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

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.