Websites and galleries focused on Lepidoptera

Butterflies and moths

Most species identified as at risk have little or no management underway to conserve them, and only six of 26 butterflies identified are currently listed for protection under law Australian law. Read more here: The Conversation

South Australian Butterflies and Moths Roger Grund’s original research-quality site was redesigned in 2018 by the Butterfly Conservation South Australia Inc. (BCSA.)and it is now maintained by the BCSA.

Gallery of photographs provided by BCSA member Helen Wilmore, showing metamorphosis for the Caper white, Belenois java teutonia

Some Lepidoptera common to SA and VIC  Gallery of photographs provided by Bertrand of Victoria

The BCSA has established a Rain Moth project on iNaturalist to collect South Australian observations.  You can filter for details such as locations, dates, species, life stages.  When using iNat for research purposes, please note that the ID’s are made by citizen scientists, of varied qualifications, from photos by citizen scientists or the general public.  If you filter your search for “Research Grade”, that means at least 3 people have agreed on the final ID.  The Atlas of Living Australia garners much of it’s data and information from iNaturalist, Research Grade observations.  We hope you will have a look and tell others who might be interested.  Have we missed any family or species of Rain Moths?

 

South Australian Lepidoptera

The BCSA is using iNaturalist to see Lepidoptera reported in our state by community members.  

 

BCSA member Greg Coote has a stunning album of local lepidoptera online

Some of his images show just how tattered such fragile creatures can become yet still fly around and carry on life.

 

Lesser seen SA coastal butterflies

 

Nature Glenelg Trust is an environmental organisation with a focus on regions between Melbourne and Adelaide. Bryan Haywood is a member of the Nature Glenelg Trust and the BCSA committee. At the BCSA’s November 2020 public meeting, he provided an historic overview of the Penambol Butterfly Walk, its establishment, and findings after 20 years of monitoring this site. He also highlighted some South East butterfly species not seen in other parts of the state, and conservation efforts being undertaken to conserve these species. Here are the slides he presented.

 

Butterflies in my Garden  BCSA member Linda Shmith shows nectar (food) and host (eggs etc.) plants in her garden

 

Australian Moths Online This CSIRO site is back online.

 

Butterfly House Great information and pictures Australia-wide, Unfortunately no filter for results by state.

Butterflies Australia (citizens’ science)

In 2020, Mike Moore introduced BCSA members to a new application. 
Here are the slides he used in his presentation.

In 2021, Chris Sanderson told us about citizens’ science and the updated Butterflies Australia app. See the video!

There are more videos about the app on YouTube  There is a Facebook page and a Twitter page. You could email questions or feedback to australianbutterflies@gmail.com but please note that people will be responding as volunteers when they have spare time, so please be patient.

 

ScienceDirect.com In 2020, Mike Moore explained to BCSA members venation in butterfly wings, which is critical in identifying moths and butterflies and classifying them into families. This is the useful web address he recommended

 

Butterfly Conservation SA – YouTube has videos showing presentations given at BCSA meetings; the symbiotic relationships between ants and caterpillars; and more…

 

Hepialids of the World

Hepialids of the World data from the original website developed by Dr. John Grehan is now available under the management of the BCSA here: https://hepialidsoftheworld.com.au/  Investment in redevelopment is required in order to update the data and make the website more user-friendly.