BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS IN & AROUND SYDNEY

Benefits of butterflies to landholders

Landholders living in areas with lots of butterflies may be interested to learn not only what they can do to benefit the butterfly, but what benefits they themselves might experience.

The continued presence of natural vegetation and specialised native butterfly species helps to reassure residents that urbanization and pollution have not overshadowed the natural features of the local environment. This perception can enhance the quality of urban community life. Land for Wildlife has been advised by the Real Estate Institutes of several states including NSW, as well as by individual agents, that it can also improve property values. The Real Estate Institutes consider that flora and fauna conservation on a property is often relied upon as a positive benefit, adding value to that particular property asset. In a socioeconomic valuation focusing on the Eltham Copper Butterfly (in Victoria), argued that a 10% increase in market values of properties near Eltham Copper Butterfly colonies within 11 months of their discovery was due to some positive force unique to Eltham area, not simply to market forces. The valuation suggests this force to be the proximity to areas of tranquillity and environmental significance.

Butterfly conservation has other potential spin-offs. The retention of butterfly reserves on sites otherwise destined for development may effectively reduce future pollution and congestion from traffic and people, even though the reserves might themselves attract numerous visitors. Intangible benefits include satisfaction for local residents in living close to, and having access to, wildlife areas, and knowing that their children will also have this option. Vicarious consumers (remote supporters of the butterfly's conservation) may also derive satisfaction and, clearly, the growing scarcity of natural bushland within Sydney's suburbs works to enhance this satisfaction.

The natural history of Butterfly conservation also has great educational potential. Few people are unimpressed by the delicate and complex relationship between the butterflies, the ants, and the food plants. The fact that local residents, with a little effort, can host this fascinating life-cycle on their own private land provides the community with a potential bonus of experience, awareness and prestige.

If you are interested in seeing more butterflies around your home or property you may want to research what butterflies are common in your area and the types of plants they are attracted to. Grow the plants and start a butterfly farm!
 

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(NOTE FOR IDENTIFICATION ONLY) The following butterflies and caterpillar were all found in the one place and photographed on 1st May 2006. the butterflies are all small (about 2-3cm wingspan). It was sunny but windy so could not get an open display.

I saw about 6 or so of the blue ones flying and sunning themselves on Australian Acacia and banksia. I would say this is a female and is has a wingspan of only 2 -3 centremetres... quite small but very colorful. I found them in secluded bushland in Sydney and this one is on an Alpine Bottlebrush (Callistemon pityoides) flower.

The first one looks like the the Ogyris genoveva (or possibly the Anaphaeis java) but the small size has thrown me!

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Psychonotis caelius (Danis taygetus)

Nacaduba berenice

Nacaduba berenice

Nacaduba berenice