Eltham Copper Butterfly

Description:

Once thought extinct in Vic this species was recently rediscovered and is currently listed as threatened, pic 1 shows the process of the species becoming slightly less threatened. This species has a complex life cycle, relying on the Notoncus sp. ant to carry larva up and down stunted Bursaria spinosa plants. Larva are nocturnal and only feed on Bursaria spinosa (http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/117...). This butterfly was once more widespread but is now restricted to several disjunct populations.

Habitat:

Grassy Dry Forest