The irregular visitor

If you have been living in the same patch for a period of time the chances of seeing new species of fauna, particularly large ones is diminished – unless you are talking insects where there are thousands of species yet to be observed. It was a surprise therefore when I found a large butterfly that I had never seen before sitting on the driveway (pictured). It was pretty beaten up and looked like it had traveled a long way.

The Tailed Emperor (Polyura sempronius), the scientific name of which sounds like a Hogwart’s spell, is a large butterfly common to northern and eastern Australia. Depending on the climatic conditions i.e. it likes mild winters, and the availability of food plants for its young – acacias and kurrajongs to name a couple, the range of the Tailed Emperor can sometimes extend into southern New South Wales and northern Victoria, where it is classed as a irregular visitor.

The butterfly is named for the double-pointed tail on its wings. This specimen looked like it had a rough trip and was missing the tails of both wings.

Retail therapy is definitely required.