Butterflies of Coastal SEQ - An Identification Guide Trevor Ford
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Butterflies
of Coastal SEQ
An Identification Guide
Trevor Ford
Map of Coastal SEQ
Butterflies
of Coastal SEQ
V McLean
An Identification Guide
Trevor Ford
1
First published in 2012. This booklet may not be produced or transmitted in whole or part, in any form, without prior permission from the author. Printed by Platypus Graphics, Stafford, Brisbane, Qld. The photograph of the Small Dusky-blue on the front cover was taken by Russel Denton and the photograph of the Dingy Grass-skipper on the back cover was taken by Neil Bowman. The photograph on page 1 is of a Plumbago Blue and the photograph on page 72 is of a Richmond Birdwing. The butterfly life cycle diagram below was designed and photographed by Russel Denton. The Coastal SEQ map (inside front cover) identifies the five funding councils. 2
Contents
_________________________________________________
Page
Introduction 4
Butterflies and Moths 4
Life Cycle 5
Behaviour 5
Survival Requirements 5
Species Identification 6
Identification Guide 7
Skippers 8
Swallowtails 18
Whites and Yellows 26
Browns 36
Blues 52
Day-flying Moths 68
Index of Species 69
Acknowledgements 72
3
Introduction This booklet provides an introduction to the butterflies of coastal south-east Queensland (SEQ). It describes their status, their behaviour, the various habitat requirements necessary for their survival and the specific food plants (host plants) upon which their caterpillars feed. Included are photographs and detailed accounts of ninety butterfly species found regularly within the region, together with photographs and brief descriptions of four day-flying moth species that might also be encountered. It is hoped that by raising the general awareness of these very special insects and the variety of problems that they now face, sufficient action will be taken such that they can again prosper. Butterflies and Moths Butterflies and moths are invertebrates that, as adults, have three major body parts (head, thorax and abdomen) and three pairs of legs. They belong to the large insect order Lepidoptera, meaning scaled wings, their four wings having colours formed by thousands of tiny broad and flattened overlapping scales. The mosaic of intricate patterns displayed may be to attract a mate or to deter potential predators by blending with the background or advertising that they might be unpleasant to eat. A long tubular curled proboscis sucks up fluids and two antennae function as sensing devices. There is no definitive way of telling butterflies and moths apart. Generally, butterflies fly in the daytime, have swollen ends to their antennae and their front and rear wings are not locked together during flight. Moths are mostly nocturnal, have antennae that, although varied in shape, are rarely swollen at the end, and often have bristles which hook their wings together in flight. But these are guidelines rather than hard-and-fast rules. 4
Life Cycle
A butterfly completes four major changes during its life,
undergoing a metamorphosis from egg to larva (caterpillar)
to pupa (chrysalis) and finally to adult. The female lays her
eggs on host plants that are suitable food for her caterpillars
and, as they feed, they grow and moult several times. A fully-
grown caterpillar moults into a chrysalis that develops in a non-
feeding stage, during which the larval organs are re-organised.
Once the adult has emerged from the chrysalis and expanded
its wings, it remains the same size for the rest of its life.
Behaviour
Display flights, mating and egg-laying are among the most
fascinating aspects of butterfly behaviour and these vary
considerably between species. In particular, hilltopping is the
tendency of males of some species to gather on hilltops or
ridges with the intention of attracting and mating with passing
females. Some butterfly species embark on long migrations,
although not always annually, in order to find food or mates.
This may involve very large numbers of butterflies.
Survival Requirements
Butterflies require a healthy environment in order to survive
and there are a number of ways in which we can help:
• By planting native host plants on which females can lay
their eggs
• By planting native plants with nectar-producing flowers on
which adults can feed
5
• By providing water for adults in hot dry weather • By restricting clearance of native vegetation • By restricting use of herbicides and insecticides Species Identification The following are the main points to consider when identifying butterflies: Size, shape and colour - Note the overall size and shape of the butterfly, including the shape of the wings, the colour both above and below, and any obvious markings or patterns. Behaviour patterns - Note as much of the butterfly’s behaviour as possible, such as how it flies (whether rapidly or slowly and how high above the ground), whether it settles with its wings open or closed and if certain vegetation types are used as favoured perches (and how high these perches are above the ground). Note whether it is aggressive towards other species and, if you are lucky enough to see a male displaying, record everything about his performance and how the female reacts. Habitat - Note the butterfly’s preferred habitat as specifically as possible, as this can help to confirm identification. Many different habitat types are utilised, including grasslands, heathlands, eucalypt forests and rainforests. It is also important to record whether the area is highland, lowland or coastal. Host plants - If you see a female laying her eggs, be sure to note the plant species on which she is laying. 6
Identification Guide
The common names of butterflies used in this booklet are
those presented in “The Complete Field Guide to Butterflies
of Australia” by Michael F. Braby. Several of these names are
new and innovative, causing some authors to prefer the former
names. Where relevant, a former name is included after the
common name. Common names nominated for future change
include:
• Pencilled-blue instead of Pencil-blue
• Chalky Pearl-white instead of Striated Pearl-white
The wingspan of each species is given as the measurement
of size and is usually different for male (♂) and female (♀);
females are normally larger, but not always. Note that these are
average measurements, so both larger and smaller individuals
can be encountered.
Nearly all of the species described in this booklet are common
in the area but some are described as being local. Where this
qualification is made, the species will most likely be found only
in its preferred habitat type, which may be patchily distributed.
The habitat types described suggest areas where the species
can be found but the list is not necessarily exhaustive. The host
plants identified are those normally used but other plants may
also be utilised. An asterisk (*) precedes the scientific name of
a plant that has been introduced to Australia. Although some
native butterflies have adapted to using these as host plants,
they have a tendency to become exotic weed species, so they
are not recommended for planting.
7
Skippers (Hesperiidae)
Small to medium-sized butterflies that are generally orange
and brown. Notoriously difficult to identify. Photographs can be
useful to help confirm both their identity and sex.
The first two species are among the most attractive and
distinctive.
Regent Skipper Euschemon rafflesia
♂ 54 mm, ♀ 61 mm. Common but local spectacular
butterfly with rapid flight, often settling with wings open.
Males regularly hilltop. Occurs in subtropical rainforests
and adjoining riparian areas. Host plants include Veiny
Wilkiea (Wilkiea huegeliana) and Large-leaved Wilkiea
(W. macrophylla).
Eastern Dusk-flat Chaetocneme beata
(Common Red-eye) ♂ 47 mm, ♀ 52 mm. Common but local
brown butterfly with rapid flight. Predominantly crepuscular.
Occurs in rainforests, wetter open forests, parks and gardens.
Host plants include rainforest trees (Cryptocarya, Litsea and
Neolitsea spp.).
Distinctive and
characteristic
bright red eye of
Eastern Dusk-flat
is conspicuous in
this male (left).
G Walker
8G Walker G Walker
Regent Skipper (above). No other butterfly should really be
mistaken for this species but be aware of possible confusion
with colourful day-flying Joseph’s Coat Moth (see page 68),
which has red band near rear edge of hindwing, not red on
abdomen.
G Walker G Walker
Eastern Dusk-flat male (above left) and female (above right).
Males are generally more bronze-orange on upperwing than
browner females.
9Narrow-winged Awl Badamia exclamationis
(Brown Awl) ♂ 48 mm, ♀ 52 mm. Common brown migratory
butterfly with rapid flight. Occurs in drier subcoastal and urban
areas. Host plants include Beach Almond (Terminalia catappa).
Chrome Awl Hasora chromus
(Common Banded Awl) ♂ 42 mm, ♀ 43 mm. Common but local
brown butterfly with rapid flight. Occurs in littoral rainforests,
vine forests and urban areas. Host plants include Pongamia
(Millettia pinnata) and Peanut Tree (Sterculia quadrifida).
Orange Ochre Trapezites eliena
(Eliena Skipper) ♂ 33 mm, ♀ 37 mm. Common but local orange
and brown butterfly with rapid flight, often settling close to
ground. Males regularly hilltop. Occurs in open forests where
matrushes grow. Host plants include matrushes (Lomandra
spp.).
Splendid Ochre Trapezites symmomus
(Symmomus Skipper) ♂ 42 mm, ♀ 46 mm. Common but local
orange and brown butterfly with rapid flight, usually close
to ground. Occurs in open forests in moist shady areas,
watercourses, parks, gardens and at rainforest edges. Host
plants include Spinyhead
Matrush (Lomandra longifolia).
Brown upperwing with yellowish
patches gives generally dark
appearance of Splendid Ochre
(right).
R Denton
10G Walker R Denton
Narrow-winged Awl (above left) with characteristic long and
narrow forewing, and Chrome Awl (above right) with distinctive
suffused white band on underside of hindwing.
G Walker R Denton
Orange Ochre male (above left), which has smaller white
spots on underside of hindwing than female, and Splendid
Ochre male (above right).
11Lilac Grass-skipper Toxidia doubledayi
(Doubleday’s Skipper) ♂ 26 mm, ♀ 26 mm. Common brown
butterfly with rapid flight, almost always close to ground
amongst grasses. Occurs at grassy edges of wet eucalypt
forests and rainforests. Host plants include beard grass
(Oplismenus spp.) and other native grasses (Poaceae family).
Dingy Grass-skipper Toxidia peron
(Large Dingy Skipper) ♂ 29 mm, ♀ 30 mm. Common brown
butterfly that often settles close to ground. Males regularly
hilltop. Occurs in coastal and subcoastal open eucalypt forests
and at rainforest edges. Host plants include various native and
exotic grasses (Poaceae family).
Eastern Iris-skipper Mesodina halyzia
(Halyzia Skipper) ♂ 31 mm, ♀ 33 mm. Common but local brown
butterfly with rapid flight, usually close to ground in open areas.
Occurs in wallum heathlands and eucalypt forests with heath
understorey. Host plants include native irises (Patersonia spp.).
Narrow-brand Grass-dart Ocybadistes flavovittata
(Common Dart) ♂ 19 mm, ♀ 20 mm. Common orange and
brown butterfly with rapid flight, usually close to ground
amongst grasses. Settles frequently. Not as common as
similar Greenish Grass-dart (see pages 14-15). Occurs in
coastal and hinterland eucalypt forests and woodlands in open
grassy areas. Host plants include
grasses (Poaceae family) such as
Green Couch (Cynodon dactylon).
Many skippers, such as Narrow-
brand Grass-dart (right), show
orange and brown wing pattern.
G Walker
12N Bowman G Walker
Lilac Grass-skipper (female above left), which has lilac
suffusion in underwing, and Dingy Grass-skipper male
(above right). Note different wing markings of these two similar
species.
R Denton G Walker
Eastern Iris-skipper (female above left), which often has lilac
sheen on underside of hindwing (compare to Lilac Grass-
skipper), and Narrow-brand Grass-dart male (above right).
13Greenish Grass-dart Ocybadistes walkeri
(Yellow-banded Dart) ♂ 20 mm, ♀ 20 mm. Common orange
and brown butterfly (much smaller than Greenish Darter)
with rapid flight, usually close to ground amongst grasses.
Settles frequently. Occurs in open eucalypt forests, parks and
gardens. Host plants include grasses (Poaceae family) such
as Green Couch (Cynodon dactylon) and sedges (Carex spp.).
Wide-brand Grass-dart Suniana sunias
(Orange Dart) ♂ 21 mm, ♀ 22 mm. Common orange and
brown butterfly with rapid flight, almost always close to ground
amongst grasses. Settles frequently. Occurs in riparian and
swampy areas, clearings and grassy edges of closed forests.
Host plants include Swamp Ricegrass (Leersia hexandra) and
Water Couch (Paspalum distichum).
Orange Palm-dart Cephrenes augiades
♂ 37 mm, ♀ 41 mm. Common orange and brown butterfly with
rapid flight. Males aggressive towards rival males. Occurs
in subtropical rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, parks and
gardens. Host plants include Piccabeen Palm (Archontophoenix
cunninghamiana) and cabbage palms (Livistona spp.).
Yellow Palm-dart Cephrenes trichopepla
♂ 34 mm, ♀ 36 mm. Common orange-yellow and brown butterfly
with rapid flight. Males aggressive towards rival males. Occurs
in subtropical rainforests, paperbark wetlands, parks and
gardens. Host plants include native palms (Archontophoenix,
Livistona and Ptychosperma spp.).
Extensive orange-yellow markings
are evident on upperwing of
Yellow Palm-dart (right).
R Denton
14R Denton G Walker
Greenish Grass-dart male (above left) and Wide-brand
Grass-dart (above right), which often occurs in same area as
Swamp Darter (see pages 16-17).
P Chew R Denton
Orange Palm-dart freshly-emerged pale form male (above
left) and Yellow Palm-dart male (above right). Both male
and female Yellow Palm-darts have brown-black spots on
underside of hindwing.
15Pale-orange Darter Telicota colon
(Pale Darter) ♂ 27 mm, ♀ 29 mm. Common but local orange
and brown butterfly with rapid flight, usually close to ground
amongst grasses. Settles frequently. Occurs in eucalypt
woodlands, open forests, estuarine wetlands and at edges of
mangroves. Host plants include Common Reed (Phragmites
australis) and Large Bluegrass
(Ischaemum australe).
Grass-darts and darters, such as
Pale-orange Darter (male right),
can be extremely difficult to identify.
G Walker
Greenish Darter Telicota ancilla
♂ 29 mm, ♀ 31 mm. Common but local orange and brown
butterfly with rapid flight, usually close to ground amongst
grasses. Settles frequently. Occurs in open eucalypt forests
with grass understorey. Host plants include Blady Grass
(Imperata cylindrica).
Swamp Darter Arrhenes marnas
(Affinis Skipper) ♂ 24 mm, ♀ 26 mm. Common but local orange
and brown butterfly with slow flight, usually close to water
in swampy areas. Settles frequently. Occurs in paperbark
wetlands and sedgelands. Host plants include Swamp Rice
Grass (Leersia hexandra).
Dingy Swift Pelopidas agna
(Common Swift) ♂ 33 mm, ♀ 36 mm. Common brown butterfly
with rapid flight, usually close to ground. Occurs in open forests
with tall grasses present, often in same habitat as similar
Lyell’s Swift (Pelopidas lyelli). Difficult to separate as spots on
wings of both species can vary in number between individuals.
Host plants include Large Bluegrass (Ischaemum australe).
16T Ford G Walker
Pale-orange Darter male (above left) and Greenish Darter
(above right). Greenish Darters have green suffusion on
underside, which is especially bright in fresh females.
R Denton T Ford
Swamp Darter male (above left), which often occurs in same
area as Wide-brand Grass-dart (see pages 14-15), and
Dingy Swift male (above right).
17Swallowtails (Papilionidae)
Large, colourful and spectacular butterflies, some of which are
migratory or dispersive. Identification is usually straightforward
but note that many do not have prominent tails.
Blue Triangle Graphium sarpedon
♂ 57 mm, ♀ 60 mm. Common blue butterfly with rapid erratic
flight. Males often hilltop. Occurs in rainforests, riparian
areas, parks and gardens. Host plants include Rose Walnut
(Endiandra discolor) and other native laurels (Cryptocarya,
Endiandra, Litsea and Neolitsea spp.).
Pale Triangle Graphium eurypylus
(Pale Green Triangle) ♂ 59 mm, ♀ 62 mm. Common but
local pale bluish-green butterfly with rapid flight, usually high
in canopy. Occurs in dry vine scrubs, parks, gardens and at
rainforest edges. Host plants include Canary Beech (Polyalthia
nitidissima) and Zig-zag Vine (Melodorum leichhardtii).
Macleay’s Swallowtail Graphium macleayanus
♂ 53 mm, ♀ 59 mm. Common but local greenish butterfly with
rapid flight when high in canopy, sometimes descending to feed
at flowers. Males often hilltop. Occurs in coastal and montane
rainforests. Host plants include
Brush Wilga (Geijera salicifolia)
and native laurels (Cryptocarya,
Cinnamomum and Endiandra spp.).
Pale green on upperwing of
Macleay’s Swallowtail (left) is not
often visible, as wings are usually
closed on settling.
G Walker
18H Kan G Walker
Blue Triangle (above) with bright turquoise-blue band on
upperwing and characteristic small red markings visible on
underside of hindwing.
N Bowman R Murray
Pale Triangle (above left) with single rows of spots on outer
edges of forewing and hindwing, and Macleay’s Swallowtail
(above right) with distinctive green areas on underwing.
19Orchard Swallowtail Papilio aegeus
(Orchard Butterfly) ♂ 102 mm, ♀ 108 mm. Common distinctive
butterfly with erratic flight. Males often patrol favoured flight
paths. Occurs in range of habitats including open forests, parks,
gardens, orchards and at rainforest edges. Host plants include
native ashes (Flindersia spp.), Cluster Berry (Micromelum
minutum) and citruses (Citrus spp.).
N Bowman G Hamlyn
Upperwing of Orchard Swallowtail male (above left) is very
different to upperwing of female (above right). The similar
Fuscous Swallowtail (Papilio fuscus) has clubbed tail, difficult
to see when in flight, and wing patches of male generally more
creamy-buff than those of male Orchard Swallowtail.
Dainty Swallowtail Papilio anactus
(Dingy Swallowtail) ♂ 67 mm, ♀ 72 mm. Common butterfly with
slow flight. Males often patrol favoured flight paths and often
hilltop. Occurs in open eucalypt forests, parks, gardens and at
rainforest edges. Host plants include native limes (Citrus spp.)
and Wilga (Geijera parviflora).
20G Hamlyn
Orchard Swallowtail male (above). Red and blue spots on
underside of hindwing are also present on female underwing
and upperwing (see page 20).
H Kan R Murray
Dainty Swallowtail male (above left) and female (above right),
both showing more white in wing than Orchard Swallowtail
(compare to Clearwing Swallowtail on pages 22-23).
21Chequered Swallowtail Papilio demoleus
♂ 72 mm, ♀ 75 mm. Common distinctively-patterned butterfly
with rapid flight, usually fairly close to ground. Sometimes
migrates in relatively large numbers. Occurs in open forests,
woodlands and grasslands. Host plants include Emu Foot
(Cullen tenax) and other legumes (Cullen spp.).
Clearwing Swallowtail Cressida cressida
(Big Greasy) ♂ 80 mm, ♀ 70 mm. Common butterfly with slow
flight. Males often patrol favoured areas in search of females,
which fly lower than males as they search for host plants.
Occurs in open forests and woodlands and on rocky slopes.
Host plants include Cressida Pipeflower Vine (Aristolochia
meridionalis) and Tagala Vine (A. acuminata).
P Chew
Wings of female Clearwing Swallowtail (above) are almost
entirely transparent, appearing greasy.
Male Clearwing Swallowtail (see page 23) has conspicuous
red spots on underside of hindwing, a feature of several
swallowtail species.
22G Walker G Walker
Chequered Swallowtail (above) with prominent pale yellow
spots and patches. Conspicuous red spot evident on upperside
of hindwing.
R Denton G Walker
Clearwing Swallowtail male (above) with two distinctive and
conspicuous black spots on transparent forewing (compare to
Dainty Swallowtail on pages 20-21).
23Four-barred Swordtail Protographium leosthenes
♂ 49 mm, ♀ 53 mm. Common but local distinctive butterfly
with rapid flight, usually fairly close to ground. Males regularly
hilltop. Occurs in dry vine forests and at rainforest edges. Host
plants include Zig-zag Vine (Melodorum leichhardtii).
Richmond Birdwing Ornithoptera richmondia
♂ 105 mm, ♀ 115 mm. Common but local distinctive butterfly
with gliding flight. Bright metallic green and black on upperwing
of male and distinctively-patterned underwing of both sexes.
Classified as vulnerable by Queensland Government. Occurs
in coastal and hinterland rainforests on volcanic soils. Host
plants include Birdwing Butterfly Vine (Pararistolochia
praevenosa).
\
R Seddon R Seddon
Richmond Birdwing female
upperwing and underwing
(above) and male (left).
Richmond Birdwing is the
largest butterfly in the region.
R Seddon
24G Walker G Walker
Four-barred Swordtail (above) with four blackish bands on
white area of forewing.
R Seddon
Richmond Birdwing male (above) with striking multi-coloured
underwing.
25Whites and Yellows (Pieridae)
Medium-sized white or yellow butterflies, habitually appearing
reluctant to settle. Consequently, obtaining both good and
prolonged views can often be difficult.
White Migrant Catopsilia pyranthe
(Common Migrant) ♂ 53 mm, ♀ 53 mm. Common white
migratory butterfly with rapid flight. Underwing whitish or
tinged with varying degrees of pale pinkish-buff. Occurs in dry
vine scrubs, open forests and woodlands. Host plants include
native sennas (Senna spp.).
Lemon Migrant Catopsilia pomona
♂ 58 mm, ♀ 58 mm. Common lemon-yellow migratory butterfly
with rapid flight. Pattern on underwing highly variable. Can be
difficult to detect when at rest. Occurs in open forests, parks,
gardens and at rainforest edges. Host plants include cassias
(Cassia spp.) and native sennas (Senna spp.).
Lemon Migrant male
(left) with very pale
underwing. Note the
curled proboscis, a
straw-like organ through
which a butterfly drinks.
Similar Yellow Migrant
(Catopsilia gorgophone)
has richer yellow in
underwing.
R Denton
26G Hamlyn G Walker
White Migrant (above) with female below male in mating pair
(left), and female (right) showing characteristic black spot on
wing. Note pinkish-brown striations on underwings of mating
pair.
M Harrison G Walker
Lemon Migrant females (above) illustrating variation in
underwing markings. White spots on underwing can be
enclosed in pinkish-brown rings or in extensive pinkish-brown
patch.
27No-brand Grass-yellow Eurema brigitta
♂ 33 mm, ♀ 36 mm. Common yellow butterfly with slow flight,
almost always close to ground. Occurs in open eucalypt
forests and woodlands. Host plants include fishbone cassias
(Chamaecrista nomame and C. maritima).
Small Grass-yellow Eurema smilax
♂ 30 mm, ♀ 33 mm. Common yellow butterfly with slow erratic
flight, almost always close to ground. Occurs in open forests,
woodlands and grasslands. Host plants include native sennas
(Senna spp.) and Native Sensitive Plant (Neptunia gracilis).
Large Grass-yellow Eurema hecabe
(Common Grass Yellow) ♂ 37 mm, ♀ 40 mm. Common yellow
butterfly with slow erratic flight, almost always close to ground.
Occurs in open forests, parks, gardens and at rainforest edges.
Host plants include wattles (Acacia spp.), native sennas
(Senna spp.) and Breynia (Breynia oblongifolia).
G Walker
Ill-defined black margin on upperside of hindwing visible in
Large Grass-yellow female (above); male has well-defined
thin black margin. Both sexes show noticeable yellow
indentation into black wing edge on upper forewing that covers
region enclosed by three veins, with small notch on central
vein.
28R Denton R Denton
No-brand Grass-yellow (above left) showing red-suffused
edge to wings, and Small Grass-yellow (above right), which
has less black on tip of upperside of forewing.
G Walker R Denton
Large Grass-yellow summer form male (above left) and
winter form (above right). Indented yellow area into black wing
edge clearly visible on summer form.
29Caper Gull Cepora perimale
(Australian Gull) ♂ 43 mm, ♀ 43 mm. Common white butterfly
with rapid flight. Care required to distinguish from female
Yellow Albatross (see pages 32-33), which also has yellow
underside of hindwing with dark brown border. Occurs in dry
vine forests, parks, gardens and at rainforest edges. Host
plants include native capers (Capparis spp.).
G Walker R Denton
White spots in black margin visible on upperside of forewing
and hindwing of Caper Gull (above left) but only on forewing of
Black Jezebel (above right). Spots larger on wings of Scarlet
Jezebel as evident on underwing (see page 31).
Scarlet Jezebel Delias argenthona
(Northern Jezabel) ♂ 62 mm, ♀ 61 mm. Common white
butterfly that usually flies fairly high. Occurs in coastal
paperbark woodlands where mistletoes grow. Host plants
include mistletoes (Amyema and Dendrophthoe spp.).
Black Jezebel Delias nigrina
(Common Jezabel) ♂ 56 mm, ♀ 56 mm. Common white
butterfly that usually flies fairly high and erratically. Similar
Jezebel Nymph (Mynes geoffroyi) flies lower when searching
for food or egg-laying and has more direct flight. Black Jezebel
occurs in hinterland rainforests in summer, migrating to coastal
rainforests, woodlands and open forests in winter. Host plants
include mistletoes (Amyema and Dendrophthoe spp.).
30P Chew P Chew
Caper Gull (above left) showing yellowish spots near black
tip of undersides of both forewing and hindwing, and Scarlet
Jezebel (above right) with its vivid underwing colours and
large white spots on wing (see also page 32).
R Denton R Denton
Black Jezebel (above left) normally perches with its head
uppermost; similar Jezebel Nymph (above right) normally
perches facing outwards or downwards.
31R Denton V McLean White spots evident on underside of Scarlet Jezebel forewing (above left), and Yellow Albatross female (above right) showing thick brownish band across rear of hindwing. Yellow Albatross Appias paulina (Common Albatross) ♂ 53 mm, ♀ 53 mm. Common white migratory butterfly with rapid flight. Males often hilltop. Care required to distinguish female from Caper Gull (see pages 30- 31), which also has yellow underside of hindwing with dark brown border. Occurs in rainforests and vine forests. Host plants include Yellow Tulip (Drypetes deplanchei). Caper White Belenois java ♂ 55 mm, ♀ 55 mm. Common white migratory butterfly. Distinctive black veins and yellow spots. Males often patrol favoured areas in search of females. Regularly embarks on lengthy migrations (although not annually), sometimes occurring in extremely large numbers along SEQ coast. Occurs coastally where native capers grow but migrates through diverse ecosystems. Host plants include native capers (Capparis spp.), and Warrior Bush (Apophyllum anomalum) west of the dividing range. 32
N Bowman G Walker
Yellow Albatross male (above left) showing two black spots
on forewing, and female (above right) showing white spots
near black tip of forewing.
N Bowman T Westmeier
Caper White male (above left), and female (above right)
showing darker and more colourful underside of forewing and
hindwing.
33Southern Pearl-white Elodina angulipennis
(Common Pearl White) ♂ 37 mm, ♀ 38 mm. Common white
butterfly (below left) with slow flight. Glossy-white upperwing.
Care required to distinguish from Striated Pearl-white but
note shape of black inward projection on wingtip. Occurs in
dry vine scrubs and subtropical, littoral and upland rainforests.
Host plants include native capers (Capparis spp.).
G Walker G Walker
Striated Pearl-white Elodina parthia
(Chalk White) ♂ 38 mm, ♀ 37 mm. Common white butterfly
(winter form above right) with slow flight, usually close
to ground. Dull-white upperwing and brown markings on
underside of hindwing. Males often hilltop. Care required to
distinguish from Southern Pearl-white but note shape of
black inward projection on wingtip. Occurs in drier hinterland
eucalypt forests and woodlands. Host plants include native
capers (Capparis spp.).
Cabbage White Pieris rapae
♂ 44 mm, ♀ 44 mm. Common white butterfly with erratic
flight. Males often patrol favoured areas in search of females.
Introduced to Australia from Palearctic region and now a major
pest. Occurs in parks, gardens, farmlands and disturbed areas.
Host plants include cabbages, etc. (*Brassica spp.).
34T Westmeier N Bowman
Southern Pearl-white (above left) showing black patch on
underside of forewing, and Striated Pearl-white (summer
form above right) with black on upperside of forewing showing
through to underside. Projection in centre of black margin
rounded in Southern and square-shaped in Striated.
T Westmeier G Walker
Cabbage White (above) with two distinctive black spots on
forewing, which may not be visible through closed wing when
settled, and pale yellow underside of hindwing.
35Browns (Nymphalidae)
Medium-sized to large butterflies that are generally brown or
orange, although several display a variety of other colours.
Some species are extremely variable in colour and pattern.
Dusky Knight Ypthima arctous
(Dingy Ring) ♂ 28 mm, ♀ 32 mm. Common brown butterfly
(below left) with jerky flight, almost always close to ground.
Occurs in diverse coastal woodlands and open forests with a
grass understorey. Host plants include Blady Grass (Imperata
cylindrica) and other grasses (Poaceae family).
N Bowman T Westmeier
Brown Ringlet Hypocysta metirius
(Common Brown Ringlet) ♂ 31 mm, ♀ 31 mm. Common orange
and brown butterfly (above right) with slow flight, often close
to ground. Occurs in open and closed eucalypt forests and at
rainforest edges. Host plants include Green Couch (Cynodon
dactylon), Forest Grass (Ottochloa gracillima) and Pademelon
Grass (Oplismenus hirtellus).
Orange Ringlet Hypocysta adiante
♂ 28 mm, ♀ 32 mm. Common but local orange butterfly with
slow flight, almost always close to ground. Occurs in grassy
areas in drier open forests and woodlands. Host plants include
Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra) and other grasses
(Poaceae family).
36N Bowman T Westmeier
Dusky Knight (above left) with two distinctive white dots within
eye-spot in forewing, and Brown Ringlet (above right) with
two conspicuous eye-spots in hindwing. Note orange-yellow
‘hook marks’ on Brown Ringlet upperwing (see page 36).
R Denton R Denton
Orange Ringlet (above) with eye-spots in hindwing. Both
Orange Ringlet and Brown Ringlet have two eye-spots on
underside of hindwing and one visible eye-spot on upperside
of hindwing.
37Evening Brown Melanitis leda
♂ 60 mm, ♀ 63 mm. Common brown butterfly with rapid flight,
usually close to ground and normally settling with wings closed.
Often flutters erratically when disturbed from leaf litter. Active
mainly at dusk, often flying higher than in daytime. Occurs in
coastal and subcoastal ecosystems with grass understorey,
especially parks and
gardens. Host plants
include sedges (Carex
spp.), Kangaroo Grass
(Themeda triandra) and
other grasses (Poaceae
family).
Evening Brown winter
form female (left) has
richly-coloured upperwing.
N Bowman
Varied Sword-grass Brown Tisiphone abeona
(Sword-grass Brown) ♂ 52 mm, ♀ 59 mm. Common but local
brown butterfly with slow erratic flight, usually fairly close to
ground. Males regularly hilltop. Occurs in wet sclerophyll
forests, heathlands, swampy and riparian areas and at
rainforest edges. Host plants include Stocky Saw Sedge
(Gahnia sieberiana) and Swamp Saw Sedge (G. clarkei).
Two other orange and brown butterfly species may occasionally
be encountered, Wonder Brown (Heteronympha mirifica) and
Common Brown (Heteronympha merope), but both are rather
uncommon in coastal SEQ.
38R Denton R Denton
Evening Brown summer form (male above left) has paler
underwing than winter form (above right), which is larger,
darker and has smaller eye-spots on underwing. Small hook
on edge of wing near wingtip is characteristic of winter forms.
W Jenkinson V McLean
Varied Sword-grass Brown (above) with creamy-white bars
evident on underwing of female and conspicuous eye-spots
on upperwing and underwing. Geographic races vary greatly
in appearance.
39Tailed Emperor Polyura sempronius
♂ 75 mm, ♀ 85 mm. Common distinctively-patterned white
butterfly with rapid flight. Males regularly hilltop. Occurs in
diverse ecosystems including parks and gardens. Host plants
include bottle trees (Brachychiton spp.), sennas (Senna spp.)
and related leguminous plants, Native Celtis (Celtis paniculata)
and wattles (Acacia spp.).
Bordered Rustic Cupha prosope
(Australian Rustic) ♂ 47 mm, ♀ 53 mm. Uncommon orange
butterfly with slow flight, fairly close to ground. Occurs in dry
vine scrubs, riparian forests and at rainforest edges. Host
plants include Flintwood (Scolopia braunii) and Xylosma
(Xylosma terrae-reginae).
R Denton
Distinctive underwings of Bordered
Rustic (left) and Glasswing (above).
H Kan
Glasswing Acraea andromacha
♂ 53 mm, ♀ 56 mm. Common butterfly with gliding flight.
Males often patrol favoured areas in search of females, which
fly lower than males as they search for host plants. Males
regularly hilltop. Occurs in woodlands and grasslands. Host
plants include Spade Flower (Hybanthus stellarioides) and
Native Passion Vine (Passiflora aurantia).
40R Murray P Chew
Tailed Emperor (above) with beautiful and distinctive pattern
on underwing and two pointed tails on each hindwing. Note
degree of spotting on upperwing.
G Walker G Walker
Bordered Rustic (above left) with bright orange upperwing
band between dark brown border and paler brown centre
(compare to Leafwing on pages 42-43, which lacks contrasting
colour in centre). Glasswing (above right) showing transparent
forewing.
41Varied Eggfly Hypolimnas bolina
(Common Eggfly) ♂ 76 mm, ♀ 86 mm. Common and distinctive
butterfly with gliding flight, usually fairly close to ground. Occurs
in wetter forests, parks, gardens and moist creek banks in drier
areas. Host plants include Lesser Joyweed (Alternanthera
denticulata), Karamat (Hygrophila angustifolia), Love Flower
(Pseuderanthemum variabile), Paddy’s Lucerne (*Sida
rhombifolia) and Cinderella Weed (*Synedrella nodiflora).
T Westmeier R Denton
Upperwing markings of
Varied Eggfly female (above)
predominantly white or orange,
and with broader white band
on underside of hindwing (left)
than male (see page 43).
T Westmeier
Leafwing Doleschallia bisaltide
(Australian Leafwing) ♂ 62 mm, ♀ 65 mm. Uncommon orange
and brown butterfly with rapid flight. Occurs in lowland
rainforests, parks and gardens. Host plants include Love
Flower (Pseuderanthemum variabile).
42N Bowman T Westmeier
Varied Eggfly male (above) with narrower white band on
underside of hindwing than female (see page 42) and blue and
white pattern on upperwing.
G Walker P Chew
Leafwing (above) showing bright orange upperwing with dark
border (compare to Bordered Rustic on pages 40-41) but
resembling dead leaf when settled with wings closed. Normally,
male has brighter underwing with more white dots than female.
43Meadow Argus Junonia villida
♂ 40 mm, ♀ 43 mm. Common orange and brown migratory
butterfly with rapid flight, almost always fairly close to ground.
Intersperses wing beats with short glides on flat wings.
Occurs in diverse ecosystems including coastal woodlands,
grasslands, parks and gardens. Host plants include plantains
(Plantago spp.) and goodenias (Goodenia spp.).
R Denton N Bowman
Two orange bars evident on leading edge of upperwing of
Meadow Argus (above left) and white spots distinctive on
upperwing of Australian Painted Lady (above right).
Australian Painted Lady Vanessa kershawi
♂ 43 mm, ♀ 47 mm. Common orange migratory butterfly with
rapid flight. Occurs in coastal and montane open forests,
woodlands, heathlands, parks and gardens. Host plants include
Paper Daisy (Xerochrysum bracteatum, formerly Bracteantha
bracteata) and Billy Buttons (Chrysocephalum apiculatum).
Yellow Admiral Vanessa itea
(Australian Admiral) ♂ 50 mm, ♀ 50 mm. Common and
distinctively-patterned butterfly with rapid flight. Males regularly
hilltop. Occurs on damp slopes, gullies and river banks, often
in grazing areas. Host plants include stinging nettles (Urtica
incisa and *U. urens).
44R Denton T Westmeier
Compare Meadow Argus (above left), which has orange and
pale brown pattern on underside of forewing, to Australian
Painted Lady (above right), with its salmon-pink flush on
underside of forewing just visible.
T Westmeier T Westmeier
Yellow Admiral (above) often faces downwards when
perched, with wings closed or held half open. Bright yellow
patch in centre of dark forewing diagnostic.
45White-banded Plane Phaedyma shepherdi
(Common Aeroplane) ♂ 55 mm, ♀ 57 mm. Common black and
white butterfly with distinctive gliding flight, interspersing wing
beats with short glides on flat wings. Occurs in parks, gardens,
riparian forests, dry vine scrubs and at rainforest edges. Host
plants include Black Booyong (Argyrodendron actinophyllum)
and Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius).
Common Crow Euploea core
♂ 69 mm, ♀ 72 mm. Common dark brown butterfly with white
spots and slow flight, usually fairly low. Occurs in diverse
ecosystems including coastal paperbark wetlands, parks and
gardens. Host plants include Monkey Rope Vine (Parsonsia
straminea), Corky Milk Vine (Secamone elliptica), Mangrove
Milk Vine (Cynanchum carnosum) and native figs (Ficus spp.).
G Walker G Walker
White spots more extensive in wing of Common Crow (male
above left) than in Purple Crow (above right).
Purple Crow Euploea tulliolus
(Eastern Brown Crow) ♂ 56 mm, ♀ 60 mm. Common but local
dark brown butterfly with white spots, purple sheen (especially
in males) and slow flight, usually fairly low. Occurs in riparian
forests, dry vine scrubs and at rainforest edges. Host plant is
Burny Vine (Trophis scandens).
46P Chew V McLean
White-banded Plane (above) with distinctive straight white
band and white spots on upperwing especially evident when
seen in flight.
R Denton Neil Bowman
Common Crow (above left) with array of large white spots on
both forewing and hindwing, and Purple Crow (above right)
with large white spots restricted to forewing.
47Lesser Wanderer Danaus chrysippus
♂ 60 mm, ♀ 60 mm. Common tawny-orange butterfly with slow
flight, usually close to ground. Occurs in estuaries, mangroves,
coastal wetlands, open eucalypt forests and woodlands. Host
plants include Mangrove Milk Vine (Cynanchum carnosum),
Red Head Cotton Bush (*Asclepias curassavica) and
tylophoras (Tylophora spp.).
T Westmeier N Bowman
Underwings of both Lesser Wanderer (male above left) and
Monarch (male above right) are distinctively patterned.
Monarch Danaus plexippus
(Wanderer) ♂ 93 mm, ♀ 92 mm. Common orange butterfly
with gliding flight. A native species of the Americas, arriving
in Australia in the late nineteenth century. Males often patrol
favoured areas in search of females. Occurs in diverse
ecosystems including weedy disturbed areas. Host plants
include Tropical Milkweed (*Asclepias curassavica) and
Balloon Cotton Bush (*Gomphocarpus physocarpus).
48L Sulakatku
Lesser Wanderer (male above) with bold white spots near
black wingtip, not evident in Monarch.
T Ford
Monarch (male above) with distinctive black veins in orange
wing and small white spots along rear edge of wing.
49Swamp Tiger Danaus affinis
(Black and White Tiger) ♂ 65 mm, ♀ 62 mm. Common but local
black and white butterfly with slow flight, usually fairly close to
ground. Occurs in mangrove shorelines, brackish creeklines
and paperbark wetlands. Host plants include Mangrove Milk
Vine (Cynanchum carnosum).
R Denton R Denton
Underwing patterns of Swamp Tiger (above left), with
prominent orange-brown markings on hindwing, and Blue
Tiger (above right) are distinctive and unmistakable.
Blue Tiger Tirumala hamata
♂ 72 mm, ♀ 72 mm. Common black and blue migratory butterfly
with slow flight, usually fairly close to ground. Regularly
embarks on lengthy migrations (although not annually),
sometimes occurring in extremely large numbers along SEQ
coast. Occurs in vine scrubs, open forests and near mangroves
but migrates through diverse ecosystems. Host plants include
Corky Milk Vine (Secamone elliptica) and Mangrove Milk Vine
(Cynanchum carnosum).
50T Ford
Swamp Tiger (above) showing characteristic brownish-black
and white upperwing pattern.
G Walker
Blue Tiger (above) with bright blue pattern on upperwing. Blue
can be much paler on some individuals.
51Blues (Lycaenidae) Small to medium-sized blue or orange butterflies, often difficult to identify from the upperwing. A view of the underwing pattern is often needed for identification. Copper Jewel Hypochrysops apelles ♂ 28 mm, ♀ 27 mm. Common but local orange butterfly with distinctively-patterned underwing. Occurs in coastal mangrove ecosystems. Host plants include Grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina). Purple Moonbeam Philiris innotatus (Common Moonbeam) ♂ 22 mm, ♀ 24 mm. Common but local blue butterfly with brown-black edges to blue upperwing (broader in female). Occurs in lowland rainforests, semi- open riverine scrubs, parks and gardens. Host plants include sandpaper figs (Ficus opposita and F. coronata). Satin Azure Ogyris amaryllis (Amaryllis Azure) ♂ 34 mm, ♀ 34 mm. Common but local blue butterfly with rapid and high flight, often settling where it can be difficult to spot. Bright blue on upperwing and distinctively- patterned underwing. Occurs in diverse ecosystems where mistletoes grow, including coastal casuarina forests. Host plants include mistletoes (Amyema spp.). Small Green-banded Blue Psychonotis caelius ♂ 30 mm, ♀ 32 mm. Common but local blue butterfly with slow flight. Bright blue and white on upperwing of male (black and white in female) and distinctively-patterned underwing. Occurs in open eucalypt forests, woodlands, areas of regrowth and at lowland rainforest edges. Host plants include Soap Ash (Alphitonia excelsa) and White Ash (A. petriei). 52
R Denton N Bowman
Copper Jewel female (above left), and Purple Moonbeam
male (above right) showing mostly pure-white underwing. Note
single black spot on hindwing near abdomen.
R Denton T Ford
Satin Azure female (above left) with blue and orange markings
on underside of forewing just visible (male lacks orange), and
Small Green-banded Blue male (above right).
53Imperial Hairstreak Jalmenus evagoras
(Common Imperial Blue) ♂ 32 mm, ♀ 37 mm. Common but
local blue butterfly with slow flight, usually fairly close to
ground. Occurs in open eucalypt forests and woodlands with
acacia understorey. Host plants include black wattles (Acacia
concurrens and A. leiocalyx).
Varied Dusky-blue Candalides hyacinthina
(Common Dusky-blue) ♂ 28 mm, ♀ 28 mm. Common but
local blue butterfly with slow flight, usually close to ground.
Males regularly hilltop. Occurs in coastal and subcoastal
open eucalypt forests, woodlands and montane and wallum
heathlands. Host plants include Hairy Dodder (Cassytha
pubescens).
T Westmeier G Walker
Varied Dusky-blue (male above left) and Small Dusky-blue
(male above right) are best identified by their size difference
and underwing pattern.
Small Dusky-blue Candalides erinus
♂ 22 mm, ♀ 22 mm. Common but local blue butterfly with slow
flight, usually fairly close to ground. Occurs in coastal wallum
heathlands. Host plants include Common Dodder (Cassytha
filiformis).
54R Denton T Westmeier
Imperial Hairstreak (above) showing distinctive underwing
markings and pale blue upperwing with blackish margins that
are typical of many hairstreak butterflies.
T Westmeier R Denton
Varied Dusky-blue female (above left) and Small Dusky-blue
female (above right). Line of marks towards rear of underside
of hindwing is curved on Varied and straight on Small.
55Common Pencil-blue Candalides absimilis
(Pencilled Blue) ♂ 30 mm, ♀ 31 mm. Common but local blue
butterfly with rapid flight, especially males. Similar Trident
Pencil-blue (Candalides margarita) flies higher to feed on
mistletoes. Occurs in littoral, riparian and open eucalypt
forests, parks, gardens and at rainforest edges. Host plants
include Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides), Tulipwood
(Harpullia pendula) and native wisterias (Callerya spp.).
R Kendall T Westmeier
Common Pencil-blue female (above left) with white patches
on upperwing (male all-blue), and Yellow-spotted Blue male
(above right) with yellow spot on upperwing (female browner).
Yellow-spotted Blue Candalides xanthospilos
♂ 24 mm, ♀ 26 mm. Common but local blue butterfly with slow
flight, usually fairly close to ground. Occurs in coastal wallum
heathlands and open forests with heath understorey. Host plants
include rice flowers (Pimelea linifolia and other Pimelea spp.).
White-banded Line-blue Nacaduba kurava
(White Line-blue) ♂ 23 mm, ♀ 24 mm. Common but local
butterfly with fairly rapid flight. Occurs in subtropical and
littoral rainforests and mangrove forests. Host plants include
Muttonwood (Myrsine variabilis), Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis
anacardioides) and River Mangrove (Aegiceras corniculatum).
56R Denton R Denton
Common Pencil-blue (above left), and Yellow-spotted Blue
(above right) showing three small black spots in centre of
underside of hindwing. Yellow-spotted Blue has yellow spot
on upperside of forewing, which is often visible through folded
wings.
T Ford N Bowman
White-banded Line-blue male (above left) with smaller and
paler band on underwing than female (above right). Female
has white patches on upperwing.
57Large Purple Line-blue Nacaduba berenice
(Six Line-blue) ♂ 22 mm, ♀ 22 mm. Common but local blue
butterfly (female below left) with fairly rapid erratic flight. Occurs
in subtropical and littoral rainforests, parks and gardens. Host
plants include Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) and
alectryons (Alectryon spp.).
G Walker G Walker
Two-spotted Line-blue Nacaduba biocellata
(Double-spotted Line-blue) ♂ 17 mm, ♀ 17 mm. Common blue
butterfly (male above right). Occurs mostly in open forests
and woodlands with acacia understorey. Host plants include
wattles (Acacia spp.).
Short-Tailed Line-blue Prosotas felderi
(Felder’s Line-blue) ♂ 19 mm, ♀ 19 mm. Common but local
blue butterfly. Occurs in open eucalypt forests, parks, gardens
and at subtropical rainforest edges. Host plants include
Macadamia Nut (Macadamia integrifolia), wattles (Acacia spp.)
and Ivory Curl (Buckinghamia celcissima).
Speckled Line-blue female (left, and
see pages 60-61) similar to Large
Purple Line-blue female but with
largest black spot on hindwing crowned
orange.
R Denton
58R Denton
Large Purple Line-blue (above) with female (left) and male
(right) of mating pair. Female has swollen abdomen, signifying
that she is carrying eggs.
T Ford R Denton
Two-spotted Line-blue (female above left) with distinctive
orange suffusion on underside of forewing, and Short-Tailed
Line-blue (female above right) with white-edged bands on
underwing. Males of both species have darker underwings.
59Purple Line-blue Prosotas dubiosa
(Small Purple Line-blue) ♂ 18 mm, ♀ 19 mm. Common but
local blue butterfly. Males regularly hilltop. Occurs in open
eucalypt forests, parks, gardens and at subtropical rainforest
edges. Host plants include wattles (Acacia spp.), Macadamia
Nut (Macadamia integrifolia) and Hairy Alectryon (Alectryon
tomentosus).
Speckled Line-blue Catopyrops florinda
♂ 22 mm, ♀ 22 mm. Common but local blue butterfly (male
below left, female see page 58). Occurs in open eucalypt
forests, parks, gardens and at subtropical rainforest edges.
Host plants include Native Mulberry (Pipturus argenteus) and
Poison Peach (Trema tomentosa).
G Walker R Denton
Hairy Line-blue Erysichton lineata
♂ 21 mm, ♀ 21 mm. Common but local blue butterfly (female
above right) with rapid flight. Occurs in subtropical and littoral
rainforests, parks and gardens. Host plants include macadamia
nuts (Macadamia spp.) and alectryons (Alectryon spp.).
Glistening Line-blue Sahulana scintillata
♂ 19 mm, ♀ 19 mm. Common but local blue butterfly with rapid
flight. Occurs in coastal woodlands and littoral rainforests.
Host plants include Beach Alectryon (Alectryon coriaceus) and
Hickory Wattle (Acacia disparrima).
60R Denton R Denton
Purple Line-blue (above left), and Speckled Line-blue
(above right) with pattern of white-edged brown bands on pale
underwing distinctive.
N Bowman R Denton
Hairy Line-blue (above left), with female of mating pair
showing white band on underside of forewing, and Glistening
Line-blue female (above right). Females of both species have
white patches in upperwing.
61Cycad Blue Theclinesthes onycha
(Onycha Blue) ♂ 24 mm, ♀ 24 mm. Common but local blue
butterfly (female right) with rapid flight, often settling on ground.
Males regularly hilltop. Occurs
in coastal and subcoastal open
eucalypt forests and woodlands
with grass understorey. Host
plants include cycads (Cycas and
Macrozamia spp.).
P Chew
Wattle Blue Theclinesthes miskini
(Miskin’s Blue) ♂ 22 mm, ♀ 22 mm. Common but local blue
butterfly with rapid flight. Males regularly hilltop. Occurs in
open eucalypt forests and woodlands with grass understorey.
Host plants include wattles (Acacia spp.), Yellow Pea-bush
(Sesbania cannabina) and Scrub Boonaree (Alectryon
diversifolius).
Saltbush Blue Theclinesthes serpentata
(Chequered Blue) ♂ 18 mm, ♀ 18 mm. Common but local
blue butterfly (right) with rapid flight, usually fairly close
to ground. Males often hilltop.
Occurs in saltbush shrublands and
woodlands and on saline mudflats
and sand dunes. Host plants
include saltbushes (Atriplex and
Einadia spp.).
R Denton
Samphire Blue Theclinesthes sulpitius
(Saltpan Blue) ♂ 18 mm, ♀ 18 mm. Common but local blue
butterfly with slow flight, usually close to ground. Occurs on
estuarine mudflats and saltmarshes. Host plants include
Brown-headed Samphire (Tecticornia indica, formerly
Halosarcia indica) and Seablite (Suaeda australis).
62P Chew G Walker
Brown underwing of Cycad Blue (above left) seldom appears
so markedly different in colour to grey underwing of Wattle
Blue (above right) and even experts find it difficult to separate
these two species. Cycad Blue can appear appreciably larger
than Wattle Blue.
R Denton R Denton
Saltbush Blue (above left) and Samphire Blue (above right).
White suffusion on underside of hindwing of Saltbush Blue
can help distinguish between these two species.
63Plumbago Blue Leptotes plinius
(Zebra Blue) ♂ 22 mm, ♀ 23 mm. Common but local blue
butterfly (below left, male facing female) with slow flight, usually
fairly close to ground. Occurs in open forests and woodlands
with native species and parks and gardens with ornamental
shrubs. Host plants include Native Plumbago (Plumbago
zeylanica) and Blue Plumbago (*P. auriculata).
N Bowman G Walker
Long-Tailed Pea-blue Lampides boeticus
(Pea Blue) ♂ 25 mm, ♀ 27 mm. Common but local blue
butterfly (female above right) with rapid erratic flight, usually
close to ground. Males often hilltop. Occurs in open forests,
woodlands, parks and gardens. Host plants include Rattlepod
(Crotalaria montana), Native Indigo (Indigofera australis) and
Darling peas (Swainsona spp.).
Orange-tipped Pea-blue Everes lacturnus
(Tailed Cupid) ♂ 23 mm, ♀ 22 mm. Common but local blue
butterfly with slow flight, usually close to ground. Occurs
in grassy areas in open forests and woodlands. Host plants
include Hairy Tick Trefoil (Desmodium heterocarpon).
Spotted Pea-blue Euchrysops cnejus
(Cupid) ♂ 27 mm, ♀ 26 mm. Common but local blue butterfly
with rapid flight, usually close to ground. Occurs in open
forests and woodlands. Host plants include Yellow Pea-bush
(Sesbania cannabina), cowpeas (Vigna spp.) and garden
beans (*Phaseolus spp.).
64N Bowman N Bowman
Plumbago Blue (above left) with characteristic marbled
pattern on underwing, and Long-Tailed Pea-blue (above
right). Plumbago Blue female has black and white pattern in
upperwing (see page 64).
N Bowman R Denton
Orange-tipped Pea-blue (above left) and Spotted Pea-blue
(above right). Intensity of orange and black on underside of
hindwing can help distinguish between these two species.
65Black-spotted Grass-blue Famegana alsulus
♂ 17 mm, ♀ 17 mm. Common blue butterfly with slow flight,
almost always close to ground. Occurs in grassy areas in
open forests and woodlands. Host plants include Forest Indigo
(Indigofera pratensis).
Spotted Grass-blue Zizeeria karsandra
(Dark Grass-blue) ♂ 20 mm, ♀ 20 mm. Common but local blue
butterfly with slow flight, almost always close to ground. Occurs
in paddocks and grassy areas. Host plants include “Glinus”
(Glinus oppositifolius), Caltrop (Tribulus terrestris) and Black
Medic (*Medicago lupulina).
Common Grass-blue Zizina labradus
♂ 20 mm, ♀ 23 mm. Common blue butterfly (female below left)
with slow flight, almost always close to ground. Underwing may
be delicately-patterned (below right). Occurs in habitats such
as parks and gardens. Host plants include Twining Glycine
(Glycine clandestina), Lucerne (*Medicago sativa), garden
beans (*Phaseolus spp.) and other legumes.
N Bowman G Walker
Dainty Grass-blue Zizula hylax
(Tiny Grass-blue) ♂ 15 mm, ♀ 16 mm. Common but local
blue butterfly with slow flight, almost always close to ground.
Occurs in paperbark wetlands, parks and gardens. Host plants
include Karamat (Hygrophila angustifolia) and Glush Weed
(*Hygrophila costata).
66T Ford G Walker
Black-spotted Grass-blue (above left) with single black spot
on underside of hindwing, and Spotted Grass-blue (above
right) with many black spots on underwing.
R Denton R Denton
Common Grass-blue (above left) and Dainty Grass-blue
(above right). Underwing of Common Grass-blue varies from
plain (above left) to patterned (see page 66).
67Day-flying Moths
The following four day-flying moth species resemble butterflies
and are regularly encountered.
N Bowman
The colourful Joseph’s Coat Moth (above) is often confused
with Regent Skipper (see pages 8-9).
R Denton R Denton N Bowman
Magpie Moth (above left) and Orange-spotted Moth (above
centre), both of which show distinctive wing patterns (especially
noticeable in flight), and Heliotrope Moth (above right), which
appears pure white in flight before settling to reveal colourful
and striking pattern of red and black spots on white wing.
68Index of Species
(See text for scientific names)
Admiral, Yellow ..............................................................................44, 45
Albatross, Yellow ......................................................................30,32, 33
Argus, Meadow ........................................................................... 44,45
Awl, Chrome ..................................................................................10, 11
Narrow-winged ........................................................................10, 11
Azure, Satin ...................................................................................52, 53
Birdwing, Richmond ......................................................................24, 25
Blue, Cycad ...................................................................................62, 63
Plumbago ................................................................................64, 65
Saltbush ..................................................................................62, 63
Samphire .................................................................................62, 63
Small Green-banded ................................................................52, 53
Wattle ......................................................................................62, 63
Yellow-spotted .........................................................................56, 57
Brown, Common .................................................................................38
Evening ...................................................................................38, 39
Varied Sword-grass ..................................................................38, 39
Wonder .........................................................................................38
Crow, Common..............................................................................46, 47
Purple ......................................................................................46, 47
Darter, Greenish .......................................................................14, 16, 17
Pale-orange .............................................................................16, 17
Swamp ...............................................................................15, 16, 17
Dusk-flat , Eastern .............................................................................. 8, 9
Dusky-blue, Small .........................................................................54, 55
Varied ......................................................................................54, 55
Eggfly, Varied .................................................................................42, 43
Emperor, Tailed .............................................................................40, 41
Glasswing .....................................................................................40, 41
Grass-blue, Black-spotted .............................................................66, 67
Common ..................................................................................66, 67
Dainty ......................................................................................66, 67
Spotted ....................................................................................66, 67
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