Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Paralucia spinifera
Gazetted date:
15 Nov 1996
Profile last updated:
13 Aug 2020
Description
A small butterfly with a wingspan of approximately 20 mm. The upper sides of the butterfly’s wings are copper-coloured and display a purple, blue, and green iridescence when sunning. The undersides of the wings are patterned with subtle brown, black and grey. The black antennae are dotted with white spots and terminate with a black tip. It is distinguished from P. aurifera and P. pyrodiscus by the size, shape and colour of the wings, and also by a spine that extends over a joint in the forelegs.
Distribution
Occurs on the Central Tablelands of NSW in an area approximately bounded by Oberon, Hartley and Bathurst. The butterfly is found at 35 locations, all within the Greater Lithgow, Bathurst Regional and Oberon local government areas. It is possible that additional locations will be identified, and these may lie outside the currently known distribution.
Habitat and ecology
- Occurs above 850 m elevation, most known sites have a south-west to north-west aspect, usually where direct sunlight reaches the habitat, and with extremes of cold such as regular winter snowfalls or heavy frosts.
- Geology, soils and dominant vegetation canopy species vary between habitat locations. However vegetation structure is consistent, commonly open woodland or open forest with a sparse understorey that is dominated by the shrub, Blackthorn Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla.
- Its lifecycle relies on a mutualistic relationship with the ant, Anonychomyra itinerans, and on the presence of B. spinosa subsp. lasiophylla which the larvae form of the butterfly feed exclusively on.
- The butterflies emerge between August (later at higher altitude sites) and November, with a two-week peak of activity in September (timing will vary each season). After mating, the females lay eggs on or in the immediate vicinity of B. spinosa subsp. lasiophylla. After hatching, the larva is attended by the ant A. itinerans, which is thought to provide predator protection to the larvae and the ant benefit by receiving nutritional secretions from the larvae. Initially remaining on the B. spinosa subsp. lasiophylla night and day, the larvae becomes nocturnal in the latter part of its six - eight week larval period. Pupation occurs between December and August in the underground nest of A. itinerans at the base of the Bursaria host plant.
- The relationship with A. itinerans and B. spinosa subsp. lasiophylla is not well understood, but it is thought to be highly significant. Even though the ant is sometimes difficult to detect, A. itinerans has been recorded at almost all locations. Similarly B. spinosa subsp. lasiophylla is present at all locations.
- Adult males fly rapidly at about one metre from the ground and rest with wings parted in places exposed to full sun. Females fly less rapidly and tend to remain nearer to the host plant. The butterflies generally remain in the vicinity of B. spinosa subsp. lasiophylla, and are rarely observed more than 10 m distant from the plant.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Lack of adequate understanding of ecology.
- Clearing of Bursaria in open woodland habitat.
- Habitat isolation.
- Degradation of habitat due to access for recreation, grazing, firewood collection, roadside dust, and windblown rubbish.
- Risk of too frequent or too intense fires inhibiting growth or reproduction.
- Weed competition with Bursaria, restricting the extent / condition of suitable habitat.
- Clearing of Bursaria, and effects of invasive weeds on unmanaged private land.
- Lack of knowledge of the species distribution within the site.
- Feral pigs destroy core habitat by uprooting Bursaria, this can result in the death of the host plant and more importantly destroy ant nests where the larvae of the purple copper butterfly pupate.
Recovery strategies
A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click
here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click
here
Activities to assist this species
- Assess threats operating at each site, and prepare site-specific plan to address threats.
- Build capacity of community to identify the species and carry out survey.
- Where developments or activities are planned in potential habitat, prior thorough surveys should be conducted during the adult flying and juvenile larval seasons (September and October-November, respectively) and appropriate protection measures should be implemented if the species is present.
- Create habitat linkages between nearby sub-populations.
- Encourage and undertake research that will inform practical management.
- Identify and survey potential habitat for further populations.
Information sources
- Dexter E.M. and Kitching R.L. (1991) Nomination for the Register of the National Estate. Australian Heritage Commission. Unpublished report.
- Dexter E.M. and Kitching R.L. (1991) The Bathurst Copperwing, Paralucia spinifera Edwards and Common. In New, T. (ed.) The Conservation Biology of Lycaenidae (Butterflies). Occasional Paper of the IUCN Species Survival Commission No 8.
- Edwards, E.D. and Common, I.F.B. (1978) A New Species of Paralucia Waterhouse and Turner from New South Wales (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). Australian Entomological Magazine 5(4):65-70.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001) Bathurst Copper Butterfly (Paralucia spinifera) Recovery Plan. Hurstville, NSW.
- NSW Scientific Committee (1996) Bathurst copper butterfly - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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