Hi Martin
I think most aus butterfly migration is south in spring, the Australian Painted Lady is one species that is known to sometimes migrate in large numbers, I think Yellow Admirals do so on a smaller scale. Canberra populations of Yellow Admiral are probably mostly resident but I don’t really know. In any case adult stages of butterflies usually only live a few weeks at most (depending on species) so if any do go north for winter it would be a one way trip!
Cheers
Steve
From: martin butterfield [
Sent: Monday, 28 May 2012 5:26 PM
To: Steve Holliday
Cc: canberrabirds chatline
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] Sheperds Lookout today
Steve H
In Michael Braby's Field guide to Butterflies of Australia he comments that the adults of this species are migratory. Unless this specimen has come down from the high country it has missed the boat.
Martin
On Mon, May 28, 2012 at 5:06 PM, Steve Holliday <> wrote:
Hi Steve
Correct, your butterfly is an Australian Admiral (Yellow Admiral is actually the more current common name). It is a hardy butterfly but this is getting pretty late in the season for them. I have occasionally seen one in June or July, but mostly they have finished by this time of the year. Their caterpillars feed on stinging nettles and related plants
Cheers
Steve
At least two Eastern Yellow Robins have been at Sheperds Lookout for some time but today I saw three together with another calling some distance. The Owlet-nightjar Roger Williams found is still in the same hollow. The young Speckled Warbler is still following its parents around. I could hear it begging but did not see if they fed it.
Not knowing anything about butterflies, I was also surprised to see the one in the attached photo flying around. Using random Google searches I think it is an Australian Admiral but happy to be corrected. Is it usual for these to be active at this time of year in Canberra?
