Living with the

Butterflies of the
Moreton Bay Region
Butterflies

1
 We will encourage more
butterflies (and other native
wildlife) into our gardens if we
plant local native plants and
reduce or avoid pesticides.

Butterflies are among the most delightful and

interesting of animals. Every garden no matter
how small is visited by butterflies from time to
time. The Moreton Bay region (and its surrounds)
is home to a great variety of butterflies.
Courtyard & balcony gardens, small backyards,
and bushland blocks can all supply food for
butterflies.

This booklet provides information about butterfly

caterpillar food plants as well as nectar rich
plants for adult butterflies.

Did you know?

Council’s Environmental Services Department
can provide you with a list of native plant species
especially suited to your property’s location and
geology. Environmental Officers can also offer advice
about property management, plant and animal
identification, revegetation, weed control and wildlife
conservation.

2 3
 The butterfly garden
Every garden will have many butterfly species flying,
feeding and completing their life cycles (eggs, larvae,
pupae and adults), if we supply the needs of larvae and
adults. To ensure this, gardens can be designed to provide
foliage and plant material for caterpillars, and a good
range of nectar rich flowers throughout the year.
By providing food and habitat for caterpillars and adult
butterflies we are also supplying resources for many
other native animals. Local native plants (those species
that naturally occur in our region) are the best choice for
creating a butterfly friendly garden. See page 15 for plant
species information.
Butterflies and other insects
Butterflies are invertebrates (animals without backbones)
and belong to Class Insecta. Insects, like all arthropods,
have segmented bodies and paired, jointed legs. Instead
of an internal skeleton, insects have a hard outer covering
(exoskeleton). Insects, typically, in the adult form, possess
three major body parts (head, thorax and abdomen) and
most have three pairs of walking legs.
Abdomen

Wings covered in Proboscis

coloured scales
Thorax

Image: T. Bailey
This garden at Mt Glorious was designed
for butterflies. It now provides food and
habitat for many other native animals
including insects, lizards, frogs, birds and
possums.

4 5
 Butterflies and moths
Butterflies and moths are grouped into the Order Moths and butterflies are pollinators active
Lepidoptera and differ from other insects. For example, the at different times of the day and night.
adult typically has much-reduced mouth parts except for
those parts associated with and forming the proboscis – a
coiled tube used for sucking up water, nectar and other
plant juices. The membranous wings are covered on both We usually think of butterflies as having beautiful colours
surfaces with overlapping scales, and are strengthened by and moths as being in shades of grey and brown. However,
veins which also brace them – much like battens do a sail. some butterflies are drab in appearance while some moths
are exquisitely coloured.
Moths, though closely related to butterflies, differ in
several ways. If the antennae (‘feelers’) are not clubbed it
is a moth. Some Australian moths have clubbed antennae,
but those that do also have a bristle attached near the
base of the hind wing that fits under the fore wing. The Moth
only Australian butterfly that has this is the male Regent
Skipper.
Joseph’s Coat
Moth
Generally, butterflies are day active (diurnal) but some only
beautiful and
fly during twilight hours. Moths are usually night-active
day-flying.
(nocturnal) but some fly only during the day. Moths are

s
Image: T. Burrow
generally nectar feeders – though some may not feed at all
during their adult phase.

DAY (Diurnal)
Tailed Emperor Butterfly

Evening Brown
Image: P. Chew

butterfly
well camouflaged
on leafy forest
floor where it
DUSK/DAWN (Crepuscular) often rests during
Image: A. Hiller
Evening Brown the day.
Image: T. Burrows

Butterflies have excellent colour vision (as do birds and

NIGHT-TIME (Nocturnal) humans). Some butterflies have a preference for some
Female Erebus terminitincta colours over others (e.g. Swallowtails are attracted to red).
moth Many moths, because they fly at night, are attracted to
white and yellow flowers, which are more easily seen in
darkness.
6 7
 From caterpillar to Butterfly life cycle
adult butterfly (species shown: Orchard Swallowtail)

Like insects of some other groups, butterflies go through Egg

four major changes (complete metamorphosis) during their
life history – egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis) and
adult. The female lays her eggs on plants that she ‘knows’
to be suitable for her larvae to eat (i.e. host plants). As the
larva feeds, it grows and sheds its skin Larva
(a process called ecdysis). Some larvae, especially those of An early instar
Birdwing butterflies, consume the freshly shed skin in order
not to lose the valuable biochemicals contained within.
Freshly hatched larvae of this group also eat the eggshell
from which they have hatched.

The periods of larval growth in between successive ecdyses

are called instars. In butterflies there are typically four
instars. The pupa (often called a chrysalis) is a non-feeding
stage in which the larval organs are
re-organised. After the adult emerges it never grows
any larger.

FA - How long do butterflies live? Adult

As with most insects their lifespan depends on if and when
they are taken by a predator. As a rule, smaller species such
as the Lycaenids (Blues) live for around three weeks or so,
while larger butterflies such as Birdwings can live for over
two months. These estimates are taken from a captive-
breeding situation where most predators are excluded.
Some species whose larvae feed on toxic plants are able to
sequester (store) these toxins in their systems. Unpalatable
due to toxicity, they are avoided by predators and may live
for many months – some even being able to overwinter.
Examples are the Wanderer, Crow, and Blue Tiger butterflies.
Pupa
The relative length of time of the stages
that butterflies progress through varies
according to species and environmental
conditions such as climatic zone, local
weather and season of the year. Some
butterflies may have only one brood per year
and spend most of their lives in the larval stages.
Some may have autumn and spring broods, or,
especially in tropical areas, a succession of broods.
In cooler areas one or more of the early stages is
often much longer than those of the same species in
warmer areas.

8 9
 Display flights and mating Butterfly larvae
by Anthony Hiller Butterfly larvae themselves are often particularly
Display flights and mating are one of the most interesting beautiful and interesting.
facets of butterfly behaviour. The Swallowtail butterflies

Chew
are particularly spectacular in this respect. Males will fly

Image: P.
closely behind the female and wait for her to alight (land).
When she does, he will hover over her, getting closer
and closer, land beside her, and if she is receptive she Evening Brown larvae
will allow him to mate. Usually, this occurs in a sheltered feed on the foliage of
situation to avoid predation. If she is already mated, native grasses - Blady
Grass and Kangaroo
she may reject him and fly off and he will depart to seek
Grass.
another female.

Mating may last for an hour or more depending on the

species and whether or not the pair is disturbed.

Hiller
Once mating is completed the female will seek a suitable

Image: A.
host plant on which to lay her eggs.
Orchard Swallowtail larva
showing its red osmeterium
– a gland which emits an
odoriferous liquid and is
displayed when the animal is
A Glasswing
threatened.
deposits eggs
onto host plant
Metters
Image: D.

ew Ch
Image: P.

Glasswing larvae feed

on the foliage of Spade
flower and Corky Passion
Vine.
Some butterfly
species congregate
on hills and ridges.

Hilltopping
Hilltopping, although not well
studied, is the congregation of some butterfly species on
the tops of ridges and hills – and a captivating sight to Wanderer Larva.
behold. It is thought that this behaviour may maximise the
chances of finding a suitable mate. There is still much to
discover in this fascinating area of butterfly study.

10 11
 Butterfly dispersal
Once emerged, some butterfly species embark on
impressively long journeys – often referred to as migration.
In the Moreton Bay region the Caper White butterfly is
one of the most conspicuous. Assisted by the wind, these
butterflies can travel hundreds of kilometres to find food
trees and mates. During springtime (and often coinciding
with hot stormy weather) Caper Whites begin to disperse
throughout South-East Qld – some years in very large
numbers indeed.
A (comparatively) recent arrival
In February 1871 the Brisbane Courier reported that
the Monarch butterfly (known commonly here as the
Wanderer) had arrived in Australia.
This large butterfly has dispersed widely from its native
home in the Americas – ‘hop-scotching’ across the Pacific
Islands to reach Australia. Monarchs have also colonised
parts of Europe. Monarch larvae feed on certain plants of
the ‘milkweed’ family, ASCLEPIADACEAE, including the Red
head cotton bush - a common weed (pictured below).

Image: J. Miners
Many Caper Whites

Monarch

Brush Caper Berry

– a food source for Caper
White, Striated Pearl-white
and Southern Pearl-white

Image: A. Hiller
caterpillars.
Leiper
Image: G.

A defoliated host tree

– this frenzied feeding
process is a natural
phenomenon to which
the plant is adapted. It
will soon recover with a
flush of new foliage.

12 13
 Requirements of butterflies Growing caterpillars
In general, butterflies need To encourage butterflies to breed, we may plant suitable
native food hosts (local plant species) in our gardens.
Some native host plants may be partially or almost totally
Suitable food plants for caterpillars defoliated by feeding larvae. We need not
worry. The plant is adapted to this and will recover;
and we will be rewarded with a multitude of newly emerged
Food for adults butterflies.

Water for adults
Many local native plant species provide food
for butterfly caterpillars.
Suitable larval food plants
(caterpillar food) Just some butterfly-caterpillar food plants of the
region . . .
Caterpillars of particular species will only survive on the
leaves of certain host plants. Others will eat more than one
species of plant. Ground covers and herbs
w
Image: P. Che

Red Passion Vine Small

Image: M. Fagg
Passiflora aurantia – Green
Glasswing larval food. Banded
Blue on Spade flower
Soap Tree,
g

Hybanthus stellarioides
Image: M. Fag

Alphitonia Foliage of this delicate herb

excelsa – is a food source for Glasswing
its larval larvae. The species often
food. features in eucalypt forests
with moist understoreys.
Image: M. Fagg

Yellow Buttons
Chrysocephalum apiculatum
Caterpillars of the Australian
Painted Lady feast on the
leaves of this common
perennial herb. Yellow Buttons
is easily cultivated from
Evidence of cuttings or seed and is a fine
caterpillar activity plant for rockeries and cottage
– if no insecticide is gardens.
used, butterflies
Black JeZebel will follow.
caterpillars feeding
on mistletoe.

14 15
 Butterfly-caterpillar food plants of the region cont. . . Native grasses

Love Flower Lomandra

Pseuderanthemum variabile Lomandra hystrix, L. longifolia etc,
The leaves of this delicate Lomandra foliage provides food
herbaceous perennial provide for the larve of some species of
food for several butterfly Skipper butterflies. The larvae
caterpillar species including construct ‘shelters’ by joining
the beautiful Blue-banded leaves together to form a tight silk-
Eggfly and Leafwings. The lined structure. Lomandra plants
species is commonly found in are commonly used in landscaping
moist shady eucalypt forests. and are especially good for creek
It looks spectacular as a mass bank stabilisation.
planted understorey.

Stinging Nettle, Urtica incisa

Caution! A prickly customer,
yes, but nettle is a very useful
plant for butterfly gardens.
Kangaroo Grass
Stinging Nettle is a food plant for
Themeda triandra
caterpillars of the Yellow Admiral
This native grass is gaining
butterfly. Obviously site selection
popularity as a landscaping
should favour areas away from
species. Kangaroo Grass is a
paths – preferably towards the
food source for butterfly species
rear of garden beds, and shady,
including the larvae of the
moist areas. Appropriate clothing
Evening Brown, Common Brown
(including gloves) is necessary
and Orange Ringlet.
when working near nettle.
Image: A. Hiller

Pademelon Grasses
A Yellow Admiral freshly Oplismenus species. These soft
emerged from pupa on stinging trailing groundcovers are larval
nettle. food plants for Wonder Brown
Butterflies. Oplismenus species
are good natives for shadier areas
of the garden – and especially
useful under trees and between
stepping stones. Similar species
includes Graceful Grass, Ottochloa
gracillima, which is also a
caterpillar food plant.

16 17
 Shrubs
Native Finger Lime
Citrus australasica
This tall shrub (growing to around
Coffee Bush 4m) is host for the sweetly
Breynia oblongifolia named Dainty Swallowtail
This spreading shrub to about butterfly. The Native Finger
2-3 metres tall bears bright red Lime is hardy, slow growing,
fruit which turns black when and produces edible fruit. It is a
ripe. It’s a useful pioneer nice addition to any bush tucker
species and a host plant for garden.
the Large Grass-yellow butterfly
(see page 33)

Image: A. Hiller
Forest hop Bush Dainty Swallowtail
Dodonaea triquetra depositing eggs on
The Native Hop shrubs grow native citrus
to about 3m and are ideal for
smaller gardens. Caterpillars of the
exquisite Fiery Jewel butterfly
feed on the foliage of this species.

g
Image: M. Fag

Acacia foliage is eaten by caterpillars of the Imperial

Hairstreak, Moonlight Jewel, and others. Acacias are
pioneer plants – and often the first to appear after Dogwood, Jacksonia scoparia
disturbance. They are useful for revegetation projects and Caterpillars of the Fiery Jewel and
attract lots of animals including possums, gliders, Copper Pencilled-blue eat the flower
buds and flowers of this species.
and birds. Most grow to 3-5 metres. Some Dogwood grows to around 4m tall, and
dwarf forms are available. provides interesting form and colour
for a mixed planting.

Native Plum
Guilfoylia monostylis
Native plum is a small tree
(to 6m) with lime green
leaves and bearing bright
yellow flowers midsummer.
Native Plum grows on the
edges of rainforest and
wet eucalypt forest and is
a food for Tailed Emperor
Brisbane Wattle caterpillars.
Green Wattle
Acacia irrorata Acacia fimbriata
subspecies irrorata

18 19
 Trees Vines and Palms

g
Image: M. Fag
Sandpaper figs
Ficus coronata,
F.opposita, F. fraseri
grow to about 10–15m if left Native Wisteria
unpruned. The leaves are food Callerya megasperma
for caterpillars including those Surely one of our prettiest rainforest
of the Common Crow and Purple vines. This species does best where it
Moonbeam butterflies. This can clamber into the canopy of a tall
species attracts loads of wildlife. tree. It’s a host plant for
Although hardy, it excels in moist Common Pencilled-blue butterfly.
shady areas – especially along
creeks and drainage lines.

Brown Kurrajong
Commersonia bartramia
Medium sized tree to 20m.
Brown Kurrajong is quick Barbed Wire Vine, Smilax australis
growing – making it a popular This is a tough leaved climber
species for revegetation common in our region, and host plant
projects. Its leaves are eaten by for Fiery Jewels.
caterpillars of the Coral Jewel
butterfly. It also attracts Ladybird
beetles.
g
Image: M. Fag

Brush Box
Lophostemon confertus Piccabeen Palm
Brush Box is a handsome, Archontophoenix cunninghamiana
manageable gum tree to 30m The leaves of this gorgeous palm tree
– but usually only reaching this provide food for larvae of the Orange
height in a forest setting. It is a Palm-dart and Yellow Palm-dart
good shade tree and lovely main butterflies. These palms grow
feature when given adequate best in moister environments –
space. Brush Box leaves are eaten and naturally occur in rainforest and
by the Coral Jewel and Bronze Flat wet eucalypt forest.
butterflies. Under-planting with
shrubs, grasses, and ground covers
will attract many more butterfly species. It’s also a
Koala food tree.

Monkey Rope, Parsonsia straminea

Monkey Rope is one of the many
Tuckeroo species on which Common Crow
Cupaniopsis anacardioides butterflies lay their eggs. It’s a
A small tree (to 10m) popular with widespread woody climber in the
urban landscapers; its dense crown Moreton Bay region, and commonly
of glossy green leaves provides seen growing on eucalypts,
good shade and requires little melaleucas and she-oaks.
maintenance. Foliage and fruit are
food for caterpillars including the
Common Pencilled-blue and Bright
Cornelian butterflies.

20 21
 Food for adults

Image: N. Kirby
(nectar and plant juices) Crown of Gold Tree
Barklya syringifolia
Butterflies feed on nectar from flowers, and other suitable This rainforest tree is stunning
plant juices. If we plant natives that produce large quantities in flower. Crown of Gold occurs
naturally in our region. It may grow
of nectar, we can attract a wide variety of butterflies that to 20m in a rainforest; and around
would otherwise fly past. Many plants from overseas will also 7m in cultivation. Easily prune
supply this food, but a lot are weeds that invade bushland. managed.
For example, Lantana produces lots of flowers and is often
suggested as a species to attract butterflies. Lantana species
though, are such serious weeds that we should not encourage

den
Image: J. Bow
any of them to grow anywhere. We should replace them with Rusty Gum
suitable native species. Angophora leiocarpa
A tree to 25m, though probably smaller
Contact council’s Environmental Services Department in cultivation, and can be pruned. Its
for more information about local native plants. sweet flowers attract loads of wildlife. It’s
Environmental Officers can supply you with a list of also a Koala food tree.
plants suitable for your location.
Many native plants provide nectar
for butterflies Butterflies need water
Some local plants that feed Especially in hot dry weather, butterflies need extra water.
adult butterflies include . . . We can provide water for butterflies and other wildlife
by constructing garden ponds and bog gardens with
Pavetta, Pavetta australienses peripheral ‘sand soaks’. Pond plants with floating leaves
Pavetta is a gorgeous shrub growing to
around 4m and naturally occurring in
cater for butterflies and other insects.
dry rainforest. Sweet Pavetta nectar is Some butterflies will also seek moisture from
consumed by butterflies and moths. decaying fruit.

Bolwarra, Eupomatia laurina

Bolwarra is a glossy leaved shrub/small Birdbaths provide
tree to around 6m. Its flower scent is water for butterflies.
suggestive of sweet sherry and irresistible
to many insects including some butterfly

Image: S. Petro
species.

Melaleuca spp. (including those

formally of the Callistemon genus)
Many different species belong to this
genus. All produce sweet flowers which Here, an aggregation of butterflies
attract butterflies. sip water from moist sand. It is
thought that some species exhibit
this behaviour (known as mud-
puddling or puddling) in order to take
Macadamia up mineral salts in the water, which
Macadamia trees usually flower in late in some way are beneficial to the insect. It may be important
winter/spring and will attract butterflies to the males’ fertilisation process as it is normally only
den

and native bees. Flowers of the ‘Home males that are found in this situation. Mud-puddling is most
Image: J. Bow

Beauty’ cultivar commonly practiced by Papilionid (swallowtails) and Pierid

(M. integrifolia x M. tetraphylla) (whites) butterflies, and also Lycaenids (blues).
are pictured here.
22 23
 What to avoid Some plants to avoid
Some imported plants may also be eaten by butterfly
Pesticide chemicals larvae, but it is more environmentally sound to use
only native plants. For example, leaves of the imported
Some exotic plants Camphor Laurel tree are larval food of Blue Triangles, but
(including Jacarandas and Dutchman’s Pipe Vine) this tree is one of the most serious environmental weeds;
and there are many lovely native laurels and other suitable
Avoiding pesticide chemicals replacements.

Spraying caterpillars (‘grubs’) with pesticides will diminish

butterfly populations. Unfortunately, many of us have been A Blue Triangle on
(local native) Wild Ouince,
mislead by television and radio gardening shows and the
Guioa semiglauca.
advertisements of chemical companies into believing that
any chewed, curled or less than perfect leaf on any plant
is unnatural, unsightly and indicates that application of Some imported plants that
insecticide is necessary. are closely related to natives,
attract and cue female
butterflies to lay their eggs,
There are no chemicals that kill
but the larvae die when they
only the ‘bad’ insects. eat the leaves. This is how the
exotic Dutchman’s Pipe vine
Most butterfly caterpillars eat plant leaves. For example,
kills the caterpillars of our very
Orchard Swallowtail butterflies and many of their family
beautiful and rare Richmond
eat the leaves of citrus plants. If we spray the caterpillars
Birdwing butterfly.
(along with other ‘pests’) no citrus butterflies will result. Image: T. Burrows

Dutchman’s Pipe – an exotic

that kills the larvae of the rare
Richmond Birdwing.
Egg from an Orchard
Swallowtail butterfly
on a lemon tree.

Image: T. Bailey
If we stop all spraying of our
citrus (and other plants in our The rare
Richmond
lawns and gardens) ‘friendly’ Birdwing
insects, spiders and other butterfly.
animals such as birds, lizards
and marsupials will help to
keep unwanted insects under
female male
control.

Richmond Birdwing Vine

Chewed leaves of Hairy Birds Pararistolochia praevenosa
Eye, Alectryon tomentosus. A rainforest vine and host for the
Richmond Birdwing. Best planted
in groups of three or more i.e. plant
several vines in close proximity –
somewhere where they can climb
in among the canopy of local native
trees.

24 25
 Image: K. Hiller
Butterfly predators
by Anthony Hiller
Many insects are food for predators, and butterflies are no
Richmond Birdwing exception.
Vine Flower.
Mammals and birds
Obvious butterfly predators are birds – especially those
that feed on the wing (catch their food while flying).
Swallows have been observed taking Caper White
butterflies and many smaller species fall prey to birds such
as Fantails and Yellow Robins. Species of insectivorous
birds also search foliage for larvae and eggs.
Some plants to avoid continued... Some small mammals, notably the carnivorous marsupial
mice Antechinus species, also feed on larvae and pupae.

Jacaranda mimosa is Spiders, wasps and flies

poisonous to Tailed The parasites of the early stages of butterflies are many
Emperor caterpillars. and include Chalcid wasps that pierce the shell of the
pupa with a sharp egg-laying tube (ovipositor) and lay their
own eggs inside. The hatchling wasp larvae feed on the
Caterpillars of the Tailed
contents of the pupa, and emerge as adult wasps.
Emperor butterfly are poisoned
fatally after ingesting the Image: A. Hiller
foliage from Jacaranda trees.

Chalcid wasp
parasitising butterfly
Image: P. Chew

pupa.
Tailed Emperor
caterpillar
Many wasps take butterfly
larvae to provision their own
brood cells and feed their own
Image: T. Burrows

larvae. Tiny species of parasitic

wasps even pierce butterfly eggs
with the same result.

Tailed Emperor
adult butterfly Tachinid flies glue their eggs to the skins of butterfly larvae.
Upon hatching, the fly larvae burrow through the larval skin
and consume the contents, leaving the vital organs until
last to ensure an ongoing fresh food supply.
Image: M. Fagg

Other parasitic flies lay their eggs on the larval host plant
Lacebark Tree which are then consumed by the butterfly larvae with the
Brachychiton discolour same result.
A local beauty, Lacebark is
an excellent replacement for
Jacaranda. It attracts
local wildlife.

26 27
 Spiders, too, are serious butterfly predators, taking Males and females of some butterflies
butterflies which are snared in their webs.
differ. This is termed sexual dimorphism.
Image: A. Hiller

Image: T. Burrows

The Flower Spider lies

in ambush waiting for
unwary butterflies to
visit the flower.
Clearwing
Swallowtails

male

Many butterfly species lay over 200 eggs per female. It has
been stated that were it not for all these predators and
parasites, we would not be able to breathe for the amount
of butterflies occupying the air.

Image: P. Chew
FA - Why are there fewer butterflies
now than when I was a child? female
Image: T. Bailey
Firstly, children are often more observant and have more time
to take in their surroundings than do adults. Unfortunately,
our current regimes of insecticide spray use in the garden
as well as environmental degradation and native vegetation
clearing is having a negative effect on butterfly populations.

FA - Do butterflies die if the

coloured ‘dust’ is rubbed from their Image: J. Miners

wings? male
Butterfly wings are covered in tiny pigmented scales, much
like miniature tiles on a roof. Each one overlaps others and
they are fastened by one end only. If these are rubbed,
they will come away from the wing, leaving colour on the
Varied
fingers, and a clear patch on the wing. This does not kill
Eggfly
the butterfly, but may interfere with mate selection as the
pattern would be altered. It will also reduce the insect’s
ability to repel water.
female

28 29
 Some butterflies are more beautiful under Butterfly family groups
the wings than above. (Images not true to life-size)
Image: A. Hiller

Image: P. Chew

Skippers etc
Yellow
Albatross

Regent Skipper
Image: P. Chew

Image: P. Chew
A Skipper
Scarlet
JeZebel Image: T. Burrows

Swallowtails
Image: T. Burrows

Four-Barred
Swordtail

Chequered
Swallowtail

30 31
 Butterfly family groups Butterfly family groups
(Images not true to life-size) (Images not true to life-size)

Image: A. Hiller

Image: D. Cook Photography

Swallowtails Whites and
Yellows

Image: T. Bailey
Macleay’s Yellow-spotted
Swallowtail JeZebel

Image: P. Chew
Black JeZebel
Blue Triangle
Image: T. Bailey

Image: T. Bailey

Yellow Albatross

Richmond Birdwing
(Male)

Caper White
Image: A. Hiller

Clear-Wing
Swallowtail (Male) Large Grass-yellow (male)
- Wet season form

32 33
 Butterfly family groups Butterfly family groups
(Images not true to life-size) (Images not true to life-size)
Image: A. Hiller

Image: T. Bailey
Nymphs etc Nymphs etc

Image: S. Petro
Swamp Tiger Common Brown

Image: T. Burrows

Image: P. Chew
Lesser Wanderer White-banded Plane

Australian Painted
Blue Tiger Lady
Image: P. Chew

Image: T. Burrows

Image: T. Burrows
Purple Crow Yellow Admiral

Common Brown Ringlet Tailed Emperor

34 35
 Butterfly family groups Butterfly family groups
(Images not true to life-size) (Images not true to life-size)
Image: T. Burrows

Image: T. Bailey
Blues,
Nymphs etc Coppers, etc

Meadow Argus Imperial Hairstreak

Image: T. Burrows
Image: T. Burrows

Glasswing Small Green-banded Blue

Image: T. Burrows
Image: A. Hiller

Common Pencil
Australian Leafwing Blue (Female)

36 37
 Some butterflies of the Moreton Bay region
* introduced
and food sources for their caterpillars + = suitable for small gardens

Common Name Scientific Name Native Plants for Caterpillars

Family Hesperiidae (Skippers, Awls, Flats)

Narrow-winged Awl Badamia exclamationis Pongamia pinnata
Piccabeen Palm, Archontophoenix cunninghamiana; +Walking Stick Palm,
Orange Palm-dart Cephrenes augiades
Linospadix monostachya; Cabbage Tree Palm, Livistona australis
Regent Skipper Euschemon rafflesia +Tetra Beech, Wilkiea huegeliana; +Large-leaf Wilkiea, W. macrophylla
Green Awl Hasora discolor Burny Bean, Mucana gigantea; Macaranga, Macaranga tanarius
Large Banded Awl Hasora khoda Native Wisteria, Callerya megasperma
Brush Box, Lophostemon confertus; Corkwood, Endiandra sieberi; Kurrajong, Brachychiton
populneus; Flintwood, Scolopia braunii; Wild Quince, Alectryon subcinereus; +Mock Olive,
Bronze Flat Netrocoryne repanda
Notelaea longifolia; +Blueberry Ash, Elaeocarpus reticulartus; Native Laurels, Cryptocarya
spp; +White Bolly Gum, Neolitsea dealbata; Brown Bolly Gum, Litsea leefeana

Family Lycaenidae (Blues and Coppers)

Tuckeroos, Cupaniopsis spp; Black Bean, Castanospermum australe; Native Wisteria,
Callerya megasperma; +Coast Bird’s Eye, Alectryon coriaceus; Scrub Whitewood,
Common Pencilled-blue Candalides absimilis
Atalaya salicifolia; Blunt-leaf Tulip, Harpullia hillii; Supplejack, Flagellaria indica;
Macadamia; Flame Tree, Brachychiton acerifolium; Kurrajong, B. populneus;
Copper Pencilled-blue Candalides cyprotus +Dogwood, Jacksonia scoparia; Devils Rice, Conospermum taxifolium;
Varied Dusky Blue Candalides hyacinthina +Dodder Laurels, Cassytha pubescens; C. filiformis
Peach Leaf, Trema tomentosa; Caesalpinia bonduc; Tulipwood, Harpullia pendula;
Speckled Line-blue Catopyrops florinda
+Native Mulberry, Pipturus argenteus
Small Green-banded Blue Psychonotis caelius Soap Tree/Red Ash, Alphitonia excelsa; Pink Ash, A. petrei
Tuckeroo, Cupaniopsis anacardioides; +Coast Bird’s Eye, Alectryon coriaceus; Koda, Ehretia
Hairy Line-blue Erysichton lineata
acuminata; Macadamia, Macadamia integrifolia; Blue Lilly Pilly, Syzygium oleosum
Soap Tree, Alphitonia excelsa; Red Mangrove, Rhizophora stylosa; Orange
Copper Jewel Hypochrysops apelles Mangrove, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza; Yellow Mangrove, Ceriops tagal; Grey
Mangrove, Avicennia marina; Grey Ironbark, Eucalyptus siderophloia
+Dogwood, Jacksonia scoparia; Soap Tree, Alphitonia excelsa; Tuckeroo,
Cupaniopsis anacardioides; Hard Quandong, Elaeocarpus obovatus; +Hop Bushes,
Dodonaea triquetra & D. viscosa; +Native Daphne, Brachyloma daphnoides;
Fiery Jewel Hypochrysops ignita
Hickory Wattle, Acacia disparrima; +Barbwire Vine, Smilax australis; +Lolly Bush,
Clerodendrum floribundum; Native Cherries, Exocarpus cupressiformis &
E. latifolius; Swamp Box, Lophostemon suaveolens
Mistletoe, Amyema pendula; Wattles e.g. Blackwood, Acacia melanoxylon; Blue Skin
Imperial Hairstreak Jalmenus evagoras
Wattle, A. irrorata; Brisbane Wattle, A. fimbriata; +Sickle-leaf Wattle, A. falcata
Tuckeroo, Cupaniopsis anacardioides; +Coast Bird’s Eye, Alectryon coriaceus;
Large Purple Line-blue Nacaduba berenice Macadamias, M. integrifolia & M. tetraphylla; Rose Tamarind, Arytera divaricata;
Scrub Whitewood, Atalaya salicifolia; Native Elm, Aphananthe philippinensis
Common Moonbeam Philiris innotatus Sandpaper Figs, Ficus coronata; F. opposita
Wattles e.g. Early Black Wattle, Acacia leiocalyx, +Mountain Hickory, A.
Felder’s Lineblue Prosotus felder penninervis; +Dune Wattle, A. sophorae; +Coast Bird’s Eye, Alectryon coriaceus;
Tuckeroo, Cupaniopsis anacardioides; Macadamia, Macadamia integrifolia
Zebra Blue Leptotes plinius +Plumbago, Plumbago zeylanica
Tuckeroo, Cupaniopsis anacardioides; +Coast Bird’s Eye, Alectryon coriaceus;
Glistening Blue Sahulana scintillata
Early Black Wattle, Acacia leiocalyx

+Emu Foot, Cullen tenax; +Native Indigo, Indigophera australis; +Twining Glycine,
Common Grass-blue Zizina labradus Glycine clandestina; +Wooly Glycine, G. tomentella +Desmodium nemorosum,
+D.rhytidophyllum; False Sarsparilla, Hardenbergia violacea
38 39
 * introduced
+ = suitable for small gardens

Common Name Scientific Name Native Plants for Caterpillars

Family Papilionidae (Swallowtails)

Four-barred Swordtail Protographium leosthenes Zigzag Vine, Melodorum leichhardtii
Socketwood, Daphnandra species; Rib-fruit Pepperberry, Cryptocarya
Macleay’s Swallowtail Graphium macleayanus hypospodia; Pigeonberry Ash, C. erythroxylon; Brown Laurel, C. triplinervis;
Hairy Walnut, Endiandra pubens; Rose Walnut, E. discolor
Camphorwood, Cinnamomum oliveri; Blush Walnut, Beilschmiedia obtusifolia;
Brown Laurel, Cryptocarya triplinervis; Rib-fruit Pepperberry, C. hypospodia;
Blue Triangle Graphium sarpedon Murrogun, C. microneura; Bolly Gum, Litsea reticulata; Brown Bolly Gum,
L. leefeana; Scrub Wilga, Geijera salicifolia; +White Bolly Gum, Neolitsea
dealbata; +Lolly Bushes, Clerodendrum floribundum & C. tomentosum
Zigzag Vine, Melodorum leichhardtii; Canary Beech, Polyalthia nitidissima;
Pale Triangle Graphium eurypylus
Native Tamarind, Diploglottis australis
+Native pipe vines, Pararistolochia sp. aff. pubera, Pararistolochia laheyana,
Clear-wing Swallowtail Cressida cressida
+P. praevenosa
Richmond Birdwing Ornithoptera richmondia +Native pipe vines, Pararistolochia praevenosa, P. laheyana & P. sp. aff. pubera
Dainty Swallowtail Papilio anactus +Native Lime, Citrus australis; +Finger Lime C. australasica
+Native Lime, - Citrus australis; +Finger Lime, - C. australasica; +Sandfly Zieria
- Zieria smithii; Crow’s Ash, Flindersia australis; Bennett’s Ash, F. bennettiana;
Leopard Ash, F. collina; Bumpy Ash, F. schottiana; Scrub Wilga, Geijera salicifolia;
Orchard Swallowtail Papilio aegeus
Thorny Yellowwood, Zanthoxylum brachyacanthum; Saffron Heart, Halfordia
kendack; Silver Sycamore, Cryptocarya glaucescens;
+Long Leaf Wax Flower, Philotheca myoporoides
Chequered Swallowtail Papilio demoleus Emu’s Foot, Cullen tenax; Native Lime, Citrus australis

Common Name Scientific Name Native Plants for Caterpillars

Family Pieridae (Whites and Yellows)

Cigar Cassia, Cassia brewsteri; Cassia tomentella;
Lemon Migrant Catopsilia pomona
Striped-pod Cassia, Senna pleuracarpa; S. coronilloides; S. marksiana
+Native Coffee bush, Breynia oblongifolia; +Sesbania Pea, Sesbania canabinna,
Large
Eurema hecabe Senna coronilloides; Maiden’s Wattle, Acacia maidenii;
Grass-yellow
+Native Indigo, Indigophora australis
+Native Coffee bush, Breynia oblongifolia; +Sesbania canabina; Senna
Small Grass-yellow Eurema smilax
coronilloides; Senna surrattensis; Wattles e.g. Maiden’s Wattle, Acacia maidenii
Spotted
Delias aganippe +Native Cherry, Exocarpos cupressiformis; +Mistletoe, Amyema spp.
Jezebel
Scarlet Jezebel Delias argenthona +Mistletoes, Amyema, Muellerina & Dendrophthoe spp.
Black Jezebel Delias nigrina +Mistletoes, Amyema, Muellerina & Dendrophthe spp.
Yellow-spotted
Delias nysa +Mistletoes, Korthalsella spp., Amyema spp
Jezebel
+Brush Caper Berry, Capparis arborea; Tree Caper, C. mitchellii;
Caper White Belenois java
+Scrambling Caper, C. sarmentosa
Caper Gull Cepora perimale +Native capers, e.g. Capparis mitchellii
Yellow Albatross Appias paulina Yellow Tulip, Drypetes deplanchei; +Capparis spp.

40 41
 * introduced
+ = suitable for small gardens

Common Name Scientific Name Native Plants for Caterpillars

Family Nymphalidae
(Danaids, Crows, Browns, Nymphs)
Swamp Tiger Danaus affinis +‘Peanut Vine’, Cynanchum carnosum
Lesser Wanderer Danaus chrysippus +‘Peanut Vine’, Cynanchum carnosum
Corky Milk Vine, Secamone elliptica;
Blue Tiger Tirumala hamata
+‘Peanut Vine’, Cynanchum carnosum
Introduced, *Balloon Cotton Bush, Gomphocarpus physocarpus
Wanderer/Monarch Danaus plexippus
and *Red Cotton Bush, Asclepias curassavica
Rock Fig, Ficus rubiginosa; Small-leaf Fig, F. obliqua; White Fig F. virens; +Wax Flower,
Hoya australis; Corky Milk Vine, Secamone elliptica; + ‘Peanut Vine’, Cynanchum
Common Crow Euploea core
carnosum; Monkey Rope, Parsonsia straminea; Gargaloo, P. eucalyptophylla; Common
Milk Vine, Marsdenia rostrata; +Current Bush, Carissa ovata
Purple Crow Euploea tulliolus Burny Vine, Trophis scandens
Evening Brown Melanitis leda +Blady Grass, Imperata cylindrica; Kangaroo Grass, Themeda triandra
+*Green Couch, Cynodon dactylon; +Blady Grass, Imperata cylindrica; +Kangaroo
Common Brown Ringlet Hypocysta metirius
Grass, Themeda triandra; Swamp Rice Grass, Leersia hexandra; Gahnia clarkei
Ringed Xenica Geitoneura acantha +Kangaroo Grass, Themeda triandra; +Rice Meadow Grass, Microlaena stipoides
+Kangaroo Grass, Themeda triandra; +*Green Couch, Cynodon dactylon;
Common Brown Heteronympha merope
+Rice Meadow Grass, Microlaena stipoides
Dusky Knight Ypthima arctoa +Blady Grass, Imperata cylindrica
Native Elm, Aphanantha philippinensis; Investigator Tree, Celtis paniculata; Flame
Tree, Brachychiton acerifolium; Kurrajong, B. populneus; Lace Bark, B. discolor;
Tailed Emperor Polyura pyrrhus
Native Plum, Guilfoylia monostylis; Wattles, e.g. Qld Wattle, Acacia podalyriifolia;
Maiden’s Wattle, A. maidenii; +Snow Wood, Pararchidendron pruinosum
Burny Bean, Mucana gigantea; Native Elm, Aphananthe philippinensis; Investigator
Tree, Celtis paniculata; Flame Tree, Brachychiton acerifolium; Koda, Ehretia
White-banded Plane Phaedyma shepherdi
acuminata; Flame Tree, Brachychiton acerifolium; Kurrajong, B. populneus; Lace
Bark, B. discolor
Laced Fritillary Argyreus hyperbius +Purple Violet, Viola betonicifolia
Stinging Trees, Dendrocnide moroides, D. photinophylla;
Jezebel Nymph Mynes geoffroyi
+Native Mulberry, Pipturis argenteus
Australian Leafwing Doleschallia bisaltide +Love Flower, Pseuderanthemum variabile
+Joyweed, Alternanthera denticulata; +Love Flower, Pseuderanthemum variabile;
Varied Eggfly Hypolimnus bolina
+Smart Weed, Persicaria species;
+Golden Everlasting, Xerochrysum bracteatum;
Australian Painted Lady Vanessa kershawi
Yellow Buttons, Chrysocephalum apiculatum
Australian Admiral Vanessa itea +Stinging Nettle, Urtica incisa
+Hygrophila angustifolia +Australian Centaury, Centaurium spicatum;
+Nutheads, Epaltes australis; +Evolulus alsinoides; +Star Goodenia, Goodenia
Meadow Argus Junonia villida
rotundifolia; +Mountain Primrose, G. grandiflora;
+Fairy Fan Flower, Scaevola aemula
+Spade Flower, Hybanthus stellarioides;
Glasswing Acraea andromacha
+Red Passion Flower, Passiflora aurantia; Yellow Passion Flower, P. herbertiana

42 43
 Have you seen this butterfly? Where to source local
native plants

Image: A. Hiller
Our community nurseries
produce plants from
provincial seed, that is,
seed collected locally in the
Moreton Bay region.

Laced Fritillary
Argyreus hyperbius

gg
Host food for Laced Fritillary

Image: M. Fa
Arrowhea Pine Rivers
Viola beto d Violet Community Nursery
nicifolia
Kumbartcho Sanctuary
The Laced Fritillary (also called Australian Fritillary) is a Bunya Pine Court, Eatons Hill
butterfly with a very localised distribution in our region. Ph (07) 3264 3953
It’s one of two species listed as endangered under the Opening times: Thursday and
Friday 9am – 3pm;
Queensland Nature Conservation Act (1992). The other Saturday 8am – 12noon
is the Bulloak Jewel, Hypochrysops piceata, from the
Western Darling Downs.
Most specimens of the Laced Fritillary have been collected
from river estuaries or swampy coastal areas at or near sea
level. They are restricted to open, swampy, coastal areas
where the larval food plant, Viola betonicifolia, grows as a
small, insignificant ground herb in association with Lomandra
longifolia (Long-leaved Matrush) and grasses, especially the Redcliffe Botanic Gardens
Community Nursery
grass Imperata cylindrica (Blady Grass) Off street parking located on
This habitat is called Melaleuca wetlands, although the Henzell Street, Redcliffe
larval food plant does not occur in all sub-types of this plant Open: Tuesday 9 – 12noon and
community. Saturday 8 – 10am.
The nursery is also
Its range has decreased due to habitat loss. open by appointment.
Email: friendsofrbg@hotmail.com
Information supplied courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency,
Queensland.

44 45
 Where to source local
native plants

Bribie Island
Community Nursery
208 First Avenue, Bongaree
Ph (07) 3410 0088
Open: Monday to Friday
8 – 11am
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Anthony and Katie Hiller of
Mt Glorious Biological Centre for information and images,
www.mountgloriousbutterflies.com

Photograph contributors: Anthony & Katie Hiller,

Bernadette May, Peter Chew, John Bowden, Jenny Miners,
Todd Burrows, Tony Bailey, Steven Petro,
Nathan Kirby, Glenn Leiper, Deborah Metters,
Creec Community Nursery David Cook Photography. Photos taken by M Fagg are
This nursery produces local © Australian National Botanic Gardens.
native plants.
CREEC Environment Centre
150 Rowley Road, Burpengary
Further reading:
Ph (07) 3888 8751 Butterflies of Australia by Michael F. Braby.
Create More Butterflies by Frank Jordan
and Helen Schwencke.

Pine Rivers District

Council Nursery
Image: T. Bailey

This nursery predominantly

sells local native species.
Woonara Drive, Petrie
Plant sales are
Wednesdays and Fridays only
from 1 - 3.45pm.

46 47
 Moreton Bay Regional Council offsets the energy and
resources used to produce this and other Living With
the Environment booklets, brochures, and posters,
through a program of revegetation plantings and habitat
restoration projects in the Moreton Bay region.

Sunshine
Coast

Bribie
Island

Caboolture
Somerset
Region MORETON BAY
REGION
Redcliffe Moreton Bay

Strathpine
Port of
Brisbane

Brisbane

North
Stradbroke
Island
MORETON BAY
REGION

This brochure is printed on Onyx, an Australian made

100% recycled stock made from 60% pre-consumer
and 40% post-consumer waste and manufactured under
the environmental management system ISO 14001.
LWTE-1408-05

48 © Moreton Bay Regional Council 2009