A quite large butterfly with a superficial resemblance to the Dingy Swallowtail, and sharing similar preferences for young citrus shoots to lay their much larger eggs. The Citrus Swallowtail is nowhere near as common as the Dingy Swallowtail. I have only seen 4, all females, in the past 2 years.
The Citrus Swallowtail is quite striking both for it’s markings and size. This individual had lost all of one hindwing, while the remaining hindwing was damaged. She was still quite a capable flier, just not as nimble as her undamaged “sisters”, who proved too restless and challenging so far to photograph.
This past summer the Citrus Swallowtails have been frequent if elusive visitors to our citrus, especially the two Tahitian Limes. Numerous of their caterpillars have been observed through late summer and into autumn. One tree in particular is host to at least eight Citrus Swallowtail caterpillars. I have been checking them daily and taking photographs and have noticed two subtly different colourations. This may be simply individual variation. Unfortunately shortly before pupating all bar one individual managed to completely vanish – hopefully into the leafy inner branches to pupate safely away from predators.
One pupating caterpillar however chose a spot not too difficult to get to with a camera, and the final few days to chrysalis stage were captured.
This record includes some of eight individual Citrus Swallowtail Caterpillars from one Tahitian Lime bush, and two from a second. These images were captured during the autumn and winter of 2011.
30th March 20115th April, 20115th April, 201117th April, 201125th April, 201125th April, 201125th April, 201129th April, 20113rd May, 20113rd May, 20113rd May, 201126th May, 201130th May, 201131st May, 201131st May, 20111st June, 20112nd June, 20113rd June, 20114th June, 20115th June, 20118th June, 201111th June, 2011
Our first ever encounter with these tiny scorpions was back in March, 2007. We were moving boxes into our new home on our 22 acre rural property (unpacking boxes – a task that never seems to end) and underneath one of those boxes was a tiny but instantly recognizable scorpion.
Research into our first specimen identified it as a Marbeled Scorpion, Lychas marmoreus, apparently very common across southern Australia. We read that scorpions fluoresce brightly in ultraviolet light. So before we released him outside the next night, we pulled out our UV (blacklight) tube and were delighted and surprised to find the whole animal indeed does fluoresce, not just markings or some parts – but the entire animal.
Since 2007 we have found these little scorpions regularly – in fire wood, under stones, pavers, even digging around the garden has unearthed them. We’ve relocated numerous scorpions from firewood piles, excavation sites and during clean-ups, to safer, less likely to be disturbed locations on the property.
Marbeled Scorpion fluorescing under UV - colour corrected to match human eye perception.
Last week (May 2011) my husband found one lurking in a log that was about to get tossed into the wood fired hydronics heater. We had been talking for some time about trying to photograph the fluorescence, and this was our opportunity. So before it was released back outside we pulled out the UV tube and the cameras.
My D70 interestingly seemed to absorb the green light and although to the naked eye the scorpion appeared to fluoresce green, through the camera viewfinder and in the resulting images it appeared light blue. By adjusting the colour temperature during the RAW image import we were able to reproduce the colour as perceived by our eyes.
NOTE: Ultraviolet light (UV) is potentially damaging to your eyesight. Never look directly at a UV light source.
We have never found Marbeled Scorpions to be aggressive. At most when handled they will raise their tails as if to strike. Even when trying to extricate the most stubborn scorpion from imminent danger they have not attempted to sting. They are however quite venomous and if they must be handled should be handled with great care. Stings are apparently very painful, instant and in some people can trigger allergic reactions. Advice is to seek medical attention for any Marbeled Scorpion sting.
The Marbeled Scorpion released back into a safer pile of bark.
Marbeled Scorpion as imaged on a Nikon D70 under UV light, unadjusted.
The scorpion was carefully placed in an old baking dish, with the UV tube resting on the rim. Photograph by Ross Wheeler.
Note: Do not look directly at UV light sources, they can damage your eyesight. Do not work for prolonged periods with UV light sources. Use extreme care when working with UV light, even when using eye protection. UV light sources however, when used with due care, can light up a world of otherwise invisible wonder.
Another common brown butterfly of south eastern Australia. The Meadow Argus Butterfly is commonly seen in the company of the European Painted Lady butterfly.
