"Butterfly & Moth" Miniature Stud Earrings

• Dimensions: 1cm x 1cm (4mm thickness)

• Findings: Hypoallergenic stainless steel butterfly clasp studs, comfortable for sensitive ears.

• Eco-friendly Materials: FSC-certified, responsibly sourced Cherry/Maple/Birch/or Walnut veneered MDF (exact wood species subject to availability).

• Design: UV resistant, high saturation, matte finish, single-sided design.

The Ulysses Butterfly (Papilio Ulysses) is Queensland’s favourite butterfly, and the emblem of tourism across the Cairns region and Far North Queensland. The Ulysses Butterfly is a large swallowtail butterfly with a wingspan of up to 13cm, and is characterised by its iridescent electric blue wings which flash brightly as they fly. Ulysses butterflies are elusive, and dart through the rainforest, flying in a fast, erratic way to avoid being spotted for predators. These flying habits add to the Butterfly’s majestic charm, as they flirtatiously flicker through the rainforest in glimmers of electric blue that are a delight to the eye. Ulysses Butterflies have a relatively short life cycle, living in their butterfly form for only two-four weeks, before their wings tire. The Ulysses Butterfly is found across Queensland, Australia, as well as in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

The Hercules Moth (Coscinocera Hercules) is Australia’s largest moth, with a wingspan of up to 30cm. The Hercules Moth occupies the largest surface area of any living insect (300 square centimetres) and is often mistaken for the Atlas Moth found in Asia due to its striking similarities in colour, appearance and size. However, the Hercules Moth is endemic to the rainforests of Northern Australian and Papua New Guinea. The caterpillar of the Hercules Moth resembles Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland, with large size, pale-blue colour, yellow spines and red dots up and down its sides. These caterpillar’s grow up to 12cm in length and can weigh up to 54 grams. Hercules Moths live as a caterpillar the majority of their lifecycle. Spending up to three months, building up food stores that will last for the remainder of its life. Female Hercules Moths emerge from the cocoon with no mouth, meaning they must rely solely on food stores build up from their time spent as a caterpillar. Both male and female Hercules Moths have large wings, with distinctive, transparent triangular windows on each wing.

The 4 O’clock moth (Dysphania Numana) is commonly sighted around the Cairns region. Aptly named for its tendency to emerge in the late afternoon/early evening, often appearing on window ledges, around garden beds or throughout the rainforest. These endemic moths are captivating, with their blue and black banded wings which are contrasted by bright yellow sections. Often mistaken for a butterfly, the 4 O’clock moth is diurnal, preferring to shelter from direct sunlight in shaded areas underneath the rainforest canopy. The 4 O’clock Moth Caterpillar is spectacularly yellow, and can be seen throughout the region resting on the undersides of leaves that are higher off the ground, in full shade.

The Zodiac Moth (Alcides Zodiaca) or North Queensland (Cairns) Day Moth, is endemic to Tropical North Queensland and can be seen across the Cairns region, throughout the Wet Tropics Rainforest, along the Russel River, Mulgrave River and across the Atherton Tablelands. Resembling a Swallowtail Butterfly, with its attractive size, pretty colouring, and diurnal habits, the Zodiac Moth showcases spectacular orange and black bands of colour across its wings. They are social butterflies – pardon the pun – often flying and feeding in areas populated with other butterflies. Zodiac moths are relatively un-phased by people, and live happily in suburban gardens.

The Blue Moon Butterfly (Hypolimnas Bolina) or Cairns/Common Eggfly is a species of butterfly that is found across Australia, New Zealand, the Indian Ocean, South Pacific Ocean and South East Asia. Getting its name from the ‘moon’ or ‘egg’ like white circles present on the male butterfly’s wings. The Blue Moon Butterfly mimics other poisonous species of butterfly like the Common Crow Butterfly by imitating their speckled wing markings as an attempt to ward off predators. Female Blue Moon Butterflies are protective mothers, having been observed inspecting leaves for ants before laying eggs, and subsequently guarding their eggs from harm. Male Blue Moon Butterflies can be territorial, fighting other males in mid-flight to establish dominance over particular areas or territories. These butterfly fights can be seen from time to time across Cairns gardens.

The Cairns Birdwing Butterfly (Ornithoptera Euphorion) is the largest of all Australian Butterflies, with a wingspan of up to 25cm. These large butterflies fly elegantly and gracefully through the rainforest. The male butterfly showcases striking iridescent green and black wings. Though less colourful, the female Cairns Birdwing Butterfly is larger than the male. Cairns Birdwing Butterflies have a relatively short lifespan, only living as a butterfly for 5 weeks. The caterpillar feeds on several species of native Aristolochia vine, which is toxic. Cairns Birdwing Caterpillars are immune to these toxins, which they store in their red spines. This Darth Vader-like colouration signals they’re toxic and shouldn’t be eaten by predators. The Cairns Birdwing Butterfly is a recognisable and celebrated butterfly across Far North Queensland, symbolising the beauty and fragility of the rainforest.

-       Remove item when showering, swimming or when in contact with water.

-       Remove for sleep or exercise.

-       Avoid contact with lotions, perfume or excessive sunlight.

-       Keep in a cool, dry location when not being warn.

-       Handle with care.

Due to the nature of this material, each piece is subject to the natural variations in wood grain, texture and colour expected when using natural materials. Be mindful of this before committing to buy as we do not accept returns for earrings as outlined in our returns policy.

-       Cairns Local: Designed and assembled in Cairns by artist Jenna Minchin: Owner of The Jungle Collection, Cairns local of 13 years, established artist and regionally recognised entrepreneur.  

-       Support Small: We operate from our retail store in the heart of Cairns city, in Oceana Walk Arcade (since Sept 2024). To keep our focus small & sustainable, we only hold small quantities of stock, choosing to create small batches of products to respond to demand.

-       Sustainably Focused: To honour the Rainforest and the wildlife within it, we strive to use ethical, sustainable and responsibly sourced materials for our products (when possible, to do so). This includes responsibly sourced wood, recycled acrylic, reclaimed steel and recycled papers. More information on this can be found in our policy page.