Catopsilia pomona (Lemon Migrant)

Other Common names

Cassia Butterfly, Larger Catopsilia, Common Emigrant, Lemon Emigrant.  The politically correct name is Lemon Asylum-seeker 😉

Notes

I’ve generally seen a number of these butterflies around Cairns, but they’re very strong fliers and they rarely seem interested in landing. However I had a bit of luck on the first morning of my second trip to Cairns; early in the morning I found a specimen resting at the side of the road. When disturbed, he flew around rapidly and came to rest in another spot in the same area. I came to the conclusion that it was a bit early for him, and he wouldn’t really get going until he’d had another couple of cups of coffee. Before he had the chance to get his caffeine fix, I was able to get a few photos.

Since that breakthrough I’ve had some luck from time to time, mostly around Cairns but also in Brisbane and even near Sydney at the end of February 2020. There was a mass migration of these butterflies through Sydney at the time, appropriately enough given their common name, and I’d see a few of them even whilst just nipping down to the corner shop to buy a carton of milk.

Sightings

Cairns – every time I’ve ever been there
Brisbane Botanic Gardens – November 2008
Sydney – loads of them in late February / early March 2020

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