Butts of Tropical Australia

[moloch]

Greetings all,

I thought that I would start a post of the butterflies that I have photographed in the wet tropics of Australia. Australia is mostly an enormous desert continent. There is, however, a tiny bit of rainforest in the far northern region of Queenlsand. This habitat stretches along the coast from an area a little north of Townsville to Cape Tribulation.

My family and I have visited the wet tropics almost annually for many years. Our favourite destination is Mission Beach, a small village that is situated about 1.5 hours south of Cairns. This is a great destination for a family holiday with its warm winter temperatures, beautiful beaches and access to the Great Barrier Reef.

I will start by posting a number of habitat snaps of the area and then add shots of the butterflies.

Mission Beach
Coastal scenes:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat14.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat_mb15.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat_mb18.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat5.jpg

Rainforest:
The forest here has not been cut but the trees are not all that big. Cyclones are a frequent event here and they will smash into the forest and snap most of the trees. I've seen this happen twice now in 25 years.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat7.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat8.jpg


Lacey Creek, a good place for butterflies.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat_mb2.jpg

[moloch]

Tully Gorge/Murray Falls -- both within an hour's drive of Mission Beach.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/tullygorge1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat_tully3.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat11.jpg




Cape Hillsborough/Eungella
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat_CapeHillsborough1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat_CapeHillsborough6.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat_eungella.jpg


Jourama Falls
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitatQLDJouramaFalls2.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitatQLDJouramaFalls3.jpg

[moloch]

The Atherton Tablelands is an upland area and about an hour's drive inland from Mission Beach. The eastern portion of the tableland is wet and the soil fertile. Most of the original rainforest was cut long ago and the land converted to farms and dairies.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat_atherton2.jpg


There are a few forest remnants such as the area around Lake Barrine.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitatQLDAthertonTablelands1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitatQLDAthertonTablelands2.jpg


Mt. Bartle Frere is Queensland's highest mountain. It is only 1600m in elevation but the climb to the top and back is a hard one and takes an entire day. Leeches are abundant!
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat_atherton1.jpg


The drive up the eastern flank of the tablelands is scenic and passes through beautiful forest. This area is part of Wooroonooran National Park.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat_Palmerston1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat_Palmerston2.jpg


The tablelands become dry to the west and rainforest is replaced by eucalyptus woodland.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitatQLDAthertonTablelands3.jpg

[moloch]

Now, the butterflies ...

One of our most beautiful is the Cairns Birdwing (Ornithoptera euphorion). I see a few on each trip but they don't seem to be very common. Most of the time, I see males slowly floating along at canopy level. Sometimes, they come lower to chase females or to visit flowers.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Ornithopterapriamus2DaintreeQLD.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Ornithopterapriamus3DaintreeQLD.jpg


This male had been killed by a car. It was so large and bright, that I saw it on the shoulder of the road as I drove by.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/OrnithopterapriamusMissionBeachQLD.jpg


Ulysses Swallowtails (Papilio ulysses) are stunning but so hard to photograph. They are big swallowtails that fly fast are rarely seem to stop. When they do, they usually close their wings. Their colours remind me very much of Morphos in the neotropics.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Papilioulysses2MissionBeachQLS.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Papilioulysses1MissionBeachQLD.jpg



Blue Triangle (aka, Common Bluebottle) (Graphium sarpedon) are common. Other members of the genus that I see include Green-spotted Triangles (aka, Tailed Jays) (G. agamemnon), Pale Triangles (G. eurypylus).
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Graphiumsarpedon1JouramaFallsQLD.jpg


Fuscous Swallowtails (Papilio fuscus) remind me of some of the Helens in Malaysia.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Papiliofuscus3MtOssaQLD.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Papiliofuscus2MtOssaQLD.jpg

[moloch]

Jezabel Nymphs (Mynes geoffroyi) are nice nymphalids that do resemble the Jezabels. I especially like these since their caterpillars feed on the leaves of Stinging Trees. These trees are capable of an incredible sting and their spines cause discomfort for several months after an encounter. I had a bad sting one night when I walked right through a small tree and the pain was so intense that I slept little that night. The tingling sensation in my arms continued for about 3 months before finally subsiding. We need more Jezabel Nymphs!
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Mynesgeoffroyi1AthertonTablelandsQLD.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Mynesgeoffroyi2AthertonTablelandsQLD.jpg


Blue-banded Eggfly (Hypolimnas alimena) are lovely butts. They are not as common as the Varied Eggfly (H. bolina).
... male:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Hypolimnasalimena3maleMissionBeachQLD.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Hypolimnasalimena1MissionBeachQLD.jpg


... female:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Hypolimnasalimena2aMissionBeachQLD.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Hypolimnasalimena2aaMissionBeachQLD.jpg



Varied Eggfly (Hypolimnas bolina) are common butterflies.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Hypolimnasalimena1JouramaFallsQLD.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Hypolimnusbolina2MissionBeachQLD.jpg

[Glorious Begum]

Cairns Birdwing (Ornithoptera euphorion) is beautiful. how big is it compared to Common birdwings here ?

The last picture, is that an egg on the top near center ?

:cheers:

[moloch]

Hello LC,

Male Cairns Birdwings have a wingspread of 125mm and females are larger at 150mm. Females are the largest of all butterflies in Australia. I just check C&P4 and I can't see dimensions of the Common Birdwing.

The green thing is just part of the plant.

Regards,
David

[moloch]

Here are a few more.

Bordered or Australian Rustic (Cupha prosope): fairly common along the edge of the forest.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Cuphaprosope2MissionBeachQLD.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Cuphaprosope1MissionBeachQLD.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Cuphaprosope3MissionBeachQLD.jpg


Cruiser (Vindula arsinoe) are not so common. Males tend to stay high in the canopy. Here is a female.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Vindulaarsinoe1AthertonTablelandsQLD.jpg


Red Lacewing (Cethosia cydippe) are gorgeous butterflies in good light. I will be heading back to Mission Beach in November and will photo these again if they are active. The wings of this species are much broader than its relatives in Malaysia.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Cethosiacydippe1MissionBeachQLD-1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Cethosiacydippe3MissionBeachQLD-1.jpg


Leafwing or Australian Leafwing (Doleschallia bisaltide):
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Doleschalliabisaltide3MissionBeachQLD.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Doleschalliabisaltide1MissionBeachQLD.jpg

[Glorious Begum]

Thanks David, T. helena (Common Birdwing) here is around 100 - 140 mm but species like T. amphrysis (The Malayan Birdwing) is larger from 135 - 160 mm.

:cheers:


Hello LC,

Male Cairns Birdwings have a wingspread of 125mm and females are larger at 150mm. Females are the largest of all butterflies in Australia. I just check C&P4 and I can't see dimensions of the Common Birdwing.

The green thing is just part of the plant.

Regards,
David

[Great Mormon]

Thanks for sharing with us these pictures. The Cairns Birdwing is such a show stopper!

So many colourful and interesting butterflies. Perhaps our Tasmanian corrospondent, Mark, will drop by there to shoot before returning home :P

[atronox]

Hi David, was just wondering if the Cairns birdwing shld be O. priamus?
I've nvr heard of euphorion.
The P. fuscus are great btw.:grin2:

[WillFolsom]

David: That was a nice view of Australia's butterflies and geography. I once slipped and instinctively put my hand out to stop my fall against a tree with sharp spines. Fortunately they did not sting, but i was pretty careful thereafter. That was in the grounds of our hotel in San Antonia, in Costa Rica. Interesting stories to accompany your article. William

[Peacock Royal]

A very interesting and informative write-up. Thanks. Many beautiful butterflies you have shot there.

I am planning to attend a conference in Alice Springs in early July 2011, hope I can see some butts in winter ?

[moloch]

Thanks, all.

Anthony,
I think that Mark would be frozen solid by now! It was a cold winter but in my area, we are back to spring. The days are finally warming and wildflowers are in bloom.


Aaron,
I think that the birdwing here was split into 3 species. The New Guinea Birdwing (O. priamus) is found up in the tropical rainforests of Cape York. The lower underwing pattern of the male is very different to the shots of the Cairns Birdwing (O. euphorion) in my post. The third species is the Richmond Birdwing (O. richmondia), a small birdwing at 105mm (male), 115mm (female). This species has a tiny distribution in the subtropical forests of northern NSW and southeastern QLD. I am going on a quick trip in October to hopefully find and photograph it.

It is interesting but the distribution of these 3 species matches almost exactly the distribution of 3 species of Riflebirds (members of Bird-of-Paradise) family.


Thanks, William.
Here is a photo of a warning sign and then the nasty plant, itself. These become huge rainforest trees. Their saplings are the danger and they have bigger leaves than the adult trees.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/StingingTreeSign.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/plant_stingingtree.jpg

I was stung when I walked up a slope of this gorge to skirt around a small cliff. I was there at night with a friend to try and find and photograph one of the relict leaf-tailed geckos, Phyllurus ossa. These geckos are known from just a few hills north of Mackay.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat_ossa1.jpg

... we were successful but it was a night with a bad memory to me!
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/lizard_Phyllurus_ossa3.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/lizard_Phyllurus_ossa2.jpg


Federick,
I will be cool in the centre in July. There aren't many butterfly species in the interior. You might find something like blues or perhaps Caper Whites. Are you stopping in Sydney?

[moloch]

There are 7 species of Eurema in northern Qld. I think that this one is a Large Grass-yellow (E. hecabe). I don't have photos but there are also 7 species of interesting little pierids known as Pearl-whites (Elodina sp.) found in the same area.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Euremahecabe1MissionBeachQLD-1.jpg



... here is one for Les, Black Jezabel (Delias nigrina). These are a widespread species and found here in the Wollongong area as well. They are one of the few butterflies that remain active over winter here at the 'Gong.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Deliasnigrina1AthertonTablelandsQLD.jpg



This is one of the migrants but I am not certain of the species. I think that it is a Lemon Migrant (Catopsilia pomona) but the similar Orange Migrant (C. scylla) and Yellow Migrant (C. gorgophone) also occur in the same area.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Catopsiliapomona2CapeHillsboroughQLD.jpg



Yellow Albatross (Appias paulina) are fairly common. I also have seen Grey Albatross (A. melania) on some trips but they seem to be scarce.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Appiaspaulina1.jpg



Caper Gulls (Cepora perimale) are strange in that the underwing pattern of butterflies in the dry season is very different to this one that was photographed right after the wet.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Ceporaperimale1AirlieBeachQLD.jpg



Danainae are common. Within the forest, I sometimes see Purple Crows (Euploea tulliolus). In good light, the uppersurface of the wings are an iridescent purple.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Euploeatulliolus1CapeHillsboroughQLD.jpg


This Swamp Tiger (Danaus affinis) appeared to be laying eggs on a small vine.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Danausaffinis1CapeHillsboroughQLD.jpg

[moloch]

Chocolate Argus (Junonia hedonia) can be common in late spring.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/JunoniahedoniaMareebaQLD.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Junoniahedonia2MareebaQLD.jpg


Evening Browns (Melanitis leda) are crepuscular butterflies. During the day, I sometimes flush them along trails but near dusk, they are actively darting about along the edge of the forest.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Melanitisleda1MtOssaQLD.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Melanitisleda3MtOssaQLD.jpg



Orange Bush-brown (Mycalesis terminus) are abundant butterflies along the edge of the forest.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Mycalesisterminus2MissionBeachQLD.jpg



Cedar Bush-browns (Mycalesis sirius) are not as easy to find.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/MycalesisperseusCapeYork1QLD.jpg



So far, I have only seen a single Northern Sword-grass Brown (Tisiphone helena). This is an upland species and I found this one in the Atherton Tablelands. It was wary and I could not closely approach it.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/TisiphonehelenaNorthernSwordgrassBrown.jpg

[moloch]

I think that the Yellow-eyed Planes (Neptis prasilini) must be Batesian mimics of Hamadryads. Their patterns are very similar.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/NeptisprasiliniIronRangeNP2QLD.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/NeptisprasiliniIronRangeNP3QLD.jpg


Hamadryad (Tellervo zoilus). These often land beneath leaves.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/TellervozoilusMissionBeach3QLD.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/TellervozoilusMissionBeach1QLD.jpg



Orange Plane (Pantoporia consimilis) are tiny butterflies and scarce. I only see one or two on each trip.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/PantoporiaconsimilisIronRangeNP1QLD.jpg



Lycaenids are diverse and common. One of my favourites is the Large Green-banded Blue (Danis danis).
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Psychonotiscyanea2MissionBeachQLD.jpg



Green-banded Line-blue (Nacaduba cyanea) are also very nice.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Psychonotiscyanea1JouramaFallsWLD.jpg

[moloch]

I am not certain but think that this is a Large Purple Line-blue (Nacaduba berenice)
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Nacadubaberenice1JouramaFallsQLD.jpg


I see a few Black-spotted Flash (Hypolycaena phorbas) one each trip.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Hypolycaenaphorbas1MissionBeachQLD.jpg


Oak-blues are abundant. Several species are found in this area and in flight, they are dazzling with their bright iridescent purples. I think that this one is a Shining Oak-blue (Arhopala micale):
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Arhopalamicale1MissionBeachQLD.jpg


I am not certain but think that this is a Purple Oak-blue (Arphopala centaurus).
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/ArphopalacentaurusCapeYorkNP1QLD.jpg


Skippers are abundant and usually confusing. I think that this large species is a Banded Demon (Notocrypta waigensis).
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/skipper6MissionBeachQLD.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/skipper6aMissionBeachQLD.jpg


Pied Flats (Tagiades japetus) are distinctive. They seem to always land beneath leaves.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/Tagiadesjapetus2MissionBeachQLD.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/TagiadesjapetusMissionBeachQLD.jpg

[Archduke]

these are very beautiful butts that i would love to see in real life.
its getting a tad bit warmer here (no more sub zero nights) though, or that i have gotten used to the freezing cold, still i wont leave the house without a jacket on and if i am going to be out in the open i'd certainly be wearing thermals.

wouldnt mind checking out these interesting places if time permits at the end of the sch semester.

[Painted Jezebel]

David, thanks very much for the D.nigrina, a very distinctive member of the Genus. Be on the look out for the rare yellow form, where the red band on the hindwing is replaced by yellow (what else!:grin2: ). This aberration can be found in several Delias species. I've only seen one, in a museum in Exeter, Devon.

There certainly are many very beautiful butts up north. I love the Danis danis, and the quite similar Nacaduba sp. I believe that the larvae of Danis species absorb poisonous alkaloids from their hostplants, and this has given rise to the mimics in the Jamides, Nacaduba and Psychonotis genera.

Your Tagiades japetus is very different from the subspecies we have on the Peninsular, and looks like other members of the Genus found here. Are there any other Tagiades species found there?

[atronox]

Psychonotis are toxic too, their larvae also feed on Rhamnaceae.:grin2:

[moloch]

Mark,
I hope that you are there long enough to see the special browns that live on the island. I had glimpses of a few in the summit area of Mt. Wellington but never managed a photo. The nature walk at Mt. Knocklofty also has photos of them.


Thanks for the info, Les. I was unaware of the rare colour form of D. nigrina. They are common butterflies here in Wollongong and one of the few species that I see on sunny winter days. Unfortunately, they tend to remain high in the canopy. I will work to get better photos this year.

Thanks, Les and Aaron, for the info on the blues. I was also unaware that some of these carried alkaloids. I wondered why there were several similar species in the north. I guess that they are examples of both batesian and mullerian mimicry. At Mission Beach, I have also seen Small Green-banded Blues (Psychonotis caelius). Orchid Flash (Hypolycaena danis) should also be there but I have not seen this species yet. I will watch in November when I am back again for a visit.

[moloch]

Les,
Regarding the Tagaiades japetus, they are the only Tagaiades here in Australia. We don't have anything else like these. I am using "The Complete Field Guide to Butterflies of Australia" by Michael Braby. He does not always include subspecies so I can't tell you what these are. How do they differ from those that you see in your area?

[moloch]

Awls? These had what appeared to be elongated upper wings.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/BadamiaexclamationisCapeYork1QLD.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/BadamiaexclamationisCapeYork2QLD.jpg


The very distinctive White-clubbed Swift (Sabera caesina)
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/skipper2MissionBeachQLD.jpg


unknown to me
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/skipper3MissionBeachQLD.jpg


Grass-dart (Ocybadistes sp.) ?
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/butt/skipper1MissionBeachQLD.jpg

[Commander]

The first two looks suspiciously like our Brown Awl (Badamia exclamationis). Does Braby's checklist include that species in the Australian region?

[moloch]

Hello Khew,

Yes, Narrow-winged Awl (Badamia exclamationis) is widespread on the east coast. I almost suggested that identity but I can't really see the shape of the lower wing. Braby's illustration shows an odd lower wing shape.

Regards,
David

[atronox]

Thanks, Les and Aaron, for the info on the blues. I was also unaware that some of these carried alkaloids. I wondered why there were several similar species in the north. I guess that they are examples of both batesian and mullerian mimicry. At Mission Beach, I have also seen Small Green-banded Blues (Psychonotis caelius). Orchid Flash (Hypolycaena danis) should also be there but I have not seen this species yet. I will watch in November when I am back again for a visit.
Also Hypochrysops theon and related spp and Arhopala critala and related spp.

[Painted Jezebel]

Les,
Regarding the Tagaiades japetus, they are the only Tagaiades here in Australia. We don't have anything else like these. I am using "The Complete Field Guide to Butterflies of Australia" by Michael Braby. He does not always include subspecies so I can't tell you what these are. How do they differ from those that you see in your area?

C&P4 (Plate 53) shows all the Tagiades species to be found on the Peninsular. There is one thing that make me ask about the specimen you show, and that is the amount of white on the tornal area of the hindwing. I am fully aware that subspecies differ in various parts of the world (otherwise there would not be subspecies), but this one keeps niggling me, and I hate being niggled.

Would you (and our Administrator) object if I lifted the photo and sent it to Michael (I am in occasional contact with him on other matters), together with my own photos of other local Tagiades species, for his comments?

[moloch]

Hello Les,

It is fine with me if you would like to forward the photos to someone else.

Regards,
David

[Commander]

Would you (and our Administrator) object if I lifted the photo and sent it to Michael (I am in occasional contact with him on other matters), together with my own photos of other local Tagiades species, for his comments?

No issues with me, as long as David is ok with it. :)

[moloch]

... a few natural history pics:


At Mission Beach, sights like this are common along the trails.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/Cassowary4.jpg


Mission Beach has the largest remaining Southern Cassowary population in Australia. I see these magnificent birds a few times on each visit.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/Cassowary13.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/Cassowary15.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/Cassowary11.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/Cassowary10.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/Cassowary7.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/Cassowary9.jpg


White-bellied Sea Eagles are fairly common along the coastline.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/bird_seaeagle1.jpg

[moloch]

One of the special birds of the upland areas is this beautiful Golden Bowerbird. The males build these incredible structures that they decorate with flowers and maintain year after year.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/bird_GoldenBowerbird4.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/bird_GoldenBowerbird2.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/bird_GoldenBowerbird1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/bird_GoldenBowerbird5.jpg


Pied Imperial Pigeons are common during the summer months.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/bird_ImperialPiedPigeon1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/bird_ImperialPiedPigeon2.jpg


Red-tailed Black Cockatoos often feed in Pandanus and other trees along the beach.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/bird_redtailedblack3.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/bird_redtailedblack4.jpg

[moloch]

This wonderful gecko lives only in a couple of remote gorges near Townsville. A friend of mine did the homework to track down the gecko and I walked into the gorge with him one night. It was a hot steamy climb of several hours. We had to rock hop our way just about to a ridge top. It is here at the damp, upper end of the gorge where Phyllurus gulbaru lives. This gecko was only discovered a few years ago and it appears to be a relict that will be gone soon. Phyllurus are thought to be ancient geckos that were widespread when Australia was wet and covered with rainforest. As the continent drifted and dried out, they retreated with the rainforest up the mountains. This one is at the top of a mountain so has nowhere else to go.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/lizard_Phyllurus_gulbaru1.jpg


Phyllurus amnicola is another relict gecko only found about 10 years ago. It lives high up on a single mountain south of Townsville. It is about an 18km walk at night to reach the habitat where this lovely geckos lives. The walk includes climbing a waterfall so is quite strenous. I am glad to have done it but don't know if I will attempt this again.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/lizard_Phyllurus_amnicola6.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/lizard_Phyllurus_amnicola11.jpg



The Atherton Tablelands have a lovely coloured Carpet Python known as the "Jungle Carpet".
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/JungleCarpet2.jpg



Green Tree Snakes are one of the more common species of the north.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/snake_greentree2a.jpg


I really like the eyes of this frog. It was most unusual!
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/frog_Litoria_xanthomera_paluma5.jpg


... watchful eyes of a Lace Monitor:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/lizard_mb_lace10.jpg


Boyd's Forest Dragons are hard to find due to their cryptic colours and slow-moving habits.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/lizard_BoydsForest1.jpg

[Bluebottle]

Nice pictures, interesting narrative and NG standard :cheers:
I like the crown of Southern Cassowary.

It is about an 18km walk at night to reach the habitat where this lovely geckos lives. The walk includes climbing a waterfall so is quite strenous.
Now, that is hardcore nature lover :bsmile: :thumbsup:

[moloch]

Thanks, Loke.

Also, I did not phrase it well about the walk. It was an 18 km return walk and half of this was at night. My friend and I set off about 3pm and did not get back to the car until after 1am.

This is Mt. Elliot where the P. amnicola lives. The country here looks so dry but there is rainforest in the gorges high up on this mountain.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat_MtElliott1-1.jpg


We had to climb this falls. Unfortunately, there was no place where I could take an unobstructed photo. It rained while we were in the high country so the granite of the falls was dangerously slick on our descent. I fell once and bruised a rib but it would be easy to be seriously injured here at night.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat_MtElliott3.jpg

... a portion of the falls:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat_MtElliott4-1.jpg


... view from above the falls at dusk:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/Mt%20Kiera/bc/tropQLD/habitat/habitat_MtElliott5-1.jpg

[Painted Jezebel]

Hello Les,

It is fine with me if you would like to forward the photos to someone else.

Regards,
David

Thanks, David. However, I have managed to answer my problems without recourse to Michael.

Incedentally, I believe that Australia now has 2 species of Tagiades, a second one (Tagiades nestus) was rediscovered on some Islands in the Torres Strait in 2005.