Grasslands

Grasslands are important for many butterflies. Planting native grasses is a sure way of attracting butterflies whose caterpillars feed on them. These grasses are not only an attractive addition to any garden but need less water to survive than introduced species.

In order to survive, many butterflies have adapted to introduced grasses. If you have an introduced grass or lawn in your garden then leave a patch unmown so that butterflies can breed while the native grasses are becoming established. Also, plant the nature strip with native grasses to assist with the survival of these butterflies in the urban Adelaide area.

Wallaby grass Danthonia sp. at O’Sullivan Beach Photo R.Sandicock

Blady grass or Kunai Grass, Imperata cylindrica Photo R.Grund

Male white-banded grass dart Taractrocera papyria papyria Photo LFHunt

Klug’s Xenica Geitoneura klugii larva

Larva of southern grass-dart Ocybadistes walkeri papyria.