What to grow: An annotated list of native larval food plants of butterflies and diurnal moths in the Darwin region, Northern Territory

Abstract

An annotated list of native larval food plants (131 species) of butterflies and diurnal moths (92 species) is provided for the Darwin region. We also collate information on the broad habitat, life form, plant part eaten, and method of cultivation for each species of food plant. Mistletoes, shrubs, herbs and grasses are predominately used in savannah woodland, whereas trees and vines are mainly exploited in monsoon vine forest and semi-deciduous monsoon vine thicket. All plant parts are eaten, but larvae of most species feed on leaves or the soft, new growth of young leaves. While the larvae of most butterflies/diurnal moths feed on several plant species, at least 26 species are known, or suspected, to feed only on a single species of native plant in the Darwin region. The compilation of such a list of indigenous food plants is to encourage further establishment of these species, particularly in suburban gardens, parks and roadside verges, to attract local butterflies and diurnal moths, thereby enhancing insect biodiversity in the urban landscape. Show more