[citation needed] The larvae of P. p. lucida are nocturnal and feed solely on Busaria spinosa after dusk for many hours.

During these times, they rest in the subterranean nest chambers of different Notoncus ants, depending on their geographic distribution.

A major conservation movement surrounding it started in 1987 after a colony in the Melbourne area was found,[4][5] and its existence publicised that year with the release by the Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands of a book on the butterfly by David Cameron and Phil Ingamells.

[1] The butterfly was found in remnant bushland near Montmorency Railway Station in March 2021, the area was at risk as part of clearing for Hurstbridge line duplication works.

[8] The state government then cancelled the proposed duplication works that would impact the butterfly habitat.