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Butterflies and Moths by scientific name

The butterflies included here are based on observations by Peter Valentine and Darrell Kemp. Peter Valentine has provided advice and most of the photographs. Names are according to Braby (2000) Butterflies of Australia. Please note, in these descriptions wingspan measurements are given first for the male then female. When there is no separate comments then the female is either very similar or slightly paler. Faculty with research interest in butterflies are Richard Rowe and Peter Valentine.
Butterflies of the Douglas and Smithfield campuses may be grouped as follows.
Skippers, awls, flats and darts (Hesperiidae): antennae are widely separated at the base. Most adults are basically brown, often rest with wings outspread; flight is rapid and jerky; larvae build shelters from leaves bound by silk.
Birdwings and swallowtails (Papilionidae): antennae close ar base; adults large and boldy patterned; many species have a tail on the hindwing; often found hovering over plants in the morning.
Whites and yellow (Pieridae): antennae are close together at base; adults chiefly white or yellow in colour on upper surface, lower surface often colourful; often migratory.
Crows and monarchs (Nymphalidae): antennae close at base; colours various, frequently with prominent eyespots on the wings.
Small blues and coppers (Lycaenidae): antennae close together; essentially tropical; larvae frequently attended by ants and have special secretory organs; upper surface of the adult wings often in iridescent shades of green/blue/purple/bronze or orange.