Regular sightings of butterflies are a sure sign of a healthy ecosystem. Recent rainfall has provided plenty of moisture and growth and so many insects have been able to flourish. As gardeners we’re able to attract a variety of butterfly types when providing suitable host and nectar plants. This in turn assists them to play their crucial role as pollinators.
My favourites are the Swallowtail family; species like the Orchard Swallowtail (Papilio aegeus) Chequered Swallowtail (Papilio demoleus) and Dainty Swallowtail (Papilio anactus). It’s awesome to follow their lifecycle from egg and caterpillar stages, to the metamorphisis of the chrysalis, then eventually forming a beautiful butterfly. As caterpillars only eat four to six leaves over their lifecycle they’re really no problem at all for your home citrus tree. If there are to many young caterpillars on young citrus, I move them to my established Tahitian Lime tree leaves.
Do you remember this time last year, the large populations of the Caper White (Belenois java) with white wings and black tips? The Caper White is a migratory species often seen in swarms during the warmer months every few years. The caterpillars feed on the caper family of shrubs while the butterflies are drawn to many flowering plants. The Blue Tiger (Tirumala hamata), with its striking blue and black wings, is another species we enjoy seeing; while the Wanderer with its vibrant orange wings is the longest lived of any butterfly. The caterpillars feed on Milk weed (Gomphocarpus) then the butterflies feed on many types of nectar-rich plants including Buddleia and Pentas.
Lately I’ve seen a couple of Tailed Emperors (Polyura sempronius). These beauties are in the Swallowtail family and have a wingspan of 75 mm for males and 85 mm for females. They are known for their striking green and brown wings and elegant tail extensions. The caterpillars feed on Acacia and then Buddleia, Zinnia, Duranta, Banksia and Pentas are favoured by the butterflies, making it a great reason to plant flowers. My favourite nectar rich plant is the sweet smelling Buddleia “Black Knight”, a beautiful deep purple colour and so easy to love. If you want to increase the quantity of butterfly nectar plants, take cuttings of duranta and buddleia and collect the seeds of the many different colours of Zinnia, the butterflies will definitely appreciate it.
I’m imagining the return of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia) to the South Burnett. This beautiful endangered butterfly, with its large green and black wings, was once sighted in our area. However, with the decline of the Richmond Birdwing Vine (Aristolochia praevenosa) the host plant for the caterpillars, there have not been sightings for many years. I believe that with a concerted effort we have the capability of bringing these beautiful butterflies back. Especially when restoring natural corridors in bushland and home gardens.
Here at Ramesa Nursery we have been successfully growing a row of these Aristolochia praevenosa host plants and will be planting them soon in the new “Butterfly Walk”. This dedicated butterfly encouragement area will be opened in a few weeks. So if you’re looking to support this magnificent species in your own garden, consider planting a Richmond Birdwing Vine for the caterpillars and nectar rich plants for the butterflies.
Creating a butterfly-friendly garden is so rewarding. It’s all about encouraging biodiversity and there are so many wonderful nectar plants we can grow to feed the butterflies visiting our gardens.
“Happy Gardening” Romaine Undery (Ramesa Nursery)