Plant community No. 13
This ‘open woodland’ is dominated by Mallee Box (Eucalyptus porosa) with a sub-storey of Southern Cypress Pine (Callitris gracilis), Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata) and Silver Banksia (Banksia marginata). It is found on grey-brown sands over limestone, at the base of foot slopes.
Caterpillar food plants in this community
Ground layer
- Climbing Saltbush (Einadia nutans ssp. nutans)
- Native Lilac (Hardenbergia violacea)
- Native Sorrel (Oxalis perennans)
Shrubs
- Berry Saltbush (Atriplex semibaccata)
Trees and Mistletoes
- Box Mistletoe (Amyema miquelli) [on Mallee Box (Eucalyptus porosa)]
- Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha)
See also
Butterfly nectar plants of the Adelaide region
Plants information
Butterflies of this plant community
Broad-margined Azure
Ogyris olane
Males fly around the tops of the mistletoe host-trees or gather on hilltops. Females fly around the mistletoe.
Chequered Copper
Lucia limbaria
Rare, occasionally seen in undisturbed fringe urban areas, or in meadow areas and reserves. Caterpillars eat native sorrel.
Common Grass-blue
Zizena labradus
Often very common, seen flitting low in open grassy areas. Caterpillars feed on herbaceous pea plants and have adapted to clover.
Genoveva Azure
Ogyris genoveva
The iridescent blue upper side is only seen when flying. Caterpillars feed on yellow mistletoe (Amyema spp.).
Satin Azure
Ogyris amaryllis meridionalis
The bright metallic blue upper side is usually only seen when flying. Caterpillars feed on mistletoe (only Amyema spp).
Saltbush Blue
Theclinesthes serpentata
Common around saltbushes on which its caterpillars feed.
Tailed Emperor
Polyura sempronius
Not common. This butterfly is a recent (1973) immigrant from the eastern states. Caterpillars feed on eastern states trees such as Kurrajong.
Two-spotted Line-blue
Nacaduba biocellata biocellata
Common in fringe urban areas on the plains; rare in the hills. Has a very small caterpillar that eats Acacia (wattle) buds.
Wattle Blue
Theclinesthes miskini miskini
Usually seen congregating on the tops of hills. Caterpillars eat the leaves of Acacia (wattles).
Wood White
Delias aganippe
This is a rare butterfly in the Adelaide area, the caterpillars feed on mistletoe (only Amyema spp.) and quandong.
