Around 160 different butterfly species have been recorded in the Brisbane area. They have the potential to be indicators of environmental health, not least thanks to their close relationship with plants. 

An abundance of butterfly numbers and species  signals that ecosystems are healthy. Because of their role as bioindicators butterflies are well placed to represent other fauna species and indicate changes in environmental health.

Many butterflies in the Lycaenid family have formed a mutually beneficial relationship with ants. Butterflies like the Imperial Blue (Jalmenus evagoras) are entirely dependent on this arrangement. 

Legend has it that the Richmond Birdwing butterfly was once so abundant that it 'painted' King George Square green and was common all across Brisbane. Habitat loss changed all that. 

We have a new arrival in Brisbane. During Brisbane's Big Butterfly Count's inaugural 2020/2021 season, our team surveyed at  Boondall Wetlands and recorded a Tawny Coster (Acraea terpsicore), a first for Brisbane.

Every few years we see an abundance of Australian butterflies migrate. Blue Tigers and Caper Whites are among them. Some of our butterflies travel long distances during this period. 

Butterflies and moths have a lot in common. Both belong to the order Lepidoptera.  There are plenty of similarities, but there are also differences. Learn how to distinguish between them.  .

 Insects develop in two different ways to reach their adult form. Some undergo 'only' three stages during their life cycle while butterflies and moths undergo four different stages and change their appeareance every time.

Here are some interesting butterfly facts. In their search for moisture and nutrients butterflies descend on mud puddles and areas of wet soil, often in large numbers. But there is more....