Another Rare species recorded at Forktree

Today the second half of the Bird and Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) 2021 survey conducted by ecologist Malcolm Worthing commenced, and we are really excited that yet another rare butterfly species has been added to the Forktree property species list.

Three Rayed Blue butterflies (Candalides heathi heathi) were recorded in close proximity to each other which could indicate that there is a breeding population on the property.

Malcolm’s report on the Rayed Blue butterflies observed today reads as follows:

“Like the rare Chequered Copper (Lucia limbaria) also recorded at Forktree, the Rayed Blue has unfortunately declined within the Adelaide region and used to be quite common on the foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges. The main food plants of Rayed Blue butterflies are native and introduced Plantains (Plantago sp.). For this reason, further searches will be made for these plants in order to gain a greater understanding of the potential areas within the property which could be supporting Rayed Blue butterflies.”

We are truly grateful for Malcolm’s expertise in ornithology and lepidopterology, which helps us track the biodiversity enrichment of The Forktree Project site itself and the surrounding area.