5 Stunning Red Butterflies

Red butterflies are undoubtedly striking, so much so, that there are many myths and symbols surrounding them. As a matter of fact, some Native American tribes believe that a red butterfly is a sign of a powerful spirit. On the other hand, a red butterfly was actually believed to be a disguised witch in ancient […]

8 Differences Between Butterflies and Moths

red lacewing butterfly

What are the differences between butterflies and moths? Although both of these fluttering insects come under the classification Lepidoptera, they possess many differences that classify them as a butterfly or a moth. Spotted a flying beauty and not sure whether it’s a butterfly or a moth? These 8 differences between butterflies and moths will have […]

The Hercules Moth: The Moth That Doesn’t Eat

hercules moth at australian butterfly sanctuary kuranda

Thought all moths fantasised about munching on your newest knit cardigan? Think again! Today we are debunking this one-fits-all moth myth with one of Tropical North Queensland’s native moths: the Hercules Moth.  The Hercules Moth: The Moth That Doesn’t Eat If you thought the newest fad diet was hard, spare a thought for the Hercules Moth. Although […]

Chequered Swallowtail Butterfly: 5 Amazing Facts

chequered swallowtail butterfly

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary has recently welcomed back the Chequered Swallowtail Butterfly! Scientifically known as Papilio demoleus, this intricately-patterned cream and black butterfly is widespread throughout Australia. To celebrate our newest arrival, we’ve decided to share five incredible facts about this pretty little critter… 1. The Chequered Swallowtail Doesn’t Have A Tail Although this butterfly […]

3 Incredible Butterfly Migrations

Butterflies may be small, but butterfly migrations see them taking pretty huge journeys! From iconic Monarch butterflies, to the Australian Caper Whites, here’s 3 incredible butterfly migrations that beat all odds of nature.  Monarch Butterfly Migration (Photo Source: https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/10/monarch-butterfly-migration/) Migrating from: Northeastern USA and Canada to South-West Mexico Length of migration: 3,000 miles How often does […]

Monster Moths! The 3 Biggest Moths In The World

hercules moth at australian butterfly sanctuary biggest moth in the world

The 3 biggest moths in the world are anything but what you’d commonly find buzzing around a light bulb! When it comes to wildlife, the phrase “the bigger the better” is debatable. When it comes to giant moths, size means intricate patterns, bizarre pupa patterns and the odd scream if you or a loved one […]

Stunning Blue Butterflies From Around The World

red cracker blue butterfly

Blue is the rarest occurring colour in nature, with no true blue pigments in plants. In some ways, blue butterflies are natures way of completing the colour spectrum. From South American wonders to local Tropical icons, here’s some stunning blue butterflies from around the world… Australia: Blue Banded Eggfly (Hypolimnas Alimena) The Blue Banded Eggfly […]

Why do some butterflies have holes in their wings?

A question we often get asked is about why some butterflies have holes in their wings or look old and ratty. Butterflies wings actually wear out when they fly. When a butterfly emerges out of the chrysalis the wings are small, crumpled and wet but the abdomen is swollen with fluid. The butterfly pumps this […]

Butterfly Eyes – How Do They See Colour?

UV_Butterfly_Eyes

Butterfly eyes are unique and function differently compared to the human eye. Although butterflies may not have a human’s sharp eye, there vision beats ours in other ways!  The different colours and patterns that butterflies can see are invisible to the human eye. This is because their eyes are better at picking up fast moving […]

How Do Butterflies Maintain Their Temperature?

If you didn’t already know, butterflies are actually cold blooded animals. This means their body temperatures are not regulated on their own. If the butterflies are either too cold or too warm, they are unable to fly. This poses the question, how does the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary maintain a suitable temperature for the butterflies? Although […]