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Conservation needs of the Altona skipper butterfly, Hesperilla flavescens flavescens Waterhouse (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), near Melbourne, Victoria

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Abstract

Surveys of larval shelters and adult butterflies at two key localities for the Altona skipper butterfly (Hesperilla flavescens flavescens) in southern Victoria (Australia) in 2006–2007 revealed only very low numbers. Levels of occupation of Gahnia filum tussocks were low, and approaches to rejuvenating and extending suitable habitat through increasing the availability of suitable tussocks are noted. Fire may play a critical role in habitat management, and its use in the coastal sedgefield areas important for the butterfly is summarized.

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Acknowledgments

Field work at Point Cook was undertaken with permission from Parks Victoria, and we thank John Argote (Ranger-in-Charge), and Eric Savage for access and for sharing knowledge of the area and of the biology of Gahnia filum. Michelle Gooding (Hobsons Bay City Council) is thanked for her advice on Cherry Lake and Truganina. We appreciate comments from Dr. Don Sands on a draft of the text.

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  1. Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia

    M. C. Relf & T. R. New

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  1. M. C. Relf
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  2. T. R. New
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Correspondence to T. R. New.

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Relf, M.C., New, T.R. Conservation needs of the Altona skipper butterfly, Hesperilla flavescens flavescens Waterhouse (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), near Melbourne, Victoria. J Insect Conserv 13, 143–149 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-008-9138-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-008-9138-5

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