Blue Tiger
Scientific Name: Tirumala hamata
Size: Wingspan 70-72mm
What does it look like?
Medium-sized, black-and-blue spotted butterfly. Male upperside dark with numerous light blue spots and streaks. Hindwing has obscure grey sex brand opening to small, conspicuous pouch on underside; underside paler, suffused greyish. Female similar but lacks sex brand and underside pouch.
Where is it found?
Extreme north-west WA, NT Top End, Torres Strait Islands and Cape York Peninsula, to north-east NSW; migrants reach ACT and north-east Vic.
What are its habitats & habits?
Breeds in vine thickets and coastal forests. Populations often swell after heavy rainfall, resulting in large-scale migrations in coastal areas. Millions of butterflies may pass through an area over a few weeks, making a spectacular sight. Both sexes readily settle to feed at flowers and congregate overnight to roost, festooning trees. Flight a strong, steady flutter with some gliding. Larval hosts are climbing milkweeds such as Cynanchum carnosum and Secamone elliptica (Apocynaceae).
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Butterflies of Australia
