Why nectar is important to butterflies and where they find it.

The Butterfly Conservation SA Society was founded over twenty years ago because of concerns by people that butterfly numbers were declining.

Nectar is the major energy source for butterflies, but species differ greatly in the range of flowers they exploit. Recent research has shown that only a small range of herbs, shrubs and a few trees account for most visits by butterflies.  Dr. Peter McQuillan‘s talk will be of interest to those wishing to provide nectar for butterflies visiting a garden and those interested in remnant vegetation conservation.

Event partner: SA Museum, celebrating 165 years young.

This is a COVID safe event operating at a capped capacity.

To be assured of a seat:

We have engaged a professional A/V team who will be recording the talk, and we may be able to livestream the event.

About Dr Peter McQuillan:

Dr Peter McQuillan grew up in Adelaide and was a regular visitor to the South Australian Museum entomology section from a young age. He was always passionate about insects, including micro-moths,

After graduating in agricultural science from the University of Adelaide, he followed a career of entomology in Tasmania, and, until recently, was a Senior Lecturer in Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Tasmania, teaching biogeography and environmental studies.

Peter’s research interests include pollination and herbivory, invasive species management, and the distribution of insects. He is especially interested in invertebrates as indicators of environmental change. His studies have involved moths, beetles and ants, and he has made a substantial contribution to the conservation and systematics of Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. He is a strong advocate for the conservation of invertebrate communities and their function.

In 2019, he was senior author of the BCSA-produced book ‘Caterpillars, moths, and their plants of southern Australia’.