Butterflies north of the Adelaide Plain

Further information on the butterflies that occur north of Adelaide will come soon. This will include all of South Australia.

In fact some of our most interesting and endangered species occur in remnant vegetation patches in the Flinders Ranges, northern and western Eyre Peninsula and in parks and reserves to the east.

Many South Australian butterflies also migrate south including the Small Grass Yellow and Caper White butterflies which mainly breed in the arid areas of the state.

Our only South Australian endemic butterfly Jalmenus lithochroa which occurs in the Wilmington area and in the Flinders Ranges.

This list includes species north of the Adelaide Urban map extending north to approximately Port Wakefield.

Butterflies of this region

Australian Admiral
Vanessa itea

A common butterfly; caterpillars eat leaves from the nettle family and have adapted to the foreign stinging nettle.

Australian Painted Lady
Vanessa kershawi

Common in Adelaide gardens, particularly during spring as they migrate in from northern areas.

Bitter-bush Blue
Theclinesthes albocincta

Found in coastal areas. Butterflies in hot, dry areas have very reduced blue areas. Caterpillars feed on the bitter bush (Adriana).

Broad-margined Azure
Ogyris olane

Males fly around the tops of the mistletoe host-trees or gather on hilltops. Females fly around the mistletoe.

Caper white
Belenois java teutonia

Annually seen migrating (often in very large numbers) from northern Australia in November to December.

Chequered Copper
Lucia limbaria

Rare, occasionally seen in undisturbed fringe urban areas, or in meadow areas and reserves. Caterpillars eat native sorrel.

Chequered swallowtail
Papilio demoleus

A migratory butterfly that is common and widespread in the north, but now only an occasional visitor to Adelaide.

Common Brown
Heteronympha merope

A very common butterfly found in most areas retaining some native vegetation that includes grasses.

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.).

Icilus Blue
Jalmenus icilius

Now rare in the Adelaide area. Usually occurs in small colonies in woodland areas near its host plant.

Lesser Wanderer
Danaus petilia

This widespread butterfly is generally uncommon in Adelaide. In the Adelaide area the caterpillars feed on introduced milkweeds.

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.

Marbled Xenica
Geitoneura klugii

This butterfly flies in spring and summer, found in most areas retaining some native vegetation that includes grasses.

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.

Mottled Grass-skipper
Anisynta cynone

A rare butterfly found in coastal areas, but only flies during Autumn (March-April). Its caterpillars feed on grasses.

Saltbush Blue
Theclinesthes serpentata

Common around saltbushes on which its caterpillars feed.

Satin Azure
Ogyris amaryllis meridionalis

The bright metallic blue upper side is usually only seen when flying. Caterpillars feed on mistletoe (only Amyema spp).

Small Grass Yellow
Eurema smilax

A small to medium sized migratory species from northern pastoral areas, often seen flying through Adelaide during spring.

Southern Grass-dart
Oxybadistes walkeri

Reasonably common; especially the eastern side of the city, its caterpillars feed on native and introduced grasses.

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.

Western Dusky-blue
Candalides hyacinthinus simplex

Now occurs east of the Mt Lofty Range, flying near its hostplant. Caterpillars feed on coarse parasitic dodder laurel growing on mallee.

Wattle Blue
Theclinesthes miskini miskini

Usually seen congregating on the tops of hills. Caterpillars eat the leaves of Acacia (wattles).

White-banded Grass-dart
Taractrocera papyria

Now rare and most likely to be seen along grassy creek lines; its caterpillars feed on native and introduced grasses.

Wood White
Delias aganippe

This is a rare butterfly in the Adelaide area, the caterpillars feed on mistletoe (only Amyema spp.) and quandong.

See also

These butterflies may visit your garden
Butterfly nectar plants of the Adelaide region
Plants information