30 Butterfly Species in Victoria (AU)

Welcome to an exciting exploration of 30 butterfly species found in Victoria, Australia.

This journey will provide you with vivid descriptions and unique features of these winged gems.

It’s time to get up close and personal with these delightful creatures who add so much to our environment.

Common Grass-blue (Zizina labradus)

Somewhat smaller than a penny, the Common Grass-blue butterfly (Zizina labradus) is a species you can encounter across Victoria’s grasslands, parks, and rural areas.

Its inconspicuous size, up to 1 inch (2.54 centimeters), is offset by the striking blue wings with a hint of silvery sheen.

This tiny creature feeds on aphid honeydew, nectar, and sometimes will enjoy rotting fruits.

Some key points include:

• Habitat: Grasslands, parks, and rural gardens
• Appearance: Small butterfly with fascinating blue wings
• Size: Up to 1 inch long (2.54 centimeters)
• Diet: Aphid honeydew, nectar, and occasionally rotting fruits
• Reproduction: Lay eggs on flowers of host plants, which transform into caterpillars
• Lifespan: Usually a few weeks, but can stretch up to a few months in favorable conditions
• Host Plants: Plants from the Fabaceae family serve as their baby’s nursery, offering rich nutrient sources for larval development.

This tiny, enchanting butterfly offers a burst of color into Victoria’s green canvas, making the environment enigmatic with its presence.

Meadow Argus (Junonia villida)

The Meadow Argus is among Victoria’s fascinating and striking butterfly species. Look out for this mesmerising creature.

• Habitat: Thriving in open grassy areas, woodland and forest clearings, these butterflies can also be commonly found in suburban gardens.
• Appearance: With brown upper wings exhibiting complex black markings and eye-spots on both sides, the Meadow Argus dazzles with its unique design.
• Size: In terms of dimensions, this butterfly covers a span of about 2-2.4 inches (50-60mm).
• Diet: Favoring the sweet nectar from flowers, this species also derives nourishment from rotting fruit.
• Reproduction: Interestingly, the females scatter their eggs airborne towards the host plants, with no specific target.
• Lifespan: Their estimated lifespan covers a period of about 4 weeks.
• Host Plants: The larvae specifically feast on a variety of plants including Thistle, Grewia, and Lantana species. With a lifecycle intricately tied to their environment, these butterflies continue to be an essential part of Victoria’s diverse ecosystem.

Australian Painted Lady (Vanessa kershawi)

Meet the Australian Painted Lady, a widely known butterfly species in Australia, notably Victoria. Let’s get to know more about it.

• Habitat: These butterflies find their home in diverse areas, ranging from urban gardens to wild bushlands.
• Appearance: They feature tricolour wings- orange, black, and white. Underneath, they carry a pattern of dull brown, white, and some blue dots.
• Size: The wingspan ranges from 35 to 45 millimetres; that’s about 1.5 to 2 inches.
• Diet: Adult butterflies primarily depend on flower nectar. However, they also find nutrition from honeydew and bird droppings.
• Reproduction: During late summer and autumn, females lay their eggs on host plants.
• Lifespan: They live approximately 4 weeks, during which they delight Victoria’s inhabitant’s eyes.
• Host Plants: These include Cudweed and Asteraceae. Their larvae often consume these plants.

Australian Admiral (Vanessa itea)

As an avid butterfly enthusiast, you’re likely to encounter the intriguing Australian Admiral (Vanessa itea).

• Habitat: This delightful species is largely distributed in the coastal regions and mountain ranges of Victoria.
• Appearance: The Australian Admiral sports a black body with white dashes, and wings showcasing orange and white markings.
• Size: Typically, they spread their wings to a decent 2.2 to 2.6 inches (55 to 65 mm).
• Diet: Adults favor nectar from flowering gum trees, but they’re also known to enjoy rotting fruit. The caterpillars feed on nettle.
• Reproduction: Extremely adaptable, this butterfly breeds all year round in warm climates.
• Lifespan: Life expectancy varies but usually spans a few weeks, more in cooler weather.
• Host Plants: The larvae preferentially feed on plants from the Urticaceae family, notably nettle.

A true beauty to behold, the Australian Admiral is a treasure amidst Victoria’s rich butterfly fauna.

Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)

Enjoy meeting the Cabbage White, distinctly recognized as Pieris rapae, a prevalent species present in Victoria.

Being an inhabitant of urban areas, you’ll usually spot these in gardens and vegetable fields.

• Habitat: Mostly found in urban areas, gardens, and agricultural areas where host plants are grown.
• Appearance: Mainly white with subtle black spots on the upper wings and one black tip on each forewing.
• Size: It holds an adult wingspan of approximately 1.8-2.6 inches (45-65 mm).
• Diet: The nectar of a wide variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay pale yellow eggs on leaves. Their larvae (caterpillars), when hatched, primarily feed on brassicas.
• Lifespan: They enjoy a brief adult life of about 2 weeks.
• Host Plants: Primarily brassicas including cabbage, kale, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts, but also nasturtiums and capers.

Despite being an introduced species, their adaptability is a testament to their ability to nestle and thrive in Victoria’s diverse environments.

Greenish Grass-dart (Ocybadistes walkeri)

The Greenish Grass-dart, scientifically known as Ocybadistes walkeri, makes the list of the most unique butterfly species in Victoria, Australia.

This species is brimming with intriguing characteristics.

• Habitat: They are mostly found in coastal regions and urban gardens.
• Appearance: Sporting a mottled green and brown color, they blend well with their surroundings.
• Size: With a wingspan of around 0.8-0.9 inches (20-23mm), the Greenish Grass-dart is quite small.
• Diet: As a caterpillar, it eats various kinds of grass. As a mature butterfly, it feeds on the nectar from different flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on or near their caterpillar host plants.
• Lifespan: On average, they live two to three weeks, much like most butterfly species.
• Host Plants: Its larvae feed on native and introduced grasses like Bermuda grass, Fescues, and Bluegrasses.

The Greenish Grass-dart is truly a fascinating little wonder to explore.

Small Grass-yellow (Eurema smilax)

The Small Grass-yellow, also known by the scientific name Eurema smilax, is a widely recognized butterfly species in Victoria.

• Habitat: They prefer open spaces and are often found in gardens, parks, and coastal areas.
• Appearance: The butterfly is named for its stunning yellow and black wings, with a pattern that resembles a mosaic.
• Size: Typically, adults span 25-30 millimeters in size.
• Diet: Nectar from various flowering plants serves as their primary diet.
• Reproduction: Post mating, females lay their eggs on the leaves of host plants.
• Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Small Grass-yellow is around 2-3 weeks in their adult stage.
• Host Plants: They lay eggs on plants in the Fabaceae family, including the Sicklepod and Creeping Caesalpinia.

These butterflies are a joy to spot, bringing a vibrant yellow hue to Victoria’s butterfly population.

Common Brown (Heteronympha merope)

As a beginner, you might wonder about the Common Brown (Heteronympha merope). Here you go.

• Habitat: Common Browns are widespread across much of Australia. They prefer open forest and woodland, as well as suburban gardens in Victoria.
• Appearance: This butterfly exhibits sexual dimorphism. Males are dull brown, while females bear attractive patterns in shades of brown, white and bright orange.
• Size: Their wingspans can range from 1.8 to 2.3 inches (45 to 58mm), making them a fairly medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: As adults, they lean towards nectar from various local plants, while their larvae munch on grasses.
• Reproduction: Females usually lay single eggs on the host plants, which hatch into caterpillars within two weeks.
• Lifespan: Their life expectancy varies from a few weeks to a few months depending on environmental conditions.
• Host Plants: They have an affinity for a diverse selection of plants, common to the Poaceae family.

Common Blue-banded Eggfly (Hypolimnas alimena)

The Common Blue-banded Eggfly is a fascinating butterfly species. Living predominantly in woodland areas, it is very commonly sighted in Victoria.

• Habitat: Typically calls woodland areas home, especially those with a water source nearby.
• Appearance: Has striking black wings, broad blue bands, making it one of the more visually appealing butterfly species.
• Size: Adults measure up to 2.7 inches (70mm).
• Diet: Primarily nectar from flowers. Favourites include Lantana and Bougainvillea.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs, usually individually, on the underside of host leaves.
• Lifespan: Lives for around 2 weeks, but this can vary.
• Host Plants: Prefers plants of the family Acanthaceae, including the genus Asystasia.

These brilliant butterflies serve an important role in the ecosystem by pollinating flowers as they feed on the nectar, assisting in the propagation of plant species.

Wood White (Leptidea sinapis)

You may find the Wood White (Leptidea sinapis) flitting in the bushlands and grassy woodland margins of Victoria. With its delicate framework, the Wood White dons a subtle allure.

• Habitat: Wood White favors bushlands and grassy woodland margins.
• Appearance: A delicate, white butterfly, bearing slight black dots on the forewings and faint grey marks on the underside.
• Size: Adult Wood Whites are petite creatures, spanning just about 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5cm) across.
• Diet: They feed on flower nectar. Mainly, they prefer leguminous plants.
• Reproduction: Female Wood Whites lay green, spherical eggs on host plants singly.
• Lifespan: Generally, the average life expectancy is around 3 to 4 weeks for adults, while the full life cycle spans about a year.
• Host Plants: The larval host plants include various members of the Fabaceae family, such as clover and vetch.

This butterfly is truly fascinating in its own right, isn’t it?

Tailed Emperor (Polyura sempronius)

The Tailed Emperor, uses Polyura sempronius as its fancy, scientific name.

Here are some key facts you should know:

• Habitat: They can be located in diverse environments from forest regions, open woodlands, park areas to your backyard in Victoria.
• Appearance: The top side of this butterfly is a vibrant combination of black and pale gray, while the under part portrays an intricate symphony of brown, black, and white patterns, with eyespots for effective camouflage.
• Size: These beauties are rather large, sporting a wingspan reaching approximately 65 to 75 millimeters in size.
• Diet: As adults, they are avid feeders of nectar from various flowering plants while, as caterpillars, they eat leaves.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs singularly on host plants where their caterpillars can start feeding immediately after hatching.
• Lifespan: Adult Tailed Emperors usually live for approximately two weeks.
• Host Plants: Kunzea, Acacia, and Callistemon species serve as primary host plants.

Glasswing (Acraea andromacha)

The Glasswing butterfly, scientifically known as Acraea andromacha, is a truly unique species in the world of Lepidoptera, the order of butterflies.

• Habitat: Naturally found in the coastal regions of Victoria as well as northern and eastern Australia.
• Appearance: Notably transparent wings marked only by broad, dark brown borders and veins.
• Size: Medium-sized butterflies, sporting a wingspan of around 60-70mm, or about 2.5 inches.
• Diet: The adults generally feed on the nectar of a variety of flowering plants.
• Reproduction: Females deposit their yellow eggs on the underside of host plant leaves, usually individually.
• Lifespan: The average lifespan of these creatures is about 1 to 2 months.
• Host Plants: The caterpillars often feed on the poisonous plant species like the milkweed, lending them a form of protection against predators due to the toxic substances they consume and store.

Bright-eyed Brown (Heteronympha cordace)

The Bright-eyed Brown, scientifically known as Heteronympha cordace, is an essential part of the butterfly population in Victoria.

• Habitat: This butterfly thrives in open woodland areas, along woodland streams, and also around suburban parks.
• Appearance: It is primarily a brown coloured butterfly with intricate patterning. The male and female differ in their outlook predominantly with males exhibiting small iridescent blue pupils in the eyespot, hence the name, Bright-eyed Brown.
• Size: The wing span varies around 40-50 millimetres (1.5-2 inches).
• Diet: The adults feed on nectar from a variety of plants.
• Reproduction: The female lays her eggs on the host plants where the hatched caterpillar feeds.
• Lifespan: Typically, the adults have an average lifespan of four weeks.
• Host Plants: Its caterpillars feed on many native and exotic grass species, such as Poa annua, the winter grass.

Spotted Jezebel (Delias aganippe)

The Spotted Jezebel is a unique butterfly that you can observe fluttering in Victoria. This creature’s uniqueness is amplified by its vibrant color combination.

• Habitat: Found in various environments, the Spotted Jezebel prefers damp locations. You can often find them in the tall trees, especially in coastal areas and mountains.
• Appearance: This species is known for its bold color pattern. It has black wings with large white spots and a bright yellow body.
• Size: The Spotted Jezebel measures between 1.6 and 2 inches (40-50mm), making it a medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: It favors the nectar of mistletoe. They have a vital role in the pollination process.
• Reproduction: After mating, the female lays eggs on mistletoe, the larva’s food source.
• Lifespan: Like most butterflies, their lifespan ranges from 2 to 4 weeks.
• Host Plants: The mistletoe is the host plant for the Spotted Jezebel’s larvae.

Remember, their presence contributes to biodiversity and helps maintain the health of the ecosystem.

Imperial Jezebel (Delias harpalyce)

The Imperial Jezebel is one of the most striking butterfly species found in Victoria, best known for the distinctive black, red and white patterns on their wings.

• Habitat: Lives primarily in mixed woodlands, forests, and suburban gardens.
• Appearance: Brightly coloured red, white and black wings, with each male and female having slightly different pigmentation.
• Size: Ranges from 2.2 to 2.7 inches or 55 to 70 millimeters in wingspan.
• Diet: Mainly nectars from a variety of wild and cultivated flowers.
• Reproduction: Mating usually happens in spring. Females lay pale green eggs mainly on mistletoe plants.
• Lifespan: About 2-3 weeks in the wild during summer.
• Host Plants: Larvae feeds exclusively on mistletoe plants.

This butterfly is typically seen in abundance during spring and autumn. Although common, the Imperial Jezebel always adds a splash of colour to Victoria’s rich biodiversity.

Lesser Wanderer (Danaus chrysippus)

The Lesser Wanderer is a fascinating butterfly species you may encounter in Victoria.

Here’s a quick snapshot of it:

• Habitat: They mostly reside in open spaces including woodland, rainforest, and coastal dunes.
• Appearance: They showcase a striking pattern of black, orange, and white, giving them an impressive look.
• Size: Lesser Wanderers measure between 2.36 – 2.75 inches (60 – 70mm) when their wings are fully expanded.
• Diet: As adults, they feed on nectar from various flowers. The caterpillars, on the other hand, primarily munch on milkweed.
• Reproduction: after mating, female butterflies lay spherical eggs on the host plants, which hatch into caterpillars.
• Lifespan: Their lifespan ranges from two weeks to about a month, which is typical for many butterfly species.
• Host Plants: The larvae mainly use plants from the milkweed family, particularly Calotropis species and Sarcostemma clausa.

Orange Albatross (Appias nero)

One to marvel at, the Orange Albatross butterfly spices up Victoria’s biodiversity.

• Habitat: Flourishes in subtropical areas, so it’s often spotted in the coastal and near-coastal regions of Victoria.
• Appearance: Its upper body is white while the underbody is tinged with a distinct orange hue. Adding to that, veins are prominently black.
• Size: Takes impressive size ranging from 2.2 to 2.8 inches (55 – 70mm).
• Diet: The adults draw in nutrition from nectar, favoring Lantana flowers. Caterpillars, on the other hand, rely on the Capparis Mitchelli plant.
• Reproduction: Like most, they lay eggs on the underside of leaves. The caterpillars emerge just after a week or so.
• Lifespan: They tend to have a longer lifespan than most butterflies, at 9 months.
• Host Plants: Primarily, Capparis Mitchelli, though they may resort to other Capparis species.

Stumble upon a non-migratory Orange Albatross, and you’re in for a visual treat!

Australian Gull (Cepora perimale)

The Australian Gull, scientifically known as the Cepora perimale, is worth your attention. Native to Victoria, its elegance enchants lovers of nature.

• Habitat: Mainly found in tropical areas, it meanders around coastal areas, mangroves, and rain forests.
• Appearance: This beauty flaunts a predominantly white color highlighted with black spots on the upper wings.
• Size: With a wingspan variation between 5-7 centimeters (2-3 inches), it presents a considerable size in the butterfly world.
• Diet: Its survival depends on nectar from flowers and rotting fruits, a common diet among its peers.
• Reproduction: Similar to most butterflies, the female deposits her eggs on host foliage. This ensures food availability for the hatchlings.
• Lifespan: The lifespan averages a month. However, weather conditions can significantly impact its survival.
• Host Plants: The Australian Gull is partial to the Capparis species for its breeding grounds.

Treasure the opportunity to witness the magic of the Australian Gull!

Black-veined White (Aporia crataegi)

The Black-veined White butterfly is a notable resident of Victoria, Australia. It’s a unique species captivating enthusiasts with its striking physical attributes and interesting lifecycle.

• Habitat: Thriving in open woodland, hedgerows, and even in upland moorland.
• Appearance: Characterised by its large white wings veined in black, accented by a black dot on the forewing.
• Size: Sporting a wingspan of about 2.4-2.7 inches (60-68mm), it is one of the larger Australian butterflies.
• Diet: The caterpillars prefers to eat plants in the Rosaceae family, while adult butterflies feed on nectar.
• Reproduction: Females lay clusters of eggs on the underside of host plants, which hatch into caterpillars after 7-10 days.
• Lifespan: Adults typically live for 3-4 weeks during the summer.
• Host Plants: Finds favour primarily with plants like hawthorn, midland hawthorn and blackthorn for laying eggs.

Notoriously known for its large, transient populations, the Black-veined White is truly a remarkable specimen of Victoria’s butterfly species.

Large Grass-yellow (Eurema hecabe)

The Large Grass-yellow is an attractive butterfly species indigenous to Victoria, Australia. Its beauty and ubiquity across different regions in Victoria make it a remarkable spectacle.

• Habitat: Preferring open, sunny areas, you’ll typically see them fluttering about in parks, gardens, woodlands, and along roadsides.
• Appearance: Displaying a pleasing contrast of yellow and brownish-black, their wings are made more striking by black spots on the upper side.
• Size: Averaging about 2.36 inches (6cm) in wingspan, Large Grass-yellows are noticeable but not overly large.
• Diet: Habitually, they feed on the nectar of flowers, sapping up the sugary liquid with their long proboscis.
• Reproduction: Following mating, females lay pale green eggs individually on the leaves of host plants.
• Lifespan: On average, their lifespan is two weeks to a month depending on the conditions of their environment.
• Host Plants: Large Grass-yellows typically favor plants from the Fabaceae family for their larvae, including the Crotalaria species.

Common Albatross (Appias paulina)

The Common Albatross, or Appias paulina, is an enchanting butterfly species that graces the landscapes of Victoria, Australia.

Your understanding of this butterfly will enrich your appreciation of nature’s beauty.

• Habitat: Mainly found in the flourishing coastal areas and city gardens.
• Appearance: Exhibits stark white wings with stunning black borders for a dramatic contrast.
• Size: Grows up to 2.2-2.8 inches (55-70mm) in wingspan making it a standard-sized butterfly.
• Diet: Feeds on nectar from blossoms providing a sweet diet.
• Reproduction: Lays small, pearl-like eggs on host plants.
• Lifespan: Leads a short life of up to 3 weeks offering a fleeting chance to witness them.
• Host Plants: Favours plants from the cabbage family where it lays its eggs.

The Common Albatross’ striking appearance, rapid lifecycle, and dietary preferences reflect the intricate biodiversity of Victoria’s butterfly population. So, keep an eye out for these white-winged marvels during your next outdoor adventure.

Dainty Swallowtail (Papilio anactus)

The Dainty Swallowtail earns its name from its intricate beauty.

• Habitat: Favours habitats with citrus plants, like gardens and orchards.
• Appearance: It’s identified by the black color, blue spots on lower wings, and two lines of white spots across both wings.
• Size: Dainty Swallowtail’s wing span can spread up to 1.6-3 inches (4-7.5cm).
• Diet: Adult butterflies feed on nectar from various flowers. The caterpillars feast on citrus leaves.
• Reproduction: Females lay single greenish-white eggs. They target citrus and other Rutaceae species for their eggs.
• Lifespan: Their life is fleeting; adults may live up to just 2 weeks.
• Host Plants: Common host plants are of the Rutaceae family, including citrus varieties and Australian native species.

The Dainty Swallowtail is a spectacle to behold when spotted in Victoria’s landscape.

Sword-grass Brown (Tisiphone abeona)

One of the voluminous butterfly species you can spot in Victoria, Australia, is the Sword-grass Brown, scientifically known as Tisiphone abeona.

These butterflies come with a host of interesting details.

• Habitat: They showcase a high level of adaptability, found in regions varying from woodland areas to suburban gardens.
• Appearance: Sword-grass Browns stand out with their dark brown wings bearing a unique pattern of white and orange spots.
• Size: Their wingspread rounds up to 2.4-2.8 inches (6-7 centimeters), leading to a noticeable presence.
• Diet: Adults are more inclined towards sipping the nectar from flowering plants.
• Reproduction: You can notice them laying sheltered eggs on the leaves of the Sword grass plant.
• Lifespan: Their wild lifespan generally extends to a few weeks, primarily limited by predators and weather conditions.
• Host Plants: The caterpillars feed on a variety of grasses with a specific preference for the Monkey Grass (Lomandra longifolia).

Purple Crow (Euploea tulliolus)

The Purple Crow, scientifically known as Euploea tulliolus, is another fascinating butterfly species you might encounter in Victoria.

• Habitat: It flourishes in a variety of habitats, including clearings, gardens, and forest edges.
• Appearance: This species is striking in colour with dark brown to black wings, decorated with a row of white spots. The male stands out with its shiny, purple-blue tint.
• Size: On average, the wingspan range from 3 to 3.5 inches (8 to 9 centimeters).
• Diet: Their food source extends beyond nectar from flowers. Interestingly, they also consume rotting fruit, animal feces, and even carrion.
• Reproduction: Females lay single cream-colored eggs on the undersides of the host plant leaves.
• Lifespan: Purple Crow butterflies can live from several weeks to few months in the wild.
• Host Plants: These butterflies depend primarily on plants in the Apocynaceae family. Their caterpillars feed on silkvine (Parsonsia species) and native frangipani (Hymenosporum flavum).

Remember to respect their habitat when you’re flitting about in the Australian wilderness.

Cruiser (Vindula arsinoe)

The Cruiser is one of the graceful butterfly species gracing Victoria, AU.

• Habitat: It often frequents woodlands and rain-forests, making it a common sight within these lush locales.
• Appearance: The Cruiser boasts a striking pattern of brown, yellow and white markings, with a tinge of blue on the upper wings.
• Size: Generally, male Cruisers reach an average size of 2.6 inches (6.6 cm) while females reach 2.8 inches (7.1 cm).
• Diet: Typical of butterflies, Adult Cruisers usually feast on flower nectar.
• Reproduction: Female Cruisers deposit small, spherical eggs, typically on the underside of leaves.
• Lifespan: Unlike some other species, Cruisers have a long lifespan¾ typically, 25 to 30 days.
• Host Plants: Female Cruisers opt for specific host plants for egg-laying. These typically include Adenia heterophylla and Tinosporas smilacina.

With the Cruiser, nature truly flaunts its artistry. It’s continuously fascinating the butterfly enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Capaneus Butterfly (Zethera pimplea)

The Capaneus Butterfly, scientifically known as Zethera pimplea, is a fascinating gem found around Victoria, Australia.

• Habitat: It dwells primarily in Rainforests and subtropical regions.
• Appearance: The butterfly’s upper side is mostly black with orange-red and white bands.
• Size: They range from 1.5 to 2 inches (about 3.8 to 5 cm) in wingspan.
• Diet: This species lives on plant nectar from various bloomers, such as eucalyptus.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs singly on the host plant leaf underside.
• Lifespan: Their life expectancy is unknown, but butterflies typically live a couple of weeks to a few months.
• Host Plants: Its host plants are commonly of the Rutaceae family.

These unique aspects of the Capaneus Butterfly make it one of the most beautifully vibrant and biodiverse butterfly species.

Green Comma (Polygonia faunus)

As you explore Victoria’s nature, be on the lookout for the Green Comma butterfly, also known as the Polygonia faunus.

• Habitat: Typically found in woodlands, forests, and urban parks. Prefers areas abundant in willows and elms.
• Appearance: Easily recognized for its jagged wing edges, appearing as a green leaf when in resting position. The distinctive patterns in shades of brown, yellow, and green on its wings make its camouflage more effective.
• Size: A medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm).
• Diet: Mostly nectar from flowering plants, but occasionally feasts on sap and rotting fruit.
• Reproduction: Lays eggs singly on the leaves of host plants, later to hatch into caterpillars.
• Lifespan: This species goes through one generation a year, with adults typically living for about a month.
• Host Plants: Mainly on willow, poplar, and elm trees. These plants serve as food sources for the larvae.

Ringed Xenica (Geitoneura acantha)

The Ringed Xenica is a delightful and distinct butterfly species found within Victoria, Australia.

Let’s delve into its characteristics:

• Habitat: This species thrives in a variety of open forests and grasslands.
• Appearance: The Ringed Xenica has a dark brown body with large eye spots on both the upper and lower wings.
• Size: They have a moderate wingspan averaging 1.57 inches (4cm) across.
• Diet: Adults are known to feed solely on nectar from flowers, while their caterpillars munch on grasses.
• Reproduction: Females disperse eggs individually amongst host grass.
• Lifespan: The average lifespan of this genus is about 3 months in the adult phase.
• Host Plants: They prefer Kangaroo grass and Wallaby grass as host plants.

Being familiar with the Ringed Xenica enables you to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the ecosystem more deeply.

Scarce Copper (Lycaena virgaureae)

Meet the Scarce Copper, a rare and magnificent sight in Victoria, with a beautiful orange and black exterior.

• Habitat: Typically they favor moist, grassy meadows with large, sunlit spaces.
• Appearance: Males sport a vibrant copper upperwing, contrasted with a dark border. Females are brown with red gold patches.
• Size: Quite petite, they usually range from 1.1 to 1.4 inches (28 to 35 millimeters).
• Diet: Adult Scarce Coppers feed on nectar, often from flowering plants like thistles and hawkweeds.
• Reproduction: Their mating and reproduction period occurs twice a year, once in Spring and then again in the Summer.
• Lifespan: They typically live for only a few weeks as full-grown butterflies.
• Host Plants: The caterpillar stage prefers to live on plants like sheep’s sorrel (Rumex acetosella) and common sorrel (Rumex acetosa).

Witnessing a Scarce Copper in Victoria is a true delight for butterfly enthusiasts.

Chequered Swallowtail (Papilio demoleus)

The Chequered Swallowtail is a stunning member of the butterfly species. It calls Victoria, Australia its home, and it can be seen showcasing its distinctive features.

• Habitat: Adapt to a wide range of environments, from city parks to suburban gardens and tropical rainforests.
• Appearance: Sports an attractive chequered pattern in vibrant yellow and black hues.
• Size: Measures about 80-100mm in wingspan (around 3-4 inches).
• Diet: Adult butterflies feed on nectar from variety of flowers, while larvae feast on citrus tree leaves.
• Reproduction: Females lay tiny, round, white eggs on host plants.
• Lifespan: Generally lives between 1 and 3 months.
• Host Plants: Known to prefer citrus plants such as lime, orange, and lemon trees.

Remember, the survival of butterflies like the Chequered Swallowtail is critical for our ecosystem. By learning about them, we can take steps to ensure their preservation.

Conclusion

We’ve embarked on an exquisite tour of 30 butterfly species that have found a home in Victoria, Australia.

I hope you now have a deeper appreciation for the incredible diversity and beauty nature has to offer. Do you have any favourites among these species?

Please, feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.