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GROWING A BUTTERFLY GARDEN
IN SOUTH-EAST QUEENSLAND
by Graham J. McDonald     
 
 

Most books on butterflies focus on identification of the insects rather than on the plants which are essential for their survival. This book specifically addresses the practical aspects of creating a plant community which will attract these beautiful creatures and allow them to breed. For novices, the book reviews the basic life cycle and needs of the butterfly larvae and adults. All the essential elements for successfully establishing plant communities are given in chapters 2 to 5. An interesting case history of the recovery programme for the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly is given in chapter 6. Chapter 7 lists the butterfly food plants according to their natural plant communities (subtropical rainforest, open forest on clay soils, open forest on sandy soils, riparian communities, wetlands). Chapter 8 is a comprehensive guide to which food plants are required for each species of butterfly and includes many beautiful line drawings by the author. Other useful appendices include alphabetical lists of all the food plants, common names of the butterflies and a list of nurseries where the public can seek these plants. This is a "must-have" book for anyone who has been enthralled by the beauty of butterflies and wishes to create a habitat to ensure their survival. If sufficient numbers of us do so, then we can hope that future generations may also enjoy the pleasure of sharing their world with such exquisite creatures.