How to ID butterflies

There are just under 450 species of Australian butterflies. Some, such as tropical Queensland’s stunning Ulysses butterfly, are instantly recognisable, others less so. And while it really doesn’t matter if we know what type of butterfly is flittering around the roses, trying to identify them is fun and, when you do, extremely satisfying! A few things make it easier, and buying or borrowing a butterfly book is one. Your local council may offer information about common butterflies found in your area.

Watch and learn

* OBSERVE When a butterfly crosses your path, study it closely. This can be harder than it sounds because they’re on a mission to feed and fornicate and can fly at 8 to 20km per hour. Fast walking is about 6km/h.

* SIZE AND SHAPE Some have rounded or scalloped hind wings; some are tiny (2cm across); and others have thin or chubby torsos.

* COLOUR AND MARKINGS Try to remember the various spots and stripes. Upper and lower wings have different markings.

* BEHAVIOUR Some species have unique flight patterns or preferred resting positions.

* HABITAT Many butterflies are found near the host plants their caterpillars feed on. Knowing the plants can help narrow down the possibilities.

* PHOTOGRAPH Take a picture of the butterfly or note down its features.

Butterfly-attracting plants

Butterflies feed on nectar. They’re not fussy about flower shape or colour. While they don’t see blue or green as clearly as they see other colours or white, they will still find any flower with nectar. Butterflies enjoy feeding in the sunshine, so plant sun-loving native climbers, groundcovers, shrubs and trees: daisies, tea-trees, pandoreas, grevilleas and banksias are perfect. Non-native favourites include buddleja (also called butterfly bush), lavender, salvias and daisies such as Aster ‘Woods Blue’, which is featured on our cover.