pastel Flower
Pseuderanthemum
variabile
E
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
Emu Foot
Cullen tenax
E
Yellow Buttons
Chrysocephalum apiculatum
WE
Chequered Swallowtail, Long-tailed Pea
Blue, Common Grass Blue
Australian Painted Lady
E
E
Australian Painted Lady
Australian Painted Lady
White Paper Daisy
Coronidium elatum subsp.
elatum
WE
Golden Everlasting Daisy
Xerochrysum bracteatum
MT
Chamomile Sunray
Rhodanthe anthemoides
MT
51
E
GROUND COVERS
VINES
Dingy Grass Skipper
Common Crow
Blueberry Flax Lily
Dianella caerulea
C
E
S
VIN
O
D COV ER
GR
UN
White-banded Lineblue
RF
Blue Flax Lily
Dianella caerulea var. assera
E
RF
Blue Flax Lily
Dianella caerulea var. caerulea
RF
Blueberry Flax Lily
Dianella caerulea var. assera
Blue Flax Lily
Dianella caerulea var. producta
E
C
RA
Other local Dianella caerulea
varieties - petasmatodes,
protensa, vannata
Wax Flower Vine
Hoya australis
C
E
Embelia
Embelia australiana
RF
RF
Dark Caerulean
Long-tailed Pea Blue
Suckering Flax Lily
Dianella congesta
EC
E
RF
Short-flowered Flax Lily
Dianella brevipedunculata
Blue Flax Lily
Dianella longifolia
E
Suckering Flax Lily
Dianella congesta
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
Coastal Jack Bean
Canavalia rosea
EC
Red Coral Pea
Kennedia rubicunda
C
E
WE
53
E
VIN
S
VINES
VINES
Danaid Eggfly, Meadow Argus,
Green Awl
Southern Large Darter, Common
Pencilled Blue
Lesser Wanderer, Common Crow,
Blue Tiger
Narrow-leaved Milk Vine
Marsdenia fraseri
C
Downy Milk Vine
Marsdenia pleiadenia
WE
Common Milk Vine
Marsdenia rostrata
RF
Marsdenia lloydii
Burny Bean
Mucuna gigantea
RA
Supplejack
Flagellaria indica
RF
Miskin’s Jewel, Fiery Jewel, Bright
Forest Blue
RF
Marsdenia flavescens
Marsdenia fraseri
Marsdenia coronata
V
Marsdenia hemiptera
Marsdenia longiloba
CWS
V
V
RF
Pale Green Triangle
Richmond Birdwing
Richmond Birdwing Vine
Pararistolochia praevenosa
Mountain Birdwing Vine
Pararistolochia laheyana
CWS
RF
Barbed-wire Vine
Smilax australis
RF
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
Zig-zag Vine
Melodorum leichhardtii
RF
Mountain Birdwing Vine
Pararistolochia laheyana
55
R
SH
UB
SHRUBS
Southern Pearl White, Narrow-winged
Pearl White, Chalky Pearl White, Caper
White, Australian Gull,
Common Albatross
Dingy Swallowtail, Orchard Butterfly,
Tailed Citrus Butterfly
Fiery Jewel
CWS
Caper Bush
Capparis arborea
Finger Lime
Citrus australasica
RF
Grass Jewel, Black-spotted Grass Blue,
Dark Caerulean, Common Grass Blue
Common Crow
Currant Bush
Carissa ovata
RF
WE
Speckled Lineblue, Australian Admiral,
White Nymph, Blue Eggfly, Varied Eggfly,
Indigo Flash
Common Aeroplane
RF
E
WE
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
Native Mulberry
Pipturus argenteus
RF
C
E
RF
WE
Common Aeroplane
CWS
CWS
Native Indigo
Indigofera australis
Hop Bush
Dodonaea viscosa
Dysentery Plant
Grewia latifolia
E
Spiny Graptophyllum
Graptophyllum spinigerum
RF
57
R
SH
UB
SHRUBS
Fiery Jewel, Copper Pencilled Blue, Fringed Heath Blue
Fringed Heath Blue
Wallum Dogwood
Jacksonia stackhousei
C
a Pea
Daviesia umbellulata
C
CWS
E
a Pea
Daviesia villifera
Dogwood
Jacksonia scoparia
E
CWS
Long-leaf Bitter-pea
Daviesia wyattiana
E
Dogwood
Jacksonia scoparia
Daviesia villifera
Common Migrant, Lemon Migrant, Yellow Migrant, No-brand Grass Yellow, Common
Grass Yellow, Small Grass Yellow, Macleay’s Grass Yellow
Fringed Heath Blue
Pepper-leaved Senna
Senna barclayana
Heathy Parrot Pea
Dillwynia retorta
C
Pepper-leaved Senna
Senna sophera var. sophera
E
Showy Parrot Pea
Dillwynia floribunda
C
CWS
E
Rainforest Cassia
Senna acclinis
RF
Pepper-leaved Senna
Senna barclayana
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
Showy Parrot Pea
Dillwynia floribunda
59
E
TR
E
TREES
Tailed Emperor, Blue Jewel, Fiery Jewel, Common Imperial Blue, Stencilled Imperial
Blue, Daemel’s Imperial Blue, Wattle Blue, Twin-spotted Lineblue, Purple Lineblue,
Short-tailed Lineblue, Glistening Lineblue, Small Green-banded Blue
Macleay’s Swallowtail, Blue Triangle, Common Red-eye, Eastern Flat
Hickory Wattle
Acacia falcata
Yellow Laurel
Cryptocarya bidwillii
Golden Wreath Wattle
Acacia penninervis
Small-leaved Cryptocarya
Cryptocarya foveolata
Blackwood
Acacia melanoxylon
E
Jackwood
Cryptocarya glaucescens
Hard-leaved Laurel
Cryptocarya sclerophylla
RF
Early Black Wattle
Acacia leiocalyx
Pigeonberry Ash
Cryptocarya erythroxylon
Golden Wreath Wattle
Acacia penninervis
Bright Cornelian, Common Pencilled Blue, Large Purple Lineblue, Purple Lineblue,
Hairy Lineblue
Macadamia Nut
Macadamia integrifolia
Macadamia Nut
Macadamia tetraphylla
RF
V
V
V
V
Murrogun
Cryptocarya microneura
Cooloola Laurel
Cryptocarya macdonaldii
WE
CWS
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
TW
SF
E
RA
CWS
Glossy Laurel
Cryptocarya laevigata
Pepperberry
Cryptocarya obovata
RA
RF
Murrogun
Cryptocarya microneura
Three-veined Cryptocarya
Cryptocarya triplinervis
Macadamia Nut
Macadamia tetraphylla
Thick-leaved Laurel
Cryptocarya meisneriana
WE
RF
RF
E
RA
WE
RF
61
E
TR
E
TREES
Bright Cornelian, Common Pencilled Blue, Dark Pencilled Blue, Purple Lineblue,
Short-tailed Lineblue, Glistening Lineblue, Hairy Lineblue
Fiery Jewel, Bright Cornelian, Common Pencilled Blue, Large Purple Lineblue,
Short-tailed Lineblue, Glistening Lineblue, White-banded Lineblue, Hairy Lineblue
Beach Alectryon
Alectryon coriaceus
C
Wild Quince
Alectryon subcinereus
RF
Brown Tuckeroo
Cupaniopsis flagelliformis
Eastern Flat; Common Aeroplane,
Fiery Jewel, Common Pencilled Blue,
Hairy Lineblue
Flame Tree
Brachychiton
acerifolius
Small-leaved Tuckeroo
Cupaniopsis parvifolia
RF
CWS
Long-leaved Tuckeroo
Cupaniopsis newmanii
RA
E
WE
Beach Alectryon
Alectryon coriaceus
Long-leaved Tuckeroo
Cupaniopsis newmanii
Flame Tree
Brachychiton acerifolius
Kurrajong
Brachychiton populneus subsp.
trilobus
E
RF
Kurrajong
Brachychiton populneus subsp.
populneus
E
Rusty Kurrajong
CWS
Brachychiton bidwillii
Lacebark Tree
Brachychiton discolor
RF
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
CWS
CWS
NT
RF
Tuckeroo
Cupaniopsis anacardioides
EC TW C SF RA
E
Bright Cornelian, Common Pencilled Blue, Purple Lineblue, Short-tailed Lineblue,
Speckled Lineblue, Hairy Lineblue
Wing-leaved Tulip
Harpullia alata
CWS
Blunt-leaved Tulip
Harpullia hillii
Tulipwood
Harpullia pendula
RF
Tulipwood
Harpullia pendula
63
E
TR
E
TREES
Macleay’s Swallowtail, Blue Triangle,
Dingy Swallowtail, Orchard Butterfly
Bright Cornelian, Common Pencilled Blue, Purple Lineblue, Short-tailed Lineblue,
Speckled Lineblue, Hairy Lineblue
White Yiel-Yiel
Grevillea hilliana
CWS
Helm’s Silky Oak
Grevillea helmsiae
RF
Silky Oak
Grevillea robusta
RA
Blue Triangle, Common Red-eye
CWS
RF
Green Satinheart
Geijera salicifolia var. latifolia
White Yiel-Yiel
Grevillea hilliana
RF
Macleay’s Swallowtail, Blue Triangle
Fiery Jewel, Bright Cornelian
Eumundi Quandong
Elaeocarpus eumundi
Broad-leaved Native Cherry
Exocarpos latifolius
RF
Common Migrant, Yellow Migrant,
No-brand Grass Yellow, Common Grass
Yellow, Small Grass Yellow, Macleay’s
Grass Yellow
V
Blue Quandong
Elaeocarpus grandis
Pidgeonberry Ash
Elaeocarpus kirtonii
Hard Quandong
Elaeocarpus obovatus
RA
WE
Blue Quandong
Elaeocarpus grandis
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
RF
Sassafras
Doryphora sassafras
RF
Brush Cassia
Cassia marksiana
RF
65
PA
L
M
CYCADS AND PALMS
Grow nectar plants
CYCADS – Cycad Blue
Zamia
Macrozamia lucida
CWS
Pineapple Zamia
Macrozamia
pauli-guilielmi
WE
E
E
RF
To attract butterflies to your garden, you also need to provide nectar
plants for the adults to feed from. In this regard butterflies are rather
unspecialised. They will go for any flower that provides nectar rewards
they can reach with their ‘drinking straw’ tongues.
Bright UV-rich colours such as red, white and purple are preferred, but
any rich, accessible source of nectar will be used. Basically any freely
available open-faced flowers will attract butterflies.
Tubular flowers may be particularly attractive as long as the butterflies
can reach the nectar sources deep inside the flower tubes.
Zamia
Macrozamia lucida
PALMS – Yellow Palm Dart, Orange Palm Dart
CWS
SF
Bangalow Palm
Archontophoenix
cunnighamiana
x
RA WE
RF
Cabbage Palm
Livistona australis
C
SF
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
E
Wait-a-while
Calamus muelleri
WE
RF
Male Splendid Ochre
(Trapezites symmomus) feeding
on the flowers of Monkey Rope
Vine (Parsonsia straminea)
Orange Grass-dart
(Suniana sunias) feeding
from a tubular flower
67
Local native plants which provide a source of nectar include
Xanthorrhoea (grass-trees), Leptospermum, Melaleuca (including
those formerly known as Callistemon), Brachyscome and other
native daisies, Hakea, Myoporum and eucalypts.
Many non-native flowering plants are also exploited, just remember
to avoid complex artificially bred ‘doubles’ and those that have been
bred for appearance rather than biological fitness. These are likely to
produce little or no nectar and scent and do not provide butterflies
with a food source.
Create moist areas for ‘mud puddling’
In a dry climate, butterflies will also seek out patches of moist ground
to indulge in what is called ‘mud-puddling’. They suck water from the
ground, pass it through their bodies and absorb nutrients, and no doubt
some water. You can support butterflies by creating wet areas lined with
gravel and/or stone where they and other insects can safely access
water without drowning or getting stuck in mud.
Reduce the use of pesticides
Like all insects, butterflies are highly sensitive to pesticides. Reducing
or stopping the use of pesticides in the garden can benefit butterflies
and many other kinds of ‘useful’ insects. Don’t assume that because a
product is on sale it is not harmful to native species.
Regent Skipper (Euschemon rafflesia) feeding on a blossom
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
Lemon Migrant (Catopsilia pomona) mud puddling
69
Want to know more?
Ecological restoration undertaken by a private
landholder
Bushland restoration
Ecological restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of
an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed.
It involves activities such as weed control, erosion control,
exclusion of grazing animals and management of pest animals.
More information about how to undertake ecological restoration on
your property can be found on the City of Gold Coast website by
searching for the following:
•
South East Queensland Restoration Framework: Details a
framework for undertaking ecological restoration and includes a
manual which provides a technical, but easy to use, guide to all
aspects of ecological restoration.
•
Environmental Weeds and Invasive Plants: Information
about identifying and managing environmental weeds.
•
Ecological Restoration Techniques: Suite of videos
demonstrating best practice weed management and other
restoration techniques.
•
Landholder Partnerships: Details services provided to assist
private property owners with restoration and conservation of
their land including Land for Wildlife, Voluntary Conservation
Agreements and Bushland Health Checks.
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
MAY 2014
OCTOBER 2014
JUNE 2016
MAY 2018
71
Local native plants
Purchasing plants that are local provenance is an important contribution
you can make to the environment. Local provenance means that the
plant is grown from local, naturally occurring specimens.
Planting these, rather than plants sourced from far afield, preserves
the local gene pool of that species. It also supports local native plant
nurseries, which play a vital role in contributing to the greening of the city
and supporting the local economy.
Where to buy local native plants
Use the GroNative App to find nurseries in South East Queensland that
stock plants listed in the app.
Search for suppliers and native plant sale events online:
•
Native Plants Queensland has autumn and spring plant sales which
are a great way to buy interesting and hard to find native plants.
Nurseries are listed on their website.
•
The Australian Native Plants Society website provides a list of native
plant nurseries.
•
Gardening events and shows are held regularly on the Gold Coast
and across South East Queensland.
•
There are a number of online plant suppliers which you can find by
searching for plants by species names.
Visit the Friends of the Gardens nursery at the Gold Coast Regional
Botanic Gardens. The nursery stocks a wide range of local native plants
and is open from 8 – 11am on the first Friday of each month.
Friends of the Gardens nursery
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
73
Opportunities to learn more
Digital and websites
Naturally GC
SEARCH FOR:
A variety of free and low cost nature based workshops, activities
and events are available across the Gold Coast including native
gardening workshops – check out the City of Gold Coast website
for further information.
•
Coffs Harbour Butterfly House Encyclopaedia: Probably the
best Australian website for up-to-date information on butterflies
and moths.
•
Butterflies Australia App: Smart phone application to identify
butterflies and gather and collate detailed information about
sightings. Download from the App Store or Google Play.
•
Sustainable Gardening Australia – Butterflies: Information
about ‘gardening for butterflies’ with links to other sites and
commentaries.
•
Australian Museum – Butterflies: A useful website principally
pointing to other websites. A gateway to the worldwide information
bases available on butterflies.
•
Butterflies and Other Invertebrates Club (BOIC): Brisbane based
club for people with an interest in butterflies and other invertebrates
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
Visit Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens in Benowa. Friends of the
Gardens volunteers are on site every day to provide advice. You can
also join a guided walk of the butterfly garden to learn more about our
local butterflies and their host plants – check out their Facebook page
for dates and times of walks.
Books and resources available from City Libraries
•
Orr, A. G. & Kitching, R. L. (2010). The Butterflies of Australia,
Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, NSW.
•
Garry Sankowsky (2015). All about butterflies of Australia,
Reed New Holland Publishers Pty Ltd
•
Clyne, Densey (2011). Attracting Butterflies to Your Garden,
New Holland Publishers
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
75
References
Photo Credits
Content for this booklet was provided by Professor Roger Kitching.
Key references:
Butterfly photos
Plant photos
ALL BUTTERFLY PHOTOS ARE
BY TODD BURROWS
UNLESS DETAILED BELOW
ALL PLANT PHOTOS ARE BY
GLENN LEIPER
•
BRABY, M. F. (2000). Butterflies of Australia: their Identification,
Biology and Distribution, CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Vic.
•
DUNN, K. L. & DUNN, L. E. (1991). Review of Australian Butterflies:
Distribution, Life History and Taxonomy, Privately Published,
Melbourne, Vic.
•
KITCHING, R. L., SCHEERMEYER, E., JONES, R E. & PIERCE, N.
E. (Eds) (1999). Biology of Australian Butterflies, CSIRO Publishing,
Collingwood, Vic.
•
LEIPER, G., GLAZEBROOK, J., COX, D. & RATHIE, K. (2017).
Mangroves to Mountains: a Field Guide to the Native Plants of Southeast Queensland, 2nd Edition, Society for Growing Australian Plants,
Logan, Qld.
•
ORR, A. G. & KITCHING, R. L. (2010). The Butterflies of Australia,
Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, NSW.
•
SANDS, D. P. A. & NEW, T. R. (2013). Conservation of the Richmond
Birdwing Butterfly in Australia, Springer, Dordrecht, Germany.
•
SCOBLE, M. J. (1992). The Lepidoptera: Form, Function and
Diversity, Natural History Museum, London.
Page 31
Australian Fritillary illustration –
Albert Orr
Page 32
Butterfly Garden Botanic Gardens –
Kate Heffernan
Page 52
Dianella congesta – Narelle Power
Published April 2020
The Richmond Birdwing: A conservation success story
•
Principal Source: SANDS D. P. A. & NEW T. R. (2013), Conservation
of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly in Australia, Springer, Dordrecht.
The Australian Fritillary – gone for ever?
•
Principal source: LAMBKIN T. A. (2017), Australian Entomologist 44,
223-268.
White Wood (Delias aganippe)
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
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F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY: Our Nature – Butterflies
20-EPE-00445
P 1300 GOLDCOAST (1300 465 326)
W cityofgoldcoast.com.au