Conservation in the Backyard

Australian Admiral (Vanessa itea) caterpillar resting on Native Stinging Nettle (Urtica incisa).

Several years ago, several introduced stinging nettle plants (Urtica urens) sprouted in the backyard veggie patch and as usual they were promptly pulled out. However, last year I decided to do something different and left them to grow undisturbed. It wasn’t long before I noticed the occasional Australian Admiral butterfly (Vanessa itea) visit the patch (pictured below). I have since planted our state’s Native Stinging Nettle (Urtica incisa) to replace the introduced nettle and today found an Australian Admiral caterpillar (pictured above) in the garden which shows they are now breeding in the backyard.

Butterflies not only play an important role in our ecosystems but also add an extra touch of colour to any home garden. So whether its simply leaving a patch of self-sown stinging nettle (Urtica urens) undisturbed (it should still be checked to avoid the risk of it spreading outside the property boundary), or strategically planting foodplants such as Thatching Grass (Gahnia filum) for the threatened Yellowish Sedge-skipper (Hesperilla donnysa), every action helps in bringing back SA’s butterflies and revitalizing our ecosystems.

The fact that the Australian Admiral (Vanessa itea) has adapted to using the introduced stinging nettle as a host plant, has allowed the species to persist in suburbia. However, butterflies in South Australia are still unfortunately following a general population decline and so it is of utmost importance that we do our best to try and conserve these species in our gardens.