Nature conservation

Threatened species

Laced Fritillary - profile

Indicative distribution


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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: Endangered
Commonwealth status: Critically Endangered
Gazetted date: 20 Dec 2002
Profile last updated: 07 Jun 2021

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

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.


Threats

Recovery strategies

Activities to assist this species

Information sources

IBRA Bioregion IBRA Subregion Known or predicted Geographic restrictions region
NSW North CoastCoffs Coast and Escarpment Predicted Within 15 km of coast
NSW North CoastMacleay Hastings Known Within 15 km of coast
NSW North CoastYuraygir Predicted None
South Eastern QueenslandBurringbar-Conondale Ranges Predicted Within 15 km of coast
South Eastern QueenslandClarence Lowlands Predicted Within 15 km of coast
South Eastern QueenslandClarence Sandstones Predicted None
South Eastern QueenslandScenic Rim Predicted Within 15 km of coast
South Eastern QueenslandSunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands Predicted Within 15 km of coast