Hundreds of millions of native butterflies have flocked to south-east Queensland in a phenomenon which only happens every six to 10 years.
Caper White butterflies are migrating from west of the Great Dividing Range to lay their eggs.
More News Videos
- Video duration
- 01:11
Butterflies arrive 'like snow drifts'
- Video duration
- 01:49
Diver found alive off Townsville coast after 17 hours
- Video duration
- 00:53
Hayne in pornography gaffe
- Video duration
- 00:46
Tostee talks: 'cruel bastard'
- Video duration
- 01:48
Bacon factory to be rebuilt
- Video duration
- 01:26
Shots fired, house torched
- Video duration
- 01:48
Rail link: then and now
Butterflies arrive 'like snow drifts'
Millions of butterflies migrate from western Queensland into the cities, creating some 'spectacular' sights. 7 News Queensland
Bribie Island butterfly breeder Ray Archer said the insects lay 60-100 eggs each on caper bushes and once hatched, the caterpillars can "annihilate" the plants.
Mr Archer said it was normal to see the butterflies at this time of year but larger migrations such as this week's were less common, happening about every six to 10 years.
"I can look out my window at Bribie Island and see at least 10 or 20 per minute," he said.
Indooroopilly butterfly farmer Ross Kendall said the Caper Whites usually start to fly through about October.
He said there was a similar influx a few years ago where car windscreens were "plastered" with butterflies as commuters drove on the motorways.
Queensland Museum entomology curator Dr Christine Lambkin said in a 2015 blog post there was no simple explanation for the waves of butterflies.
However, Dr Lambkin said it may be related to hot and humid conditions, which Brisbane has just started to experience with Saturday forecasted to reach 35 degrees.
"(The conditions provide) perfect flying weather for butterflies as they don't need to consume as much energy to keep warm and hydrated," she said.
5 comments
New User? Sign up