He korero whakarapopoto
Butterflies and moths are everywhere in New Zealand – from your back garden to high up in the mountains.
Are butterflies and moths different?
There are no major differences between butterflies and moths – they are common names given to a group of insects called Lepidoptera (from the Greek for ‘scaly wings’). But some generalisations can be made: moths usually hold their wings flat while resting, have feathery antennae, and are active at night. Butterflies are more colourful, have clubbed antennae, hold their wings upright while at rest, and fly during the day.
New Zealand species
There are about 2,000 types of native New Zealand butterflies and moths. More than 90% are found nowhere else – this is the highest proportion of unique butterflies and moths in the world. Another 68 types have been introduced since European settlement.
Life cycle
Most butterflies and moths have a similar life cycle:
- Adults lay their eggs on plants or other surfaces such as rocks.
- Larvae (caterpillars) hatch from the eggs, then grow.
- They become pupae, encased in a cocoon while their wings develop.
- They emerge from the cocoon as adults. Adult butterflies and moths do not live very long – one week is considered long.
Common butterflies
Yellow and red admirals can be seen around the mainland, especially where nettles grow – their caterpillars eat them. Chatham Island admirals live only on the Chatham Islands.
Orange-coloured copper moths are more plentiful in New Zealand than anywhere else. The largest have a wingspan of up to 3 centimetres.
Variety
There is most variety in the South Island, where there are large open areas, which butterflies and moths prefer.
