Blue Tiger

(Tirumala hamata)

Also known as Dark Blue Tiger or Blue Wanderer, the Blue Tiger is found in South-east Asia and Australia, in monsoon forest (vine thicket) and littoral rainforest where the larval food plants grow as large vines. Has been observed in mass migrations to the south in some years.

Host Plant:

The Corky milk vine (Secamone elliptica), a species of vine or liana. This plant can also host the Common Crow butterfly which is depicted on this sign.

Learn more about the Blue Tiger in the book entitled Create More Butterflies by Frank Jordan & Helen Schwencke which is available from Earthling Enterprises

Blue Argus

(Junonia Orithya)

Blue Argus is also known in India as Blue Pansy and in southern Africa as Eyed Pansy. This species, like most others of this genus, is found mainly in open habitats including grassland, savannah / woodland mosaics, large clearings in forests, and on farmland. This is mainly a lowland species, found at elevations between sea level and about 300 metres. Its habitat is the tropical north and east. It can reach as far down as the New South Wales border in the east but becomes rare south of the Tropic of Cancer.

Host Plant:

Pink Tongue (Rostellularia obtusa), a sprawling or prostrate herb.

Learn more about the Blue Argus in the book Create More Butterflies by Frank Jordan & Helen Schwencke, available from Earthling Enterprises

Australian Painted Lady

(Vanessa kershawi)

Australian Painted Lady is restricted to Australia, while a related species Vanessa cardui is distributed worldwide. It is found predominantly in southern Australia below the Tropic of Capricorn, and not found at all in the far north. It is also known to migrate across to new Zealand but does not reproduce there.

Host Plant:

Yellow Buttons or common everlasting,(Chrysocephalum apiculatum) a perennial herb up to 60cm tall.

Paper Daisy, (Xerochrysum bracteatum) also known as Golden everlasting or Strawflower.

Learn more about the Australian Painted Lady in the book Create More Butterflies by Frank Jordan & Helen Schwencke, available from Earthling Enterprises