Fluttering Wings Project
The Fluttering Wings Project brings community science, education, and conservation together to protect these two species. Through citizen science surveys, we’ll search for butterflies and their host plants in national parks, reserves, and even on school grounds. We’ll also run induction workshops, school presentations, and community events, making it easy for locals to get involved.
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The project will finish with the Gold Coast’s first Threatened Species Symposium, sharing findings and highlighting conservation of priority species. By combining science, education, and community action, we’re building pride and stewardship for the Gold Coast’s rarest butterflies.
Two Rare Beauties
The vulnerable Richmond birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia) is Australia’s largest subtropical butterfly, dependent on the rainforest vine Pararistolochia praevenosa. At the other end of the spectrum, the tiny Illidge’s ant-blue (Acrodipsas illidgei) has a fascinating life cycle dependent on the presence of a single species of ant. It is a mangrove specialist that hasn’t been seen on the Gold Coast for almost 50 years, but could it still be hiding in the local estuaries?
Join Us
Love butterflies? Come be part of the Fluttering Wings Project on the Gold Coast.
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Each year we run Threatened Butterfly Survey Training, where local experts will introduce the Gold Coast’s two threatened species - the Richmond birdwing and Illidge’s ant-blue - plus how to spot, record, and report them in the field. It’s the perfect place to start.
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We also host citizen science survey days throughout the year. Join fellow nature lovers outdoors to look for butterflies, their habitat, and key indicators across sites around the Gold Coast. We recommend completing training before attending a survey.
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Check our Events page for upcoming sessions and locations.
Our Fluttering Wings project is funded by the City of Gold Coast Council.
