Eltham butterfly

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.