Protecting the Southern Pink Underwing Moth in Queensland
Supporting the recovery of and improving the trajectory of the threatened Southern Pink Underwing Moth
As the larvae mature they develop a chilling head display resembling two eyes and a large set of teeth. Credit: Paul DonatiuThe Southern Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialis smithersi) is an endangered species found in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, and is listed as a priority species under the Australian Government’s Threatened Species Action Plan.
This rare rainforest moth has a limited distribution, further reduced by historic clearing of subtropical rainforests, weed invasion, and habitat fragmentation.
Through funding from the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species Program, this project aims to restore and enhance rainforest habitat critical to the survival of the southern sub-species in South East Queensland.
Healthy Land & Water, in collaboration with Watergum and Barung Landcare, is working to
address key threats and support the recovery of important populations across the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast hinterlands.
Improving and re-establishing the natural habitat of the endangered Southern Pink Underwing Moth
What we are doing
The endangered Southern Pink Underwing Moth is identified by its brilliant array of pink and white spots on its large 14cm wingspan. Credit: Paul DonatiuRestoring rainforest habitat
- Strategic weed control across 15 ha of subtropical habitats is reducing competition from invasive weeds and encouraging natural regeneration of native rainforest.
Expanding and connecting habitat
- Revegetation over 3 ha with locally native subtropical rainforest species, improving habitat extent, connectivity, and ecological function.
Growing Carronia vine
- Around 2,000 Carronia vine (Carronia multisepalea) plants – the host plant of the Southern Pink Underwing Moth, are being propagated for planting.
Supporting the moth’s lifecycle
- Improving the life cycle of the PUM through planting Carronia vine across suitable habitats.
Raising the profile of a threatened species
- Facilitating four community engagement events to enhance conservation efforts by the community.
Measuring success
- Improving Southern Pink Underwing Moth habitat by identifying 15 priority habitat areas (weeding and/or revegetation) in South East Queensland.
- Address threats posed to the Southern Pink Underwing Moth's habitat through weed management across 15 ha of known rainforest habitat in South East Queensland.
- Increase Southern Pink Underwing Moth habitat through revegetation of native rainforest across 3 ha in South East Queensland, and through engagement events to enhance conservation efforts by the community.
Why this project is important
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The endangered Pink Underwing Moth has been identified as a priority species as part of the Australian Government’s 2022-2032 Threatened Species Action Plan. It is facing serious threats from habitat loss, fragmentation and invasive species. Subtropical rainforests, which the moth depends on for survival and breeding, have been heavily impacted by logging, agriculture, and development. On top of that, invasive weeds such as exotic vines are degrading these habitats even further. By regenerating rainforest and planting the host vine Carronia multisepalea, this project aims to reconnect fragmented habitats, expand breeding areas for the moth, reduce competition from invasive species and restore the natural balance of the rainforest ecosystem – helping give the Southern Pink Underwing Moth a fighting chance. |
Project snapshot
| Project name: |
Protecting the Pink Underwing Moth in Queensland (2025 - 2026) |
| Project manager: | Chelsea Kluske, Healthy Land & Water |
| Project team: | Diana Virkki and Natalie Taylor, Healthy Land & Water |
| Partnerships: |
This project will be delivered in collaboration with Watergum and Barung Landcare. |
What's next
There is huge potential to build on the success of this project with potential to attract more investment partners to deliver larger-scale results and resilience for the region.
Project collaborators
This project received funding from the Australian Government Saving Native Species Program and is delivered in collaboration with Barung Landcare and Watergum.