Redland City Council and 70 volunteers this week expanded local habitat for the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly.
Students from Griffith University, conservation volunteers and staff from Kindilan Outdoor Education and Conference Centre joined Council to plant 70 butterfly host vines, native plants including koala habitat trees, and to remove weeds in bushland at Days Road, Redland Bay.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly was the largest butterfly in South East Queensland and was listed as a vulnerable species.
“Council is improving habitat for this spectacular butterfly, ensuring vital food plant vines are established for their survival,” Cr Williams said.
“The vines contain pheromones that are attractants and can be detected by the butterfly from kilometres away.
“Weed removal is also essential to their survival with introduced weeds containing poisons for caterpillars, preventing them from turning into butterflies.”
The male butterfly can be identified by its brilliant green and black wings and bright red splash below its head, while the female is less colourful with a light grey top and yellow underside.
The Richmond Birdwing Butterfly adult lives for about four to six weeks and has a wingspan of between 12 to 16 centimetres.
For more information on how you can get involved in Council programs and what to plant in your backyard to assist these butterflies phone IndigiScapes on 3824 8611.
