Conservation Status: Least Concern (becoming rarer)
Threats: Habitat loss
Will they visit?: Amethyst Hairstreak Butterflies frequently visit home gardens
Natural Distribution: Common and widespread throughout the South West and Perth region
Jalmenus icilius – Russell Best (CC BY 4.0). Atlas of Living Australia
Jalmenus icilius – Russell Best (CC BY 4.0). Atlas of Living Australia
Jalmenus icilius – Russell Best (CC BY 4.0). Atlas of Living Australia
Habitat at a Glance
See Habitat Guide for more detail
Shelter: Sunny positions around the garden
Diet: Adults feed on nectar, caterpillars feed on foliage
Water: Not required
ReWild Benefit: Pollinator
Habitat Guide - Shelter
Natural Shelter
Amethyst Hairstreak Butterflies are usually seen resting on ground covers, small shrubs, and clumping grasses. They have a mutualistic relationship with only a few species of native ants who care for the caterpillars in return for honeydew (a sweet secretion produced by the caterpillars). Their specialised life-cycle and close relationship to certain ant species has resulted in this butterfly becoming rarer in man areas around Perth.
Novel Shelter
Not required.
Habitat Guide - Food and Water
Providing natural sources of food
Amethyst Hairstreak Butterflies feed on the nectar on many species of plants with a particular fondness of daisies and annuals. The caterpillars feed on various species of wattles.
Avoid commercial non-native seeds advertised for butterflies. These plants are usually unsuitable for our native butterflies to breed on – and have the potential to become serious weeds.
Providing sources of water
Not required.
ReWild Benefits
Amethyst Hairstreak Butterflies are pollinators and help connect biodiversity across the landscape. If you see them around your garden, you can record your sighting on Atlas of Living Australia!
