Cyclone Debbie bears down on birdwings

Look out, my Cairns Birdwing caterpillars, Cyclone Debbie's bearing down on us. Bad news for wildlife and habitat close to the coast. But could be an ill wind bringing huge amounts of needed rain to Townsville and areas inland. We'll see, Monday.

The caterpillars feed on Aristolochia vines after the female dots her eggs on foliage that 'feels' right to her legs. One Townsville Town Common site is close to the entry gate, barely 400 metres from the coast and about 3km north of the city CBD.

I'd hoped to wait for pictures of a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. Debbie is aimed directly at it. Fingers crosssed.