The Gold Coast is home to some remarkably rare butterflies, and thanks to the volunteers taking part in our Fluttering Wings citizen science project, we’re building a clearer picture of where they live and what they need to survive. Here’s a roundup of what we’ve found during our surveys so far.
The Numbers
Across all of our survey sites, volunteers have recorded 60 individual sightings covering 18 different species, including butterflies, host plants, host ants, and a few bonus species that turned up along the way – including a powerful owl holding its prey! A total of 13 butterfly species were recorded, ranging from the iconic Richmond birdwing to smaller, less well-known species that are just as much a part of the Gold Coast’s rich natural heritage.
Illidge’s Ant-Blue: Positive Signs Without a Sighting
One of the trickiest species to find on the Gold Coast is the Illidge’s ant-blue butterfly – an endangered mangrove specialist that hasn’t been reliably recorded in this region for around 35 years. Our surveys didn’t turn up the butterfly itself, but what our volunteers did find is genuinely encouraging.
At both our survey sites (Coombabah Lakelands and Tallebudgera Creek), we recorded a healthy population of Crematogaster ants, the host ant that this butterfly depends on to raise its larvae. The Illidge’s ant-blue has a fascinating and highly specialised life cycle – its caterpillars are actually tended by Crematogaster ants inside the hollows of mangrove and sheoak trees. Without the ants, there’s no butterfly. Finding them at both sites means the habitat is in good shape and all the right ingredients are in place – which is exactly the kind of baseline data we need before we can find the butterfly itself.
Richmond Birdwings: Vines, Caterpillars and Butterflies in the Wild
Our Richmond birdwing butterfly surveys delivered some real excitement. At the two Nerang sites, community members found plenty of Richmond birdwing vine, the near-threatened host plant that the butterfly’s larvae depend on exclusively. With 29 vine records logged across our surveys, this is hugely promising for some future butterfly action.
At Hinterland Regional Park, our surveyors were treated to an even more thrilling find: two Richmond birdwing caterpillars! Spotting caterpillars in the wild takes keen eyes, and means the butterflies are actively breeding at this location. It’s the kind of discovery that makes all the hours of careful searching worthwhile.
Partnering with Threatened Species Expert, Hunter McCall
One of the highlights of this survey period wasn’t a community survey at all, it was an expedition with Hunter McCall, Senior Conservation Officer from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, into the rugged Upper Mudgeeraba Conservation Area. This is serious terrain (mountain goat territory, as our Executive Officer Jess pointed out), but the effort was well rewarded. The team encountered numerous adult Richmond birdwing butterflies and found ample mature host vines that were clearly attracting butterfly activity. It’s a reminder that some of the best habitat for our rarest species is tucked away in places that take a bit of determination to reach.
We also welcomed Hunter at our last Threatened Butterfly Survey Training session held in March this year, which constitutes the theoretical component of this project where community members can learn about the two threatened butterflies in detail, and how to survey for them. Hunter spoke on the work the Queensland Government is doing to protect and conserve the iconic Richmond birdwing butterfly, including a combination of field surveys and genomics to understand this species better. We look forward to working closely with Hunter and the threatened species team across the life of this project.
Bonus Biodiversity
One of the joys of community surveys is that you never quite know what else you’ll come across. Our volunteers recorded four critically endangered native guava (Rhodomyrtus psidiodes) plants, and important find that adds to our knowledge of this species’ distribution on the Gold Coast. A vulnerable glossy black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami) and powerful owl (Ninox strenua) also made an appearance, along with a cast of other butterfly species including the brown ringlet, common grass-blue, evening brown, meadow argus, tailed emperor, orchard swallowtail, and several others. Each record helps paint a richer picture of the biodiversity that shares this corner of South East Queensland with us.
Learn More
This project has also led to the development of the first-ever targeted factsheet for the Illidge’s ant-blue butterfly (at least to our knowledge), and the revitalisation of the Richmond birdwing butterfly landholder guide developed in partnership with Wildlife Queensland and the Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network. You can find both resources on the Fluttering Wings project page.
Get Involved
Results like these come from people just like you giving up a morning to walk through some beautiful Gold Coast bushland with a purpose. We’re heading into the peak survey period for the Illidge’s ant-blue butterfly, which means upcoming surveys are on the horizon — keep an eye on our socials for announcements or check the project page above, and be ready to join us in the field. Every pair of eyes helps.
The Fluttering Wings project is proudly funded by City of Gold Coast Council’s Community Partnerships Program.