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.
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The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Jalmenus eubulus
Gazetted date:
11 Dec 2009
Profile last updated:
20 Jun 2019
Description
Jalmenus eubulus is a striking medium-sized butterfly (male wingspan 32 mm and female wingspan 37 mm) that has recently been recognised as a separate species from the closely related Imperial Hairstreak, J. evagoras (Donovan), being distinct in morphology, ecology and genetics (Eastwood et al. 2008). The species was formerly regarded as a subspecies of J. evagoras. The morphological differences between J. eubulus and J. evagoras are subtle. In J. eubulus the iridescent central areas on the upperside [of the wings] are predominantly white with a very faint suffusion of green (particularly evident in the male) or sometimes blue (especially in the female), and the iridescent areas are more extensive, especially on the hind-wing where they extend close to the termen. In J. evagoras, the iridescent central area is blue or pale blue and rarely extends beyond the postmedian area so that the termen is broadly black. The black markings on the underside of J. eubulus [wings] are considerably narrower, and the short black bar at the end of the cell on the upperside of the forewing is narrower or absent. In addition, the underside ground colour is generally paler; the chestnut-brown subterminal band on the underside of both wings is usually richer and more pronounced; and the termen and tornus of the forewing are generally more rounded in J. eubulus than in J. evagoras. The white iridescent area on the upperside [of the wings] is considered to be an unique to J. eubulus.
Distribution
Jalmenus eubulus is found in Queensland and NSW. In Queensland it is restricted to the seasonally sub-humid central and southern areas of the state. In NSW it is found only in brigalow-dominated open forests and woodlands in northern areas of the state.
Habitat and ecology
- Only known to breed in old-growth forest or woodland and does not appear to colonise regowth habitats following clearing or other major disturbance.
- Suitable habitat is dominated by brigalow, Acacia harpophylla and Buloke, Casuarina cristata on clay soils on flat to gently undulating plains, usually with scattered emergent euclypts such as Poplar Box, Eucalyptus populnea and low trees of Wilga, Geijera parviflora.
Regional distribution and habitat
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Threats
- Loss and disturbance to old growth brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) dominated woodland
- The combination of the extensive reduction in habitat, a single known population, specialised habitat requirments, the dependence on a single species of host plant, and an obligate relationship with specific ants render this species at extremely high risk of extinction in NSW
- Lack of distributional information
- Insufficient understanding of threats.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Protect the known location from all disturbance, including illegal colleciton of specmens.
Information sources
- Eastwood R, Braby MF, Schmidt DJ, Hughes JM (2008) Taxonomy, ecology, genetics and conservation status of the pale imperial hairstreak (Jalmenus eubulus) (Lepidoptera : Lycaenidae):a threatened butterfly from the Brigalow Belt, Australia. Invertebrate Systematics 22, 407–423.
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