Pauline Toner Butterfly Reserve (Eltham)
This small, 2.5 hectare reserve is the habitat for the rare Eltham Copper Butterfly and also is noted for its wildflowers. The reserve is named after the former member for Greensborough who worked to protect the Eltham Copper from encroaching development in the area.
The butterfly was discovered at Eltham in 1938 but then disappeared. It was thought to be extinct until rediscovered in 1986, though its numbers have significantly decreased due to the destruction of its habitat.
The butterfly is about the size of a 10 cent piece and resembles a dark brown window frame with four bright orange/yellow patches.
Review:
The area is a nature area for the Eltham Copper Butterfly. Have a look at the picture of the butterfly on the information board and keep your eyes open because they are hard to spot. We did see some copper coloured butterflies (which looked a bit different to the photos on the information board) as well as a lot of scurrying lizards - it is easier to see the butterflies when they are flying since their closed wings blended in very well with the vegetation. There is a short loop path around the park which only takes 10-15 minutes and has some steep sections. There are some interpretive signs along the way.
There is a bus stop at the entrance and also a playground.
Photos:
Location
48 Eucalyptus Road, Eltham 3095 Map
