The ”’Eltham Copper Butterfly”’ ”Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida” is restricted to a few scattered areas in central and western Victoria,
It was discovered in 1938 at Eltham, and a marked reduction in the abundance of the the butterfly was noted during the 1950’s until, eventually, the sub-species was feared to have become extinct. In 1987 the discovery of several colonies at Eltham resulted in a call from local residents and naturalist groups for protection of the butterfly.
Today the Eltham Copper Butterfly occurs on a number of Council and Parks Victoria reserves in the Eltham area.
Its survival is dependent on the presence of an indigenous shrub ”Bursaria spinosa”, Sweet Bursaria and an ant, which helps protect the butterfly larvae.
The butterfly can be viewed at the Pauline Toner Butterfly Reserve, corner Diosma and Eucalyptus roads, Eltham. Although a threatened species with dwindling numbers, it is still known to exist at about 10 sites across Eltham and Greensborough.
In February 2011 it was locally reported that a colony had been found in the Mandurang area near Bendigo.
Update October 2013
A true symbol of Eltham, the Eltham Copper Butterfly is a fragile reminder of maintaining the bush habitat. It is roughly the size of a 10c piece with 4 bright orange/yellow patches on its wings. Its ideal habitat is with the shrub Sweet Bursaria, where it lays its eggs. Interestingly, the butterflies and caterpillars are guarded by Notoncus ants when they come out to feed on the Bursuria, and in return the ants feed on the sugary secretions of the caterpillar. The butterfly is found only in areas where these ants occur, so both the ants and Bursaria are critical to its survival.
Thought to be extinct, it was discovered in 1986 in Eltham and now exists in a few sites in Victoria including Greensborough and Eltham. A proposed subdivision and development on one of the sites in 1987 caused a public outcry, but with public and council support a conservation reserve was established for the butterfly. The late member for Greensborough Pauline Toner was instrumental in protecting the area and creating this sanctuary. It is closely monitored by Park Rangers and Friends of the Eltham Copper Butterfly group that was formed in1989, however the species is still regarded as threatened. Recent council figures from the reserves show a decrease in butterfly larvae from 377 in 2009 to just 39 in 2012. Clearly, Council and the public alike play a role in helping this delicate beauty to survive.
This article is part of a series for the Nillumbik Cultural Bus Tour program at Eltham Library November 2013
