- Jan 11
We are reviewing the bird sitings around St Arnaud and will provide the outcome for you.
Please send in more pictures of Birds
A one-page community fact sheet highlighting the history, notable species, and conservation context of butterflies found in and around St Arnaud, Victoria. The region’s box–ironbark woodlands, gardens, and creeklines support both resident and migratory species.
Representative Butterfly Species
[Image: Caper White Butterfly – Belenois java]Caption: Migratory Caper White, periodically seen in large numbers across central Victoria.Credit: Australian Museum / ButterflyHouse (educational use).
[Image: Monarch (Wanderer) Butterfly – Danaus plexippus]Caption: Monarch butterfly commonly observed in gardens where milkweed is present.Credit: Australian Museum (educational use).
[Image: Eltham Copper Butterfly – Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida]Caption: Victorian endemic once thought extinct, now a flagship conservation species.Credit: Zoos Victoria (educational use).
[Image: Box–Ironbark Woodland Habitat]Caption: Typical woodland habitat around St Arnaud supporting nectar and host plants.Credit: Parks Victoria (educational use).
Historical Overview
Prior to European settlement, butterfly diversity around St Arnaud closely reflected intact woodland and grassland ecosystems. Clearing for mining and agriculture fragmented these habitats, placing pressure on specialist species. Despite this, local observation and backyard breeding have played a role in maintaining awareness and appreciation of butterflies in the district.
Key Species
• Caper White (Belenois java): A highly visible migratory species.• Monarch / Wanderer (Danaus plexippus): Garden-associated and easily recognised.• Blues and Coppers: Small, often overlooked species sensitive to habitat loss.
Extinct and Threatened (Regional Context)
Victoria has recorded several regionally extinct butterflies, including the Western Bright-eyed Brown and Orange Ringlet. Others, such as the Eltham Copper Butterfly, demonstrate how remnant habitats can preserve species once thought lost.
Why They Matter
Butterflies are indicators of environmental health. Protecting native vegetation, host plants, and flowering corridors around St Arnaud helps conserve biodiversity and supports pollination.
References
Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (2009). Advisory List of Threatened Invertebrate Fauna in Victoria.Zoos Victoria – Butterfly species profiles.Australian Museum – Butterfly information pages.ABC News – St Arnaud community butterfly observations.
- Jun 14, 2025
Updated: Jul 24, 2025
åIt’s on again- the season turns
Out on Border Track today 13th July 2023 to check on orchid cages and re-emergence of plants, I found a very early Long-leaf Early Nancy (Wurmbea latifolia).
This is an ordinary Early Nancy- female plant- note the purple band.
Below is the very early Early Nancy- Wurmbea latifolia (today) with female flowers- no purple band.
Also flowering was Clematis microphylla.
Like Wurmbea, this species has separate male and female plants so the 3 that I know of out here in the National Park are either too far apart to pollinate or are all of the same sex . I have never found either seed or new plants- a case for a bit of a replant to boost the chances.
Near the last of the orchid cages was a small colony of Pterostylis robusta, protected from the busy mouths of the wallabies by fallen branches.
Large Striped Greenhood,
On 7th July my Golden Wattle was flowering-this is about the earliest I have recorded.
That’s all from Carapooee West and the Kara Kara National Park north end
Anne.
