Eltham Copper Butterfly search – 12 January 2019

Posted on 8 January, 2019 by Frances

Eltham Copper Butterfly monitoring workshop and search is on! Join local ecologists Elaine Bayes and Karl Just to look for this threatened species.

When: Saturday 12 January 2019 from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm
Where: Meet at the water tanks at the end of Hunter St, before junction with Kalimna Park Tourist Rd in Kalimna Park, Castlemaine, VIC
Bring: Field gear (good shoes, hat, water bottle, sun screen, etc.), pen or pencil, a pair of binoculars and camera if you have them

The aim is to learn how to search for Eltham Copper Butterfly and search for some, if time allows. You will learn:

How to identify Eltham Copper Butterfly and avoid confusion with other similar butterflies.
Data collection method.
How to use an app for data recording.

Eltham Copper Buttlerfly has a wingspan of only 2-3 cm.

If you already feel comfortable with how to identify Eltham Copper Butterfly and how to record data, then get out there and have a search!

Click here for a data sheet with method and photos to help with butterfly identification.

Click here for a map of the park divided into areas. You can either choose one area or use it to describe where you have searched.

We’re particularly keen to check for Eltham Copper Butterfly in the shaded green area of the map, as there is a planned burn in this area. A burn would kill the butterflies, so your data will be very important. If possible please take photos of any Eltham Copper Butterflies you find, as extra confirmation they are present.

Not an Eltham Copper Butterfly! This Common Brown Butterfly has a wingspan of 6-7 cm.

Mid to late December through to the end of March is when Eltham Copper Butterfly are flying, with a peak in December to January. Another butterfly search will be held on Saturday 16 February 2019.

For further information please contact Elaine Bayes (rakali@outlook.com.au).