Hesperilla picta (Painted Sedge-skipper)

Notes

I found this species in The Glen Bushland Reserve, near Jannali. There’s a spot there where a short boardwalk takes you out into a swampy area, and I saw a number of these butterflies. I spent quite some time there, willing the butterflies to land so I could photograph them, but they were all impersonating perpetual-motion machines, flying constantly amongst the sedges. I could see they were some species of Hesperilla, but I couldn’t tell which one.
I had given up hope of getting any photos, and was just starting to walk away, when I spotted a mating pair  within range of my camera, so I photographed them.

I’ve see this species a few times since then, including at Glenbrook in the lower Blue Mountains which is just about as far inland as they get. Probably the best spot I’ve found for them is at Avalon, where the Careel Creek meets Barrenjoey Road. My favourite shot of this species was taken within 60 seconds of me getting off at the bus stop. I sat at the edge of the footpath, with my legs dangling over the side, to get the shot of a beautiful fresh picta who was just sitting there on a leaf. Wouldn’t it be nice if all butterflies were that cooperative?

Sightings

Jannali – April 2005, March 2008, November 2008, November 2009
Glenbrook – March 2006, April 2017, April 2018
Avalon – October 2017, February 2018, October 2020
Shoal Bay – October 2023

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