Plant community No. 6
This ‘woodland’ is dominated by South Australian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon). It is found on black earths, red-brown earths, and terra rossa, on foot slopes.
Caterpillar food plants in this community
Ground layer
- Austral Trefoil (Lotus australis)
- Bent Goodenia (Goodenia geniculata)
- Common Everlasting (Chrysocephalum apiculatum)
- Native Sorrel (Oxalis perennans)
- Scarlet Runner (Kennedia prostrata)
Shrubs
- Bristly Bush-Pea (Pultenaea acerosa)
- Twiggy Bush-Pea (Pultenaea largiflorens)
Trees and Mistletoes
- Box Mistletoe (Amyema miquelii) [on Eucalyptus spp.]
- Fleshy Mistletoe (Amyema miraculosa) [on Quandong (Santalum acuminatum)]
- Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha)
- Native Cherry (Exocarpos cupressiformis)
See also
Butterfly nectar plants of the Adelaide region
Plants information
Butterflies of this plant community
Australian Painted Lady
Vanessa kershawi
Common in Adelaide gardens, particularly during spring as they migrate in from northern areas.
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.
Fringed Heath-blue
Neolucia agricola agricola
Found in woodland and heath areas during spring. Caterpillars eat small, native bush-peas.
Genoveva Azure
Ogyris genoveva
The iridescent blue upper side is only seen when flying. Caterpillars feed on yellow mistletoe (Amyema spp.).
Long-tailed Pea-blue
Lampidies boeticus
Often common around its host plants of small pea flowering herbs, shrubs and vines. Caterpillars eat the flowers and pods.
Meadow Argus
Junonia villida calybe
A common butterfly found in meadows, open reserves or vacant blocks. Caterpillars eat native and introduced herbaceous plants and weeds.
Satin Azure
Ogyris amaryllis meridionalis
The bright metallic blue upper side is usually only seen when flying. Caterpillars feed on mistletoe (only Amyema spp).
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.
Wood White
Delias aganippe
This is a rare butterfly in the Adelaide area, the caterpillars feed on mistletoe (only Amyema spp.) and quandong.
