A survey for the Golden Sun plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

G.W. Brown and A.D. Tolsma

2010

Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research

Arthur Rylah Institute Flora, Fauna & Freshwater Research

A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

Geoff W. Brown and Arn D. Tolsma

Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084

January 2010

Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Department of Sustainability and Environment Heidelberg, Victoria

Report produced by: Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Department of Sustainability and Environment PO Box 137 Heidelberg, Victoria 3084 Phone (03) 9450 8600 Website: www.dse.vic.gov.au/ari © State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment 2010 This publication is copyright. Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 , no part may be reproduced, copied, transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical or graphic) without the prior written permission of the State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment. All requests and enquiries should be directed to the Customer Service Centre, 136 186 or email [email protected] Citation: Brown, G.W. and Tolsma, A.D. (2010) A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Heidelberg, Victoria

Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Front cover photos: Golden Sun Moth (Photos: Liz Fenton, Damien Cook).

ii

Contents

List of tables and figures...... iv Acknowledgements...... iv Summary...... 1 1 Introduction...... 2 1.1 Golden Sun Moth...... 2 1.2 Aim...... 2 2 Methods...... 3 2.1 Site selection...... 3 2.2 Survey protocol...... 4 2.3 Field data-sheet...... 5 3 Results and Discussion...... 6 References...... 13 Appendix 1 ...... 15

iii

List of tables and figures

List of tables Table 1. Golden Sun Moth sightings across the VVP by survey region and land tenure...... 7 Table 2. Weather conditions during Golden Sun Moth sightings, December 2009...... 9 Table 3. Golden Sun Moth sightings by dominant ground vegetation species...... 11

List of figures Figure 1. Location of the GSM survey regions within the Victorian Volcanic Plains, December 2009...... 3 Figure 2. Location of the GSM survey sites within the VVP, December 2009...... 8 Figure 3. Location of GSM populations located within the VVP during surveys, December 2009...... 8 Figure 4. Correlation between GSM sightings and the cover of spp...... 10

Acknowledgements

We thank the following individuals and agencies for their contribution to this project:

Adam Muir and James Todd (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, DSE, East Melbourne) for project oversight and the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development for funding;

Richard Loyn (ARI) for project administration;

Andy Arnold, Grant Hull, Yvonne Ingeme, Michelle McHugh, Gary Peterson, Elspeth Swan, Henry Walshaw, Alan Webster (all DSE) for administrative assistance and information;

Reto Zollinger (DPI, Hamilton) for information;

Nick McCristal and Chelsey Langley (both Corangamite Catchment Management Authority) and Peter Gibbs (Wyndham City Council) for information;

Brian Bainbridge (Merri Creek Management Committee) and Ben North for information and introducing us to the moth and its habitat;

Fabian Douglas, Ian Endersby and Beverley Van Praagh (Invert-eco) for advice;

Land-holders who kindly allowed access to their properties.

Special thanks are due to Lauren Eddy (Plume Ecology P/L), Liz Fenton, Neil Hives (IPM Technologies P/L), and Jane Woodburn, who showed enthusiasm and skill in conducting field surveys;

Special thanks are also due to Matt White (ARI) for modelling GSM distribution.

iv A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

Summary A total of 166 sites across the Victorian Volcanic Plains, between Donnybrook in the east and Hamilton in the west, were surveyed for the GSM in December 2009. Survey sites represented a variety of land tenures, although most surveys were undertaken along roadsides (52%) and public land (27%), reflecting the difficulty in obtaining contact information for private landholders. Surveys were carried out on sites supporting grassy vegetation irrespective of whether the vegetation was native or exotic and irrespective of past or current land management practices, except for areas that are currently crops The GSM was observed at 26 sites, mostly around Hamilton where survey effort was greatest. Sites with GSM were generally along roadsides and on public land, commensurate with the larger number of sites surveyed in these land tenures. While surveys for GSM were undertaken when the weather conditions were assumed a priori to be suitable (sunny, warm to hot, low cloud cover and light wind), our results show that GSM could be occasionally observed under conditions presumed less optimal. Similarly, our data support recent findings that the GSM is not confined to areas of native grassland and grassy woodland with a cover of Wallaby Grasses ( Austrodanthonia spp.) and an open tussock structure that allows for bare spaces, and that non-native grasslands are also used. Five of the 26 GSM sites in this study were dominated by introduced grasses. The contribution by Austrodanthonia varied substantially across the GSM sites, from none recorded to 80% cover. Austrodanthonia was not always present at GSM sites, but there was nonetheless a positive relationship between the cover of Austrodanthonia and the number of GSM sighted.

Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research 1 A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

1 Introduction

The Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (ARI) was commissioned by Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services, DSE, to coordinate surveys for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana (GSM) across the Victorian Volcanic Plains (VVP) during the GSM flying season in summer 2009-10. In this report we summarise the results of those surveys.

1.1 Golden Sun Moth The GSM is a medium-sized (wingspan 3.1–3.4cm) day-flying moth restricted to Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory and adjacent areas of southern New South Wales (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts 2009; O'Dwyer and Attiwill 2000). It inhabits grassy areas, including native grasslands and grassy woodlands as well as areas of introduced (non- native) grasses (pastures) and weeds. It was listed as Critically Endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 in December 2002 and is also listed as a threatened species under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee (FFG) Act 1988 (Department of Sustainability and Environment 2008). An FFG action statement has been prepared for this species (Department of Sustainability and Environment 2004). The GSM (Family ) inhabits grassy areas including native grasslands and grassy woodlands as well as areas of introduced (non-native) grasses or weeds. An open tussock structure with sparse inter-tussock spaces and/or much bare ground is presumed to be an important attribute of a site supporting the species (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts 2009; Gilmore, Koehler et al. 2008). Historically, this species was thought to be confined to areas of native grassland and grassy woodland with a cover of Wallaby Grasses ( Austrodanthonia spp.) of more the 40% (O'Dwyer and Attiwill 2000). However, recent surveys around Melbourne indicate that non-native grasslands are also used by this species, including sites where the cover of Wallaby Grasses is much lower than 40% (Biosis Research 2008). Recent surveys around Melbourne have increased the number of known populations of this species, particularly in Melbourne’s north and west. However, records of the GSM within the VVP are relatively sparse and generally localised, with the greatest concentrations in the west around Hamilton (Douglas 2007; DSE Victorian Fauna Display records).

1.2 Aim The general aim of this project was to undertake on-ground surveys for Golden Sun Moth in the VVP outside of the Melbourne urban area during the 2009 flight season to further determine the distribution of the species within this bioregion and refine our appreciation of GSM habitat.

2 Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

2 Methods

2.1 Site selection The 2009 sub-regional survey for the GSM coordinated by ARI was focused on the VVP, excluding those areas close to Melbourne which are the focus of separate surveys. It utilised existing knowledge of the habitat requirements of the GSM and the distribution of native grasslands, its putative primary habitat, in this bioregion. Potential study areas were identified by combining a distribution model for GSM (based on all known sightings) with a probability model for native grassland/native pasture (circa 2005) (M. White, ARI, pers. comm.). Using this neighbourhood analysis, four ‘regions’ were rationalised across the VVP for field survey (Fig 1). In this way the geographical (and ecological) extent of potential habitat was incorporated into the survey design. Within each of these four survey regions, sites were prioritised according to land tenure and type (small to medium-sized public reserves, roadside reserves or private property) and logistical considerations. Thus, a series of sites was surveyed within each land tenure in each survey region.

Figure 1. Location of the GSM survey regions within the Victorian Volcanic Plains, December 2009 . A series of sites representing different land tenures was surveyed in each of these regions.

Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research 3 A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

2.2 Survey protocol The methods for surveying the GSM follow those documented elsewhere (Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts 2008; Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts 2009; Gibson and New 2007). Surveys were conducted during appropriate weather conditions, at a suitable time of day, by qualified observers between November 18 and December 30, 2009. The only variation to the established survey protocol related to the level of site visitation. Since the objective was to locate as many GSM sites as possible within the VVP, study sites were not generally planned to be re-visited (c.f. the protocol, which advises up to four, ever-intensive, searches at sites to substantiate the absence of the GSM). That is, a higher premium was placed on locating populations than conducting multiple visits to sites that may not support the GSM. The GSM standardised survey protocol contained the following conditions: • Surveys to be conducted by observers suitably trained in the field recognition of GSM • Surveys to be carried out on sites supporting grassy vegetation irrespective of whether the vegetation was native or exotic and irrespective of past or current land management practices, except for areas that are currently crops (e.g. wheat, barley) • The survey units are to be defined as individual land parcels, as per cadastral maps. If the parcel boundaries are unknown, large paddocks or other discrete areas represent the survey unit • Regional surveys to commence when the GSM flight season begins, typically in early November, and continue until GSM are no longer being observed at reference sites (generally late December around Melbourne) • Surveys to be undertaken on days when male are most likely to be flying and therefore detectable, viz: - warm to hot day (generally above 20 oC by 10:00 hrs) - clear or mostly cloudless sky - still or relatively still wind conditions during the survey period; however, if moths are observed flying without disturbance in moderately windy conditions then surveys are to continue (moths have been observed flying in good numbers on windy days) - the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website (www.bom.gov.au) to be used as a guide for suitable survey conditions - moth activity to be confirmed, where possible, on the survey day by using a reference site that is as close as possible to the survey site - surveys to commence at or after 10:00 hrs, and discontinue at 15:00 hrs; however, if males are still observed flying after 15:00 hours surveys to continue until males are no longer observed actively flying. • On the first survey of a parcel, 50m-wide parallel transects are employed across the land parcel; surveys are walked or, rarely and if terrain permitted, driven in a car at <10 km/hr until moths are observed. If no moths are observed and a second survey is conducted, then transects to be decreased to 25m. • Surveys to be continued until 5 or more moths are observed. If 5 or more moths are observed the site is determined to support a population and no further survey transects need be carried out. If moths are not observed, the survey ceases when the bulk of the land parcel has been traversed at 50m spacings, or when weather conditions become unsuitable.

4 Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

2.3 Field data-sheet A separate field data-sheet was completed for each separate land parcel surveyed. In those instances where the GSM surveyor was unable to determine parcel boundaries, large paddocks or other discrete areas were used as survey units. The field-data-sheet (presented in Appendix 1) incorporated the following information: • Land parcel No.: GSM surveyors were unlikely to know the parcel identifier; this was determined later by ARI, using the grid reference and site measurements supplied by the surveyor • Owner or name: owner of the property, or the name of the park/reserve etc • Tenure: Roadside, Public land or Private • Locality description: general notes on location, aspect, topography etc • Survey No. (always 1, since there were no repeat surveys) • Start and finish times: this was used to determine survey effort, which is particularly useful when no moths have been sighted ('absences') • Distance: also a measure of survey effort, and important for 'absences' • Site length (from the southern to northern boundary) and width (from the western to eastern boundary) was measured or estimated, to assist in the later identification of individual land parcels from cadastral mapping • Cloud cover: estimate of average cloud cover over the time of the survey • Wind speed: estimated or measured using an anemometer • Temperature: estimated or measured by thermometer • Transect spacing: 50m • Easting/Northing: if moths were seen (and the survey ceased), location was the vicinity of the moths. If moths were not seen, location was the approximate centre of the parcel or paddock. GPS datum was also recorded to ensure that sites assessed by different surveyors were accurately mapped • Dominant ground cover: main plant species present, and their approximate projected foliage cover were recorded. If a dominant species was unknown, samples were taken and identified later. Approximate % of bare ground was also recorded, since bare areas are important for female moths • General Observations: general comments on moth activity, other vertebrates or flying invertebrates etc observed.

Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research 5 A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

3 Results and Discussion

A total of 166 sites were surveyed for the GSM (Fig. 2, Table 1), of which 121 (73%) were in the westernmost Region 1 where the survey effort was boosted by the services of an additional GSM surveyor. Surveys were mostly undertaken along roadsides (52.4%) and public land (26.5%), with just 21% from private land despite the dominance of that land tenure in the landscape. The discrepancy arose from difficulties in obtaining contact information for private landholders. The GSM was observed at 26 sites (Fig. 3, Table 1), mostly in Region 1 (in the west, around Hamilton). Sites with GSM were generally along roadsides and on public land, commensurate with the larger number of sites surveyed in these land tenures. A total of 191 Golden Sun Moths was observed during the surveys, of which 177 were males and 14 were females. Males are most often seen because they fly over the grasslands in search of the females, which rarely fly. The last day on which GSM was sighted was December 30, in Region 3. Surveys for GSM were undertaken when the weather conditions were assumed a priori to be suitable (sunny, warm to hot, low cloud cover and light wind), limiting analyses of the relationship between GSM sightings and weather conditions. Nonetheless, our data show that GSM could be occasionally observed under conditions presumed less optimal (Table 2). Moths were observed (sometimes in high numbers) at four sites when cloud cover was 25-50%, and one was found at a site when cloud cover was 50-75% (Table 2). Six moths were found at one site in light-moderate winds (average wind speed 4.4 km/h, but gusting to 27.6 km/h) when the temperature was 39ºC, and moths were observed flying at two sites in mid-morning when the temperature had not yet reached 20ºC but cloud cover was low (Table 2). Historically, the GSM was thought to be confined to areas of native grassland and grassy woodland with a cover of Wallaby Grasses ( Austrodanthonia spp.) of more than 40% but with an open tussock structure that allowed for bare spaces (O'Dwyer and Attiwill 2000). More recent surveys around Melbourne indicated that non-native grasslands were also used by this species, including sites where the cover of Wallaby Grasses was much lower than 40% (Biosis Research Pty Ltd 2008; Gilmore et al. 2008). Our data support the latter findings, with five of the 26 GSM sites dominated by introduced grasses (Table 3). The greatest number of GSM observed (30 males and 10 females) was at the Parklands Golf Club, Hamilton, but the surveyor was unable to identify the grass species on the edge of the closely-mown fairway. Given that there is a high cover of bare ground (40%), and that the golf course has sand scrapes rather than grass greens (http://www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au), the grass is likely to be an opportunistic mix of introduced and native grasses tolerant of close mowing and minimal maintenance. Two GSM sites were dominated by high cover of the introduced grass Agrostis capillaris (Brown- top Bent). The first of these, with 15 GSM, also contained 20% cover of native grasses and 20% bare ground. The other, with 4 GSM, was highly variable in terms of species mixture, but had little bare ground (5%). One site had almost complete cover of Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye- grass) and little bare ground, but the sightings of GSM were close to the edge of the paddock. The contribution by Austrodanthonia varied substantially across the GSM sites, from none recorded to 80% cover. Austrodanthonia was not always present at GSM sites, but there was nonetheless a positive relationship between the cover of Austrodanthonia and the number of GSM sighted (simple regression, P = 0.011) (Figure 4). This suggests that Austrodanthonia may indeed

6 Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009 be a useful plant to the moths (or an indicator of good habitat), even though it appears not to be essential for them.

Table 1. Golden Sun Moth sightings across the VVP by survey region and land tenure .

Region Region 2 Region Region TOTA 1 3 4 L

SURVEYS

Private land 22 7 4 2 35

Public land 27 8 5 4 44

Roadside 72 6 4 5 87

Total survey points 121 21 13 11 166

SITES WITH GSM

Private land 4 1 1 0 6

Public land 7 0 0 0 7

Roadside 13 0 0 0 13

Total GSM sightings 24 1 1 0 26

% SITES WITH POSITIVE RECORDS OF GSM

Private land 18.2 14.3 25.0 0.0 17.1

Public land 25.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 15.9

Roadside 18.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 14.9

Total 19.8 4.8 7.7 0.0 15.7

Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research 7 A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

Figure 2. Location of the GSM survey sites within the VVP, December 2009 .

Figure 3. Location of GSM populations located within the VVP during surveys, December 2009 .

8 Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

Table 2. Weather conditions during Golden Sun Moth sightings, December 2009 .

Total GSM observed Cloud Cover Estimated Wind Speed Estimated Temperature

9 0-25% Light Wind 15-20ºC

5 0-25% Light Wind 15-20ºC

23 0-25% Light Wind 20-25ºC

12 0-25% Light Wind 20-25ºC

7 0-25% Light Wind 20-25ºC

4 0-25% Light Wind 20-25ºC

2 0-25% Light Wind 20-25ºC

16 0-25% Light Wind 25-30ºC

15 0-25% Light Wind 25-30ºC

6 0-25% Light Wind 25-30ºC

6 0-25% Light Wind 25-30ºC

6 0-25% Light Wind 25-30ºC

4 0-25% Light Wind 25-30ºC

4 0-25% Light Wind 25-30ºC

1 0-25% Light Wind 25-30ºC

1 0-25% Light Wind 25-30ºC

1 0-25% Light Wind 25-30ºC

10 0-25% Light Wind 30-35ºC

3 0-25% Light Wind 30-35ºC

1 0-25% Light Wind 30-35ºC

1 25-50% Light Wind 20-25ºC

40 25-50% Light Wind 25-30ºC

6 25-50% Light Wind 25-30ºC

1 25-50% Light Wind 25-30ºC

1 50-75% Light Wind 25-30ºC

6 0-25% Light-Moderate Wind 35-40ºC

Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research 9 A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

25

20

15

10

Number of GSM 5

0 0 20 40 60 80 100

Austrodanthonia (% cover)

Figure 4. Correlation between GSM sightings and the cover of Austrodanthonia spp.

10 Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

Table 3. Golden Sun Moth sightings by dominant ground vegetation species . * = introduced

Bare ground GSM Dominant Dominant Dominant Qty Species 1 % Species 2 % Species 3 % (%) Comments

40 *Introduced 60 40 Public golf course grasses? fairway, mown short

23 Austrodanthonia 80 Native grasses 15 1 Private, recently spp. grazed by sheep

16 Themeda 40 Austrodanthonia 40 Austrostipa spp. 5 5 Roadside triandra spp.

15 *Agrostis 60 Microlaena 10 Austrostipa spp. 10 20 Roadside, capillaris stipoides scattered Red Gum

12 Native grasses 80 *Introduced 10 10 Town common, grasses mown short, adjacent to area of native grasslands

10 Austrodanthonia 70 Wahlenbergia 5 *Flat weeds 5 10 Private, spp. rotationally grazed by sheep

9 Austrodanthonia 50 Themeda 20 Bothriochloa 10 5 Public land, spp . triandra macra managed by burning and mowing

7 Austrodanthonia 25 Native grasses 25 *Introduced 10 40 Roadside spp. grasses

6 Austrodanthonia 45 Austrostipa spp. 5 Elymus scaber 3 35 Private, mown spp. airstrip

6 Austrodanthonia 40 Themeda 30 Austrostipa spp. 5 15 Roadside along spp. triandra unimproved paddock

6 Austrostipa spp. 70 Austrodanthonia 10 *Paspalum spp. 10 5 Roadside, GSM spp. mainly in mixed sward

6 Microlaena 40 Austrodanthonia 30 10 Private land stipoides spp.

6 Themeda 40 Austrodanthonia 15 Lomandra spp. 10 5 Roadside triandra spp.

5 Austrodanthonia 10 Themeda 10 Austrostipa spp. 10 50 Roadside, burnt

Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research 11 A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

Bare ground GSM Dominant Dominant Dominant Qty Species 1 % Species 2 % Species 3 % (%) Comments

spp. triandra regularly

4 *Agrostis 60 *Anthoxanthum 10 Austrodanthonia 5 5 Roadside. capillaris odoratum spp . Diverse mosaic.

4 Austrodanthonia 40 Themeda 30 Austrostipa spp. 10 15 Roadside spp . triandra

4 Native grasses 35 *Introduced 7 30 Public land, grasses regularly mown

3 Austrodanthonia 40 *Phalaris 20 Themeda 20 5 Roadside spp. aquatica triandra

2 Austrodanthonia 25 Native grasses 40 Agrostis spp. 10 15 Roadside; spp. regular autumn burning?

1 Austrodanthonia 15 Austrostipa spp. 10 Microlaena 5 50 Golf course spp. stipoides rough area

1 Austrodanthonia 60 Themeda 5 Austrostipa spp. 5 20 Private land spp. triandra

1 Austrodanthonia 60 20 Roadside spp.

1 *Lolium 90 Austrodanthonia 5 *Avena spp. 5 0 Private land. perenne spp. Sightings near edge.

1 *Introduced 30 Austrodanthonia 10 Austrostipa spp. 10 10 Public land grasses spp .

1 Themeda 10 Austrodanthonia 5 Microlaena 5 60 Edge of golf triandra spp. stipoides course

1 Themeda 90 0 Roadside triandra

12 Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

References

The following references are either cited in this report or considered useful sources of information on the distribution, ecology or survey of the GSM.

Biosis Research Pty Ltd (2008) 'Targeted survey of the Golden Sun Moth in the Melbourne Area. Final Report. Provided to the Department of the Environment and Heritage on behalf of FKP Commercial Developments Pty Ltd.' Biosis Research Pty Ltd, Port Melbourne. Biosis Research Pty Ltd (2009) 'Survey of the Golden Sun Moth at Amberfield Grassland Reserve, Craigieburn, Victoria. Report to Delfin Lend Lease Ltd.' Biosis Research, Port Melbourne. Braby MF, Dunford M (2006) Field observations on the ecology of the Golden Sun Moth, Synemon plana Walker (: Castniidae). Australian Entomologist 33, 102-110. Department of Sustainability and Environment (2004) 'Action Statement No. 106. Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana .' (DSE: East Melbourne, Victoria). http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/CA256F310024B628/0/6277E110F4C5BA95CA2570ED00017CA 9/$File/106+Golden+Sun+Moth+2000.pdf Department of Sustainability and Environment (2008) 'Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Threatened List.' (DSE: East Melbourne, Victoria). http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/CA256F310024B628/0/CE0F24F31465F64FCA25753F00190BFF/ $File/FFG+threatened+list+November+2008.pdf Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts (2008) 'EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.12. Significant impact guidelines for the critically endangered Golden Sun Moth ( Synemon plana ).' DEWHA, Barton, ACT. Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts (2009) 'Background Paper to the EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.12 - Nationally Threatened Species and Ecological Communities. Significant impact guidelines for the critically endangered Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana ).' DEWHA, Barton, ACT. Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the Arts (2010) 'Synemon plana in Species Profile and Threats Database.' (DEWHA: Canberra). Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed: 2010-01-13T15:28:35 Douglas F (2007) 'A review of the conservation status of the Victorian Sun-moths (Lepidoptera: Castniidae). Unpublished report to the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria.' Endersby I, Koehler S (2006) Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana : discovery of new populations around Melbourne. The Victorian Naturalist 123, 362-365. Gibson L, New TR (2007) Problems in studying populations of the golden sun-moth, Synemon plana (Lepidoptera: Castniidae), in south eastern Australia. Journal of Conservation 11, 309-313. Gilmore D, Koehler S, O'Dwyer C, Moore W (2008) Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana (Lepidoptera: Castniidae): results of a broad survey of populations around Melbourne. The Victorian Naturalist 125, 39-46. New TR, Gibson L, Van Praagh BD (2007) The Golden Sun-moth Synemon plana (Castniidae) on Victoria's remnant southern native grasslands. The Victorian Naturalist 124, 254-257. North B, Bainbridge B (2009) 'Longitudinal monitoring of distribution and habitat of a Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) population north of Melbourne.

A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

Introduction and results from 2008. Draft report.' Merri Creek Management Committee for Friends of Merri Creek, Melbourne. O'Dwyer C, Attiwill PM (2000) Restoration of a native grassland as habitat for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana Walker (Lepidoptera; Castniidae) at Mount Piper, Australia. Restoration Ecology 8, 170-174.

14 Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research

Appendix 1

Golden Sun Moth field data-sheet:

Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research 15 A survey for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, 2009

Date: Land parcel #:

Owner or Name Roadside / Public Land / Private

Locality description:

Observers: Survey # (circle): 1 2 3 4

Start time: *Start odometer: Finish time: *Finish odometer: Total survey time (mins): Total distance: (* If car used) Approx. site length (north to south) m Approx. site width (east to west) m

Cloud cover during survey 0-25% 25-50% 50-75% 75-100%

Wind speed during survey (estimated) Still Slight breeze Moderate Gusty wind

Wind speed during survey (instrument) Average km/h Max. gust km/h

Temperature during survey (estimated) 20-25 C o 25-30 C o 30-35 C o > 35 C o

Temperature during survey (instrument) ºC Relative humidity %

Transect spacing 50m 25m 10m

Survey method: Car / Walking †Easting Golden Sun Moth observed? Yes / No †Northing Number of males observed: GPS Datum Number of females observed: † If GSM seen = sighting location Pupal cases observed? Yes / No If GSM not seen = general location

General observations:

Dominant ground cover:

Species % Species %

Bare ground

Were moths observed flying at a Yes / No / Not known reference site on survey day? Which reference site?

16 Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research

Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research 17