Why do you need to protect this habitat?

The Eltham Copper Butterfly is an endangered species and we are required by federal and state law to avoid impacting its habitat.

Why is the butterfly there now after not being seen in Montmorency for 40 years?

Investigations by qualified specialists over the last 4 years did not find the Eltham Copper Butterfly in the area or areas of habitat. The area was visited regularly by the community, council, MTM and other groups without any sightings until 2021.

The butterfly may not have been there previously for several reasons. It needs everything to line up perfectly to survive in its habitat, which needs to be dry, well drained, elevated woodland with open patches, as well as a specific species of plant and ant. The butterfly is only seen during a few months of the year – from November to April.

What does the butterfly look like?

The butterfly’s colouring includes orange and brown and is around as large as a 10 cent coin.

What is the butterfly's significance to this area?

Since the discovery of several populations of the Eltham Copper Butterfly in Eltham in 1938, local residents, supported by the wider community, have vigorously expressed interest and value in the Eltham Copper Butterfly as part of their urban environment.

What does the butterfly need to establish a population – what type of habitat?

The Eltham Copper Butterfly prefers dry, well drained, elevated woodlands with open patches. They have specific habitat requirements which include the Sweet Bursaria shrub and a specific species of ant to thrive.

Did you find the butterfly?

In late January, DELWP advised LXRP of a reported sighting of the Eltham Copper Butterfly within the Hurstbridge line duplication project area, and LXRP ecologists began investigations.

What does the caterpillar look like?

The caterpillars are small and hatch from eggs (see image below).

How do the ants and butterfly interact?

The caterpillars that eventually become the Eltham Copper Butterfly have a symbiotic relationship with a specific ant and the Sweet Bursaria shrub that are all living in this part of Montmorency.

How can the project protect the butterfly's habitat?

The identified Eltham Copper Butterfly habitat area has been fenced off and no works will be undertaken that impact this area.

Why is this butterfly called the Eltham Copper Butterfly? Does it also live elsewhere?

The Eltham Copper Butterfly was discovered in 1938 in Eltham. The local interest in the butterfly also comes from the history in Eltham, where local residents and environmental groups worked hard to protect the butterfly. There are other butterfly populations in rural environments at Castlemaine and in the Kiata-Salisbury area.

How long do they live for?

An adult Eltham Copper Butterfly can live between a couple of days to a month.

Why is the species endangered? When did it become endangered?

Please refer to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning for more information on the Eltham Copper Butterfly.