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Saving Victoria’s Endangered Blue Butterflies

Invertebrates

Summary

Victoria’s Blue Butterflies are on the brink of extinction. The Critically Endangered Small Ant-blue Butterfly (Acrodipsas myrmecophila) is now known from only one site in the state, while the Endangered Large Ant-blue Butterfly (Acrodipsas brisbanensis) has undergone severe declines across its former range. These species depend on a highly specialised relationship with Coconut Ants (Papyrius spp.) and occupy hill-topping sites that are vulnerable to habitat disturbance, fire, and invasive species.

Despite being listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, little recovery work has been undertaken and Action Statements are now more than 25 years old. Without urgent action, these butterflies could quietly disappear.

 

Project Strategy

  • Lead a working group of Traditional Owners, entomologists, ecologists, and land managers to develop a long-term recovery strategy.

  • Conduct targeted surveys of historical records, unverified sightings, and potential habitat across Victoria.

  • Locate and assess hill-topping sites and habitats critical to both butterfly and ant survival.

  • Assess threats and implement site-specific mitigation actions.

  • Establish long-term monitoring plots to track populations and habitat condition.

  • Investigate the feasibility of captive breeding and reintroduction programs.

  • Develop updated survey guidelines and new Action Statements for both species and Butterfly Community No. 1.


Key Achievements

  • Updated knowledge of current distribution and threats for both species.

  • Recovery strategy drafted to guide conservation over the coming decade.

  • Community and Traditional Owner groups actively involved in survey, monitoring, and recovery actions.

  • Baseline data established to assess population trends and the effectiveness of threat mitigation.


Partners

  • Threatened Species Conservancy (TSC) – Project leadership

  • Parks Victoria – Site access and land management

  • DELWP – Technical support and coordination

  • Melbourne University – Entomology expertise

  • Community partners including Friends of Mount Piper, BEAM Mitchell Environment Group, Friends of Kooyoora, and Landcare groups

  • Traditional Owner groups – Taungurung, Wurundjeri, Gunditj Mirring, Eastern Maar, Barengi Gadjin, Wotjobaluk, and Dja Dja Wurrung


 

Conservation Status

  • Small Ant-blue Butterfly (Acrodipsas myrmecophila) – Critically Endangered (Victoria Advisory List), FFG-listed

  • Large Ant-blue Butterfly (Acrodipsas brisbanensis) – Endangered (Victoria Advisory List), FFG-listed

  • Butterfly Community No. 1 – FFG-listed threatened community

 

Costs

  • Estimated Cost: $49,700

  • Funding Received: $49,700 (DELWP Community & Volunteer Action Grants, 2021)

  • Duration: 1 year



 

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Abi Smith

Abi Smith is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Threatened Species Conservancy (TSC). A highly respected fauna ecologist, Abi brings over 20 years of experience in threatened species recovery, wildlife management, and habitat restoration.