The Dutchman’s Pipe Vine (Aristolochia elegans) was initially introduced as an ornamental garden plant, known for its striking reddish-purple pipe-shaped flowers. However, this species quickly transformed into a troublesome environmental weed.
Escaping from gardens, the Dutchman’s Pipe has invaded native habitats including rainforests, riparian zones, roadsides, and agricultural areas. Its most concerning impact, however, is its interaction with the endangered Richmond birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia).
This vine emits a pheromone that deceives the delicate Richmond birdwing, leading them to lay their eggs on its leaves. Tragically, upon hatching, the larvae unwittingly consume the vine’s toxic foliage.
The Dutchman’s Pipe Vine (Aristolochia elegans) is now recognised as a significant threat to this beautiful endangered butterfly. What’s worse, in the presence of the Dutchman’s Pipe Vine (Aristolochia elegans), the birdwing butterfly prefers to lay its eggs on this deadly poisonous vine rather than its native host plant, the birdwing butterfly vine (Aristolochia praevenosa).
A prolific invader, the Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia elegans) produces hundreds of seeds that burst from their basket-like pods and spread widely on the wind.
To protect the rare Richmond birdwing butterfly, it is crucial to address the Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia elegans) invasion. Additionally, the butterfly requires connected habitat containing its native host plants.
The Richmond Birdwing Butterfly, once abundant in Brisbane, has sadly disappeared from more than two-thirds of its former habitat range. However, there is hope. Efforts led by the Richmond Birdwing Recovery Network are underway to reintroduce the butterfly to areas within its historical range, highlighting the importance of preventing threats to newly established populations.
Since 2010, the Department of Environment and Science, alongside the Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network (RBCN) and David Fleay Wildlife Park, has collaborated on a captive-breeding and release programme to safeguard the vulnerable Richmond birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia).
This programme involves pairing Richmond birdwing butterflies from various regions to promote genetic diversity in their offspring. These offspring, reared in captivity, are then reintroduced into carefully selected sites to bolster declining wild populations.
Following the initial releases in 2010, there has been promising evidence of natural breeding among the butterflies. Additionally, sightings of over a dozen flying adults have been documented in the Kin Kin and Cootharaba areas of the Sunshine Coast, marking the first such sightings in nearly two decades.
What can you do?
Educate others about the harmful effects of the Dutchman’s Pipe Vine (Aristolochia elegans) and assist your local bushcare group in identifying and controlling this invasive species.
Remember, even small insects require wildlife corridors. For the threatened Richmond birdwing butterfly, this means ensuring connected areas of bushland containing the butterfly’s essential host plants.
