Everyone from our lab group is more or less aware of my fascination with butterflies, and whenever they find any interesting information about butterflies, share with me. Last week, I received a Facebook message from Scott Spillias, an MS student of the Fuller Lab, mentioning the information of two local butterfly experts, Frank Jordan and Helen Schwencke. I could not find Frank’s FB ID but found Helen’s, who later informed me that the Qld Naturalists’ Club organizes a monthly nature walk on the 2nd Sunday and the upcoming one is on the 12th at the Moggill Regional Park.
Although not very far from the city, MRP is full of diverse plants and animals. Just after entering the park, I spotted a Black Jezebel (Delias nigrina), flying above our head. It sat on a tree for a few seconds but could not take a good photo; however, it was fun observing the elegant wing colouration. In the last few month’s experiences, I have encountered a limited number of butterflies in Brisbane, hence I was thrilled reckoning spotting a few more but as a whole could not spot more than four species!
While following the trail, we investigated disparate plants to observe the early stages of insects and found some beetle grubs.
The other participants were basically more intrigued to observe plant diversity; nevertheless, I am more inclined towards insects. Hence, I followed a different trail and observed three more butterfly species. Appias albina and Catopsilia pomona were flying over the canopy but two Brown Ringlets (Hypocysta metirius) (?) were flying around the same plantations.
On the way return, I saw a beautiful White Tree Fungus on a tree trunk.
Overall, it was an amazing experience to get introduced to some naturalists and also for spending quality time in the wilderness.
