Eighteen species of butterfly breed regularly in the Wildlife Reserves, although new species may become resident as suitable habitat becomes available. There are quite a few species of butterflies, and their larval food plants, that can be targeted for introduction to the La Trobe University Wildlife Reserves, including Gresswell Forest.

These species are widespread in the lower Yarra Valley and almost certainly would have occurred in and around La Trobe prior to habitat alteration/degradation.

Two candidate species that would make ideal school projects are:
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•    Varied Dusky Blue butterfly
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•    Varied Sedge-skipper butterfly.