A Survey of the Pale Imperial Hairstreak ButterflyJalmenus eubulusin New South Wales

Abstract

The Pale Imperial Hairstreak Butterfly Jalmenus eubulus is associated with Brigalow Acacia harpophylla communities in Queensland. The only previous record from New South Wales (NSW) was in a Travelling Stock Reserve south of Boggabilla in 1977. A two week survey was undertaken around this location in 2013 to determine whether the species still persisted in NSW and, if so, to document the extent of its distribution and its management requirements. The species was found at four of the 37 locations surveyed. These enclosed an area of 47.2 km2 (extent of occurrence) with 12.5 km2 of potential Brigalow habitat. The vegetation at capture sites ranged from old growth to dense saplings, but with Brigalow always dominating the canopy. There were many sites with Brigalow vegetation similar to the capture sites, both within and outside the extent of occurrence, where the species was not found. Further surveys are warranted within suitable Brigalow vegetation both within the extent of occurrence and surrounding areas...