Denis is correct, they are Caper Whites, a classic migration happening at the moment, biggest numbers I have seen for a long time. There were also thousands through Cowra-Wellington-Tamworth areas a couple of weeks ago.
From: John Layton [
Sent: Thursday, 25 November 2010 9:02 PM
To: Canberra Birds
Subject: [canberrabirds] Off Topic but definately on the Air
During the past few days I’ve noticed an increasing number of “White” butterflies flying through the garden. They are certainly not Cabbage Whites. Seem to have some yellow on the hind wing, perhaps other colours as well, but hard to get close to and impossible for me to catch. My resident lepidopterist is currently at sea between Surfers Paradise and Auckland, so confounded brat is of no help, being absent (again) when required. From a perusal of Braby’s field guide I guess they’re one of the Jezebels Delias spp. Spotted or Imperial Jezebel, I don’t know. Anyone?
Between 4:30 and 5:00 PM , while sitting on the front porch, I was treated to a veritable parade of these little critters as about every 15 seconds I saw some moving by, flying quickly, singles but mostly pairs and trios, all heading from SSW TO NNE, a very few paused for a quick snackaroo among the White Cedar blossoms.
John Layton.
Holt.
