Monarch Butterfly NZ Trust

we have a large swan plant in our garden,I see 2-3 monarchs a day,I presume its the same ones that visit every day but have seen 3 at the same time,have seen them mate and lay eggs on the tree,have had 3 hatch so far,one had a damaged wing and the others were fine

Butterfly flying around shrubs, briefly landing on each before cruising to next. Laid several batches of eggs on my swan plant.

I have a lot of small caterpillars on my plants, and was horrified at the weekend to notice two wasps landing on the plants, and carrying them off.
Drastic action was immediately called for, and as my husband managed to keep the wasps away,i covered the plants with some netting. It worked, and the remaining caterpillars […]

20+ larvae on Urtica urens

Common Copper Butterfly

Common Copper Butterfly

Large and brightly coloured monarch butterfly flying very well. Visited swan plants to drop off eggs.
Note: I have many eggs on my plants. Took 23 catapillars to other peoples plants as my ones are too small to sustain them! Some getting very large.

Have seen several wasps on a number of occassions,have found caterpillars half eaten by these wasps left on plant,my son and I search the plant daily for caterillars and bring them inside to care for them to keep them away from the pests

Have seen several wasps on a number of occassions,have found caterpillars half eaten by these wasps left on plant,my son and I search the plant daily for caterillars and bring them inside to care for them to keep them away from the pests

A close up of Flabbergastia fabulosa - with thanks to all those who contributed!
Jacqui