Common Blue Grass Butterfly (Zizina labradus)

Common Blue Grass Butterfly (Zizina labradus)

The Common Blue Grass Butterfly, also known as the Zizina labradus, is a small and delicate butterfly species that can be found in various parts of Europe, North Africa, Asia and Australia. It belongs to the family Lycaenidae and is one of the most widespread and abundant butterflies in its range.

This butterfly species is characterized by its beautiful blue coloration on the upper side of its wings, which gives it its common name. However, the shade of blue can vary from light to a deep and vibrant hue, depending on geographical location and gender. The males typically have a brighter blue color compared to the females, who tend to have a more subdued tone.

The wingspan of the Common Blue Grass Butterfly ranges from 25 to 38 millimeters, making it relatively small in size. Its wings are adorned with intricate patterns of black spots, which provide a striking contrast against the vibrant blue background. The underside of the wings is a pale grayish color with black spots, providing camouflage and protection from predators when the butterfly rests or feeds on flowers.

In terms of behavior, these butterflies are known to be active during sunny and warm weather, typically from spring to late summer. They are often seen flying low to the ground in grassy and meadow habitats, hence their name. The Common Blue Grass Butterfly feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, particularly those with open shapes, such as thistles and clovers.

The lifecycle of this butterfly follows the typical stages of egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. The female lays her eggs on the undersides of leaves, usually near the host plants that will provide food for the caterpillars. The caterpillars have a greenish color with white stripes and feed primarily on legumes, such as clovers and vetches. The pupa stage takes place in a sheltered area, and after a few weeks, the adult butterfly emerges, ready to continue its lifecycle.

Overall, the Common Blue Grass Butterfly is a beautiful and common sight in many grasslands and meadows. Its vibrant blue coloration and graceful flight make it a delightful addition to the natural landscape.

1/100 - f/6.3 - ISO400 - macro

 

Painted Lady Butterfly, Vanessa kershawi

Painted Lady (Vanessa kershawi), resting on the lawn in the mid-morning sun.

The Australian Painted Lady butterfly, scientifically known as Vanessa kershawi, is a stunning and vibrant butterfly species native to Australia. Its striking appearance and distinctive wing patterns make it a beloved and recognizable species among entomologists and nature enthusiasts alike.

The wings of the Australian Painted Lady feature a beautiful combination of bright orange, black, and white markings. The forewings exhibit a pattern of black spots on an orange background, which extends into a white bar near the tips. The hindwings, on the other hand, boast intricate black and white patterns that create an eye-catching contrast against the vibrant orange color.

With a wingspan reaching approximately 5-7 centimeters, the Australian Painted Lady is a medium-sized butterfly. When in flight, it gracefully flutters from flower to flower, seeking nectar as its main source of nutrition. The butterfly has a preference for a variety of flowering plants, including native wildflowers, asters, and thistles.

A unique aspect of this butterfly species is its migratory behavior. Australian Painted Lady butterflies undertake impressive annual migrations across vast distances, often traveling from their breeding grounds in the inland areas to the coastal regions. These migrations are thought to be influenced by favorable climate conditions and the availability of food sources.

The Australian Painted Lady butterfly undergoes a complete metamorphosis, starting from an egg that hatches into a caterpillar. The caterpillar exhibits a black body covered in fine spines and feeds on host plants such as Gnaphalium and Helichrysum. After undergoing several molts, the caterpillar forms a pupa or chrysalis, within which the transformation into a fully grown butterfly takes place. The entire life cycle of this butterfly lasts for several weeks.

In addition to its exquisitely beautiful appearance, the Australian Painted Lady butterfly also plays an important ecological role as a pollinator. As it flits from flower to flower sipping nectar, it inadvertently transfers pollen, aiding in the reproduction of various plant species.

Overall, the Australian Painted Lady butterfly is an enchanting and dynamic species that showcases the remarkable wonders of nature. Its vibrant colors, migratory behavior, and ecological significance make it a true treasure of the Australian insect world.

1/2500 - f/5.6 - ISO400 - 135mm macro
 

Grass Dart Butterfly (Ocybadistes walkeri)

 

A Grass Dart Butterfly (Ocybadistes walkeri), feeding on a clover flower in the last day's of summer.

1/200 - f/9 - ISO100 - macro

Grass Dart (Ocybadistes walkeri) or Skipper

A Grass Dart, (Ocybadistes walkeri) or Skipper butterfly resting on a fallen Rose petal just after a short rain shower.  This species of small butterfly is found in eastern and southern Australia, with one sub-species found in the Northern Territory. 

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1/200 - f/9 - ISO100 - macro - diffused flash

Barred Skipper (Dispar compacta) Butterfly

 

The Barred Skipper, (Dispar compacta), butterfly is a small type of "skipper". The adult butterfly is brown, with a few white and yellow markings on the wings. It has a wingspan of about 45 - 50 mm. The Barred Skipper is found mainly along the eastern side of mainland Australia.

1/100 - f/7.1 - ISO400 - macro

Grapevine Moth Caterpillar (Phalaenoides glycinae)

 

Many caterpillars are found in gardens, some rarer than others. This one is the caterpillar of the Grapevine Moth, (Phalaenoides glycinae), which I discovered on the leaf of a Fuchsia.

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1/200 - f/9 - ISO100 - diffused flash

Common brown Butterfly (Heteronympha merope)

 

Common brown Butterfly, (Heteronympha merope), basking in the sun on the leaf of a eucalyptus tree.

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1/500 - f/8 - ISO400 - 135mm

Painted Lady (Vanessa kershawi)

 

There are always butterflies around on sunny days during late spring and early to mid summer. The Painted Lady, (Vanessa kershawi), is a common visitor to our area.

1/320 - f/9 - ISO400

Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris rapae)

 

The Cabbage White Butterfly, (Pieris rapae), is probably the most common butterfly found in Australia. The velvety green caterpillars are considered a pest because they feed on cabbages and other plants found in vegetable gardens, such as cauliflower, brussel sprouts, broccoli, radishes and turnips.

Butterfly: 1/200 - f/10 - ISO200

Caterpillar: 1/200 - f/10 - ISO100 - diffused flash

Butterfly in the Sun

 

Sunny days are great for photographing butterflies, like this Meadow Argus, although not easy to do with a short lens, it can be done successfully by carefull stalking.

1/640 - f/9 - ISO200

Blue Grass Butterfly

 

There are many types of butterflies around during summer. The common Blue Grass Butterfly, (Zizina labradus), is one that seems to be everywhere.

1/200 - f/7.1 - ISO200 - diffused flash