Timoconia flammeata (Bright Shield-skipper)
12/12/2021
Bell
30/12/2015
Blackheath
12/12/2021
Bell
17/12/2023
Bell
12/12/2021
Bell
28/01/2024
Blackheath
30/01/2010
Barrington Tops National Park
08/02/2009
Wentworth Falls
08/02/2009
Wentworth Falls
30/12/2015
Blackheath
20/12/2014
Blackheath
17/12/2023
Bell
20/12/2014
Blackheathv
08/01/2011
Blackheath
21/12/2008
Blackheath
10/02/2008
Jenolan
03/03/2019
Bell
10/02/2008
Jenolan
04/03/2006
Blackheath
10/02/2008
Jenolan
10/02/2008
Jenolan
26/01/2008
Blackheath
26/01/2008
Blackheath
26/01/2008
Blackheath
04/03/2006
Blackheath
04/03/2006
Blackheath
05/02/2005
Lithgow
04/03/2006
Blackheath
26/03/2005
Lawson
Other Common Names
Shield Skipper
Synonyms
This butterfly was formerly known as Signeta flammeata; in 2022 Signeta was moved into the genus Toxidia.
Notes
I first found this species in the hills above Lithgow. When properly settled, I found the butterfly easy enough to approach, but it disturbed it flew off so quickly it was hard to follow the flight. Fortunately, it appears to be one of those territorial species, so it kept on returning to the same favoured perches.
The next time I found this species was on a hilltop near Lawson. I found this male sitting on the ground, and he seemed to like his spot on the ground very much. If disturbed, he would slowly fly around and settle in almost the exact same place.
I mostly see these butterflies in the second half of the summer and early autumn. Males are quite easy to find on hilltops in the higher parts of the Blue Mountains, though they have an annoying habit of landing on very flimsy grass stalks, making them difficult to photograph as the weight of the butterfly causes the grass stalk to swing about.
Sightings
Lithgow – February 2005
Lawson – March 2005
Blackheath – January 2008, January 2009
Jenolan – February 2008
Wentworth Falls – February 2009
Barrington Tops National Park – January 2010