Nature conservation

Threatened species

Laced Fritillary - profile

Indicative distribution

Key:
known
predicted
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: Argynnis hyperbius
Conservation status in NSW: Endangeredexternal link
Commonwealth status: Critically Endangeredexternal link
Gazetted date: 20 Dec 2002
Profile last updated: 14 Oct 2024

Description

The Australian Fritillary Argynnis hyperbius inconstans is a Nymphalid butterfly with a wingspan of 60-66 mm. The upperside of the wings is pale orange-brown with numerous black spots and a black band on the scalloped wing margins giving a laced appearance. The under side of the fore-wing is pinkish-orange with numerous black spots.

Distribution

The Australian Fritillary is restricted to south-east Queensland and north-east NSW in open swampy coastal areas where the larval food plant Arrowhead Violet Viola betonicifolia occurs. Most recently known from a few widespread localities between Port Macquarie and Gympie, populations have declined dramatically to the extent that the butterfly has not been verified at any site for over a decade.

Habitat and ecology

  • The Australian Fritillary is found in open swampy coastal habitat.
  • Eggs are laid singly on a leaf of the caterpillar's food plant, the Arrowhead Violet (Viola betonicifolia).
  • The food plant occurs in the vegetation ground layer beneath grasses and mat-rushes (Lomandra spp.).
  • Many former sites have been destroyed and very few populations are currently known to be extant.
  • Adults feed from flowers of various plants in, and surrounding breeding habitat (possibly up to 1km).

Regional distribution and habitat

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Threats

Recovery strategies

Activities to assist this species

Information sources