Dryandra Moth,
Carthaea saturnioides.
2.2m x 1.7m Oil and acrylic on linen
The Dryandra moth is a unique moth found ONLY in the south-west region of Western Australia. In fact it is the only moth in the entire family of Carthaeidae, making it incredibly special and unique! The adult moths fly only at night and when disturbed, lower its head and abdomen and brings its forewings forward to expose the large eye-spots on its hindwings, oscilating from side to side to give the potential attacker the impression it is being watched by two large eyes. Wingspan ranges from 8 to 10cm. The larvae feed on Dryandra shrubs but may also eat Gravillea plants if necessary.
Helena Gum Moth,
Opodiphthera helena.
2.2m x 1.7m Oil and acrylic on linen
The Helena Gum Moth is a beautiful species found throughout the southern half of Australia incuding southern Queensland and Tasmania. Many people will have seen this species as it is large with a wing-span of 13 to 17cm and abundant. Its larvae feed on various species of eucalypts (gum trees). Its colour can vary from pinkish brown to a more terracotta coloured brown. This is one of my favorites for its beautiful little fuzzy legs and huge antennae, it will readily crawl onto your hand without being frightened and allow you to observe it up close.
The Australian Fritillary,
Argynnis hyperbius inconstans (male).
2.2m x 1.7m Oil, acrylic and copper metal-leaf on linen
Australia’s most endangered butterfly. Found along costal regions of south-east Queensland to north-eastern New South Wales. There have not been any verified (photographed) sightings since 2001 although a handful of unverified reports in subsequent years sustain hope that the butterfly still exists! This is the male of the species, although the female is quite similar. Their larvae feed on small beautiful native daisies that grow in wet or marshy areas in coastal regions. If you see this butterfly, please call (02) 6659 8252 Mick Arden, Threatened Species Officer, Office of Environment and Heritage.
The Australian Painted-Lady Butterfly,
Vanessa kershawi.
2.2m x 1.7m Oil, acrylic and gold metal-leaf on linen
This butterfly is one of Australia's more common butterflies, found throughout most Australia (excluding the far north and central WA) and occasionally New Zealand, when carried further by westerly winds. Being so common it is often taken for granted, but have you ever really taken a closer look? And should we ever really take our pollinators for granted?
Bulloak Jewel Butterfly,
Hypochrysops piceata.
2.2m x 1.7m Oil and acrylic on linen
Female of the species is on the left, male on the right.
The Bulloak Jewel lives in the canopy of the Bulloak Tree. Its tiny eggs are laid on crevices in the trunk. When the tiny caterpillars emerge, one specific species of ant - Anonychomyrma itinerans - comes up the tree to care for them. This ant carries the baby caterpillars to the leaves of the tree at night to feed and back to the safety of the crevice during the day. When the caterpillars grow too plump to be carried, the ants act as their guide. The ants gently lick sweet secretions from their velvety skin in return. And when the caterpillars are fat enough, they enclose themselves safely in a cocoon to emerge as the tiny sparkling jewel-like adult!
This butterfly was declared endangered almost immediately after being discovered. Because so much of its home-tree had already been cleared for agriculture. We don't know if the decline of the ant or the decline of the butterfly comes first. But to save the butterfly, we must save both the Bulloak tree and the ant. lthough the tapestry of life will not unravel if we lose this particular Bulloak Jewel butterfly. This overlooked species provides a beautiful example of the nature of biodiversity and how quietly and readily it is lost.