We’re all a flutter
Butterfly and moth invasion
A SKY of ivory, off-white and beige is not a mammoth multiplication of moths but more likely their insect cousins, an expert says, with conditions ripe for cabbage white butterflies.
Deakin University Centre for Integrative Ecology deputy director Matthew Symonds said the clouds of what appear to be white moths are more likely to be cabbage whites.
“Butterflies appear during the day time whereas moths are largely nocturnal,” Dr Symonds said. “If these insects are mainly being seen during the day, then they’re likely to be cabbage whites, which are often mistaken for moths as they have a similar colouring and less vivid colours than other varieties of butterfly.
“I was driving through western Victoria the other day and there were a surprising number of cabbage whites around.
“It’s a variety that needs ‘Goldilocks’ conditions, in that it can’t be too cold and wet or too hot for too long. We’ve had a mild spring and summer so far has only produced a few hot days, so obviously conditions have been better than previous years.”
The insect invasion of both moths and butterflies has been a hot topic on social media since the new year.
Annie Gleeson wrote on Facebook: “They’re everywhere. So annoying. I just saw 60 of them flying in a swarm. We have both, big brown (moths) and loads of cabbage moths.”
Pauline Stevenson also wrote on Facebook: “I left a pram on the front verandah for two nights and when I was folding it to put away, there were more than 20 of them hiding in every little crease.”