http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ Monarch Trust NZ Forum » Recent Topics en Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:27:59 +0000 http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/inside-or-outside#post-16290 Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:12:46 +0000 Kay 16290@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Last year was my first year of raising monarch butterflies because I had shifted house and there were swan plants in my garden which surprisingly to me attracted monarch butterflies (well one anyway). I left the caterpillars to it and only towards the end brought them and some chrysalises inside to hatch since the weather was getting colder, it being about May. I notice from reading the forum that lots of you seem to have your caterpillars inside in castles or whatever so presumably your swan plants are in pots rather than in your gardens. Is this necessary or preferable? I live in the south of the south island and would have thought you people in the winterless north would leave your creatures outside. </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/help-help-to-many-catterpillars#post-16289 Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:30:54 +0000 Marigold 16289@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>I have got to many caterpillars, can anybody take some off my hands to save these caterpillars. I live In Amberley North Canterbury. Cheers, Marigold </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/nectarsfruits#post-16288 Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:18:35 +0000 YvonneWallis 16288@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>In the butterly house in Dunedin they had the artificial nectar on sponges..I am guessing these sponges have to be special and not just a dishcloth sponge,so they aren't full of stuff the butterflies don't like..where do I go to get the sponges and what sort? Also they have fruits for the butterflies..do tinned fruits and juices and jams have bad stuff or are they all okay? </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/what-plant-food-in-what-order#post-16222 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:00:13 +0000 YvonneWallis 16222@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>I have been told in the past that admirals can go from common nettle to tree nettle but not vice versa.Where does the bush nettle fit into this progression. Also magpie moths like groundsel (common and more sturdy bigger plant)ragwort and cinnerias..is there any order they can't go from. Monarchs..had a small silky swan plant once and was told that they can go from this to the larger but not vice versa..with all the varities of milkweed what are the transfer, do's and don't?? </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/a-female-lesser-wanderer-butterfly-was-caught#post-16097 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:52:22 +0000 clinton9 16097@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Today,<br /> I caught the female Lesser Wanderer butterfly in wasteland near Thames Refuse Transfer Station this afternoon.</p> <p>This late morning I were hunting for aussie butterflies and I went to retirement building by Richmond Rd and looked for butterflies, but no aussie butterflies.<br /> Then I went to wasteland by Refuse Transfer Station and looked for aussie butterflies, but I saw a red admiral butterfly and I went after it so I can get it to lay eggs on my potted nettle, but I lost it as it flew away north-westward toward sea. Then I biked eastward and when I stopped biking by a bench, to check for Aussie butterflies and suddenly I saw a Lesser Wanderer butterfly flying from dump, then I went after it, and swinged my $ 2 net at it...missed...it flew fast for 11 metres...then it dropped onto a long dead grass stalk...I swinged the net across the grass &amp; caught the Lesser Wanderer butterfly.<br /> When I handled it carefully, I found tip of hind body were damaged...#@@# how little careless I were, as I was hoped to send eggs to Zac (nzwings), but only if butterfly is willing to lay eggs. Otherwise Zac have to accept a gift from me in form of a damaged butterfly. If it won't lay eggs in few days time, I have to kill it and send the butterfly to Zac.<br /> The Lesser Wanderer butterfly is alive and in my smaller caterpillar castle with orange-flowered milkweed (swan plant). </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/need-a-home-for-a-unknown-cat#post-16155 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:59:40 +0000 zoe 16155@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>I have an unknown cat that i have no idea what it needs to eat, i think it is a hawk moth cat due to the big spike on the rear end. Some one will need to pick it up if they can give it a home, im at the air show all weekend so could take it with me if need be </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/terrys-admiral-project-in-britain-update#post-11621 Sun, 24 Oct 2010 16:52:10 +0000 Jane 11621@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Hey Terry,</p> <p>How did your admiral project get through? I remember at one stage you Admirals were looking like they might not make it through, and seeing your name in the forum has made me wonder how you got on.........I think you were down to a last few at one point.....any chance of an update?</p> <p>Regards and best wishes - Jane </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/breeding-yellow-admirals#post-15874 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:41:48 +0000 Jane 15874@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>On another thread about Red Admirals I mentioned having hundreds of eggs of what I thought were yellows on my urtica urens. It was suggested they might turn out to be Silver Y moth....What do Silver Y moth larvae look like? </p> <p>I have brought about 50 or so larvae inside and am rearing them in a container. I think I will split them into two lots and like Anna keep them to 25 or so per container for hygiene reasons. They are getting quite big now and are almost out of food each day when I clean them out. I am finding that the really big Urtica australis leaves are good for making it easier to clean them out, because they are less fiddly.</p> <p>So the question is - do Yellow Admiral larvae and Silver Y moth larvae look the same? </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/brand-new-monarchs#post-16274 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:28:34 +0000 lmc 16274@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Hi</p> <p>We had three butterflies hatch this morning, one flew off after an hour and two are still "sitting" on the hedge. How long does it take for them to fly off for the first time? Also will it be ok to leave them on the hedge if it rains?</p> <p>Thanks </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/shining-cuckoo-eating-monarch-caterpillars#post-16052 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:07:41 +0000 Anna 16052@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>This evening as I was watering the garden, I noticed a Cuckoo hanging around, so I grabbed the camera to get a photo of him and before I knew it, it shot into the garden, and grabbed this big caterpillar, and ate it...and several others! (I've rescued the rest now!)<br /> I always thought birds didn't eat them as they were poisonous?</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/anna-barnett/6724470635/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/anna-barnett/6724470635/</a> </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/monarch-butterfly-caught-by-a-germany-wasp#post-16247 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:25:33 +0000 clinton9 16247@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Today at Brightsmile Gardens this late morning I saw a Monarch butterfly flapping &amp; struggling across the mown ground, and I went to pick the butterfly and found a worker Germany wasp holding on the right forewing of male Monarch butterfly, but wasp took off and flew around me, so the butterfly flew away strongly &amp; fast to west at 10 metres above ground. Then wasp flew away. </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/the-urge-to-procreate#post-16178 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:41:20 +0000 Debbie 16178@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>I've had two new butterflies pounced on by crusty old males within seconds of being released into my back yard this morning. I feel like a pimp. </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/monarch-butterflys-in-southland#post-16174 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:32:46 +0000 lyndon.cleaver 16174@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Hi, I have recently moved to Invercargill and brought some Swan plan seeds with me. I have two mature plants growing but no signs of butterfly activity. Does anyone know if the the Monarch Butterfly lives this far south? </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/cinnabar-moth#post-16248 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:25:46 +0000 Alison 16248@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Has anyone else seen Cinnabar moths before? I live in Wanganui and saw one for the first time a few weeks back.</p> <p>they're a scarlet and black moth, that's out in the day.<br /> I'd never seen one before and discovered that they were brought in to control ragwort!<br /> <a href="http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/poisonous-plants-and-fungi/4/4" rel="nofollow">http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/poisonous-plants-and-fungi/4/4</a><br /> the link should take you to a picture of them. </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/too-many-caterpillarsnot-enough-swan-plant#post-15859 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:25:46 +0000 Jacqui 15859@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Hello all - getting lots of phone calls at this time of the year from people who have either (a) too many Monarch caterpillars, so much so that they've run out of plant, or (b) they're telling me that they're aren't any Monarchs in the vicinity and that they would LOVE to see some eating their swan plants...</p> <p>This often happens in various communities - in one area there are many wasps kililng all the caterpillars, and somewhere else there are no predators/parasites so the Monarchs are thriving. It's nature's way of "controlling" the various species... when the food runs out only a few of the strongest will survive.</p> <p>The problem is that we humans "like" some species (Monarchs for instance) and "don't like" others - perhaps you dislike ants, or wasps or whatever. Nature, however, doesn't see it like that, Nature runs the world in a "boom or bust" way, there are always peaks and troughs as one species (plant or animal) goes from thriving or struggling.</p> <p>But that doesn't help YOU with YOUR problem... What I suggest is that you add to this thread here, telling us what your situation is AND leaving some contact details so that anyone who has the opposite problem and lives reasonably close to you can get in touch. </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/ugly-little-vicious-invader-help#post-16212 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:49:06 +0000 Delboy123 16212@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Wonder if anyone can help me. My swan plant has grown huge this year, some parts of it about 7ft or 8ft high.</p> <p>It's been swarming with cats and in the past week about 15 butterflies have emerged.</p> <p>However in recent days I felt the cat numbers were falling so I had a nose around today. I noticed one fairly long cat was hanging backwards off one of the round pods so I went to give it a hand and found myself engaged in a tug of war for it with a strange, tiny insect.</p> <p>I got the cat free and realised this thing had speared it with a long, needle like object protruding from its face. This thing was very quick when I tried to get it and disappeared. </p> <p>The cat was dead and later started turning black. I noticed another cat, which had curled up as they do when about to have the chrysalis form, hanging from the underside of a leaf and it also had turned black.</p> <p>I found only about 12 living cats in total and would have expected three times the number.</p> <p>I then saw one of these insects stealthily inching towards another curled up cat but couldn't catch the thing once more.</p> <p>I've removed all the cats to a second plant (including the curled up one, branch and all) but this plant is tiny and I think it'll be denuded of all vegetation by tomorrow.</p> <p>Any ideas on what I can do? I'm too worried to put the cats back on the main plant. </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/poisonous#post-1585 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:29:09 +0000 Rachel 1585@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Are swan plants poisonous? Apparently the Ministry of Education has banned them and my nephew's kindy have taken their plants out. Seems a shame to me. </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/nothing-prepared-me-for-what-i-saw-this-afternoon#post-16225 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:05:03 +0000 nzwings 16225@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Out of all my 14 years of collecting butterflies<br /> this so far has been the oddest year for spotting butterflies.</p> <p>it was a week ago i saw a Lemon Migrant butterfly, but what i saw this afternoon surely has my mind in a spin</p> <p>today as i was walking outside after having a fairly late breakfast, i looked out over my backyard and saw something large flying above the tree tops of the gum trees. at first i thought i was just a bird, but i said to myself thats more clumsy then a bird in flight. i ran for it! i got within distance to makeout the object and to my surprise it was a butterfly!</p> <p>i couldnt believe what i was seeing..this thing was huge. i know what your thinking...some very large monarch right? this was not a monarch.. it was orangy-yellow. you would most likey think maybe a lesser wanderer?? but lesser wanderers are smaller then a monarch..and finally to make you really say WHAT! how about i add this butterfly was atleast near 5 inches across!..and its not likely i would get this wrong.<br /> i have mounted 1000's of butterflies from all over the world in my lifetime and this is something i can describe with complete accuracy. it was a glider and used its front wings for gliding, a very powerful flier..similar to how a monarch flies due to its large size.</p> <p>now im left scratching my head because i have no idea what i saw, i couldnt catch it it was too far out of any net to reach. and i know that new zealand's biggest resident butterfly is ofcourse our lovely monarch.</p> <p>i wondered if this could have been a huge gum emperor moth being around gum trees. but it didnt fly like one or look like it either. i also know the gum emperor spends the day at the base of the trees and will only take flight at night. this was larger.</p> <p>strange indeed!</p> <p>it could quite possibly be something that has been pushed by the wind currents lately and has turned up here by mistake.<br /> i know what i saw, and although it seems crazy..i have eyes for this stuff and it seems i have had the best of luck finding unusual visitors so far. its only last day of January, there is a few months left that we are likely to see some more wind blown insects.</p> <p>any thoughts please do share<br /> this is totally the weirdest experience i have had out of 14 years of collecting in the field.</p> <p>regards zac </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/what-is-joy#post-15596 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 10:31:43 +0000 Jacqui 15596@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>It's finding six Monarch eggs on one milkweed leaf. :) </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/butterfly-house-the-plan#post-15918 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:14:43 +0000 YvonneWallis 15918@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>after these extreme winds which caused me to realise any cheaper greenhouse would be destroyed I have revisited the original butterfly house idea. Original butterfly house was in old stables with bird netting on sun side.The problems were- birds picked holes and got in, parasitic wasps and pests (weren't aware of the nasties to start with),not enough light in central house and frost getting in. Got hubby to build small enclosure inside around the native nettle but the wasps still got in and I couldn't get them and the stagnant air in there I got problems with mildewy type fungi on plants.Rolled over frost cloth over stable door ways which was reasonably affective except wind would break support sticks.Wanted Paul(hubby to put plastic over the open side but he said it would be a big problem with wind in the U shaped barn and would create to much moisture and rot out barn. Suggest putting polycarbonate in the middle of each bay on the roof instead of the iron but that was a problem and would create leeks..WELL I have put my foot down and told him the plan and he has accepted..it is the most sensible and cheapest, strongest solution... Chicken netting on the open side on outside to stop the birds, Biomesh on the inside of that wall to stop the nasties,overlap on outside of door join. Polycarbonate will go in the roof, even if I have to pay for a carpenter to do it.Frost tender plants at the back and frost cloth put over them if required..YAY! </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/monarch-butterflies-in-uk#post-16191 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:02:30 +0000 Colleen 16191@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>We have friends from Manchester England staying with us who are delighted with the Monarch castle we have which has 14 chrysalis at present. Is it feasible for them to set up as similar habitat on a balcony in an inner city flat in Manchester as we would love to purchase a castle for them from the NZ Monarch Trust. </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/great-resource-butterfly-gardening#post-16111 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:13:37 +0000 Jacqui 16111@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Found this interesting site, lots of information for us all. </p> <p><a href="http://www.butterflygardenideas.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.butterflygardenideas.com/</a></p> <p>The owner, Tony Gomez, also lets you download a free ebook "7 Magnetic Monarch Butterfly Garden Plants" which are all available here in NZ. </p> <p><a href="http://www.butterflygardenideas.com/support-files/monarch-ebook.zip" rel="nofollow">http://www.butterflygardenideas.com/support-files/monarch-ebook.zip</a> </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/cabbage-white-butterfly-caterpillar-food#post-16197 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:29:28 +0000 YvonneWallis 16197@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>looking on the net, the cabbage white butterfly lays its eggs on plants in the mustard family which includes the Brassicaceae.there is an enormous amount of plants in the mustard family. I was going to have some with the other butterflies in the butterfly house as long as they wont eat the other caterpillars food or the nectar plants. Is there any other plants I should be aware of them eating? I see that Alyssum is also in the mustard family would they lay their eggs on this or is it just the Brassicaceae group? </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/urtica-australis-seeds-wanted#post-16151 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:07:07 +0000 Thomas 16151@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Does anyone have/know where I can get some of these nettle seeds? I know Oratia Nurseries sell the plants, but I'd rather have seeds... </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/caterpiller-has-been-hanging-for-about-24-hours#post-16094 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:23:40 +0000 hereisme 16094@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>in its 'J'shape. The front of it is a shade of green and slightly yellow now. How long does it take for caterpillers to turn into a chrysalis? I thought it happened a bit quicker? Could it change over night or only during the day? </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/need-south-african-mantids-miomantis-caffra#post-16184 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:02:46 +0000 lawks003 16184@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Hi all,</p> <p>I'm a student at Auckland University and will be beginning my BSc Honours project in March and my study species is Miomantis caffra, the invasive South African mantis. I'll be studying their sexually cannibalistic behaviour so I need plenty of live specimens. Quite frankly, I am going to need a lot more then I have been and will be finding in my garden. </p> <p>If anyone could perhaps collect a few then it would be a tremendous help. I'll admit that I'm unsure how best to organise getting the critters but at least you can contact me at <a href="mailto:lani_pai@hotmail.com">lani_pai@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>Cheers,</p> <p>Leilani</p> <p>PS: For those who are interested in the nature of the project.</p> <p>Mantids famously exhibit sexual cannibalism with female consuming males who have approached to copulate and M.caffra is no different. But not much study has been done on the particulars of this species’ cannibalistic behaviour so my project is concerned with answering questions about the frequency of cannibalism; the possible advantages of cannibalising mates; ways that males try to avoid detection; and any preferences males may have for unmated females or females in better condition. </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/wanted-prossffeoal-butterfly-net#post-16071 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:14:48 +0000 clinton9 16071@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Hi members,<br /> I have two nets, but they are not very good for catching the fast-flying butterflies. my one net had pale yellow curtain funnel (net) and too short handle, while my other net was $ 2 net with blue funnel and bamboo handle. I worried about I might break the handle of net when I swing to catch butterfly.<br /> Pale yellow colour on my net funnel, will frighten the butterflies away.</p> <p>Can I have prossffeoal butterfly net (Like Zac's (nzwings)butterfly net) please.<br /> Sooner the better as we are entering the peak "Aussie butterfly season" and I'm on lookout for aussie butterflies.</p> <p>You can send me the net to my address:<br /> 903 Queen Street, Thames.</p> <p>Your help will be appreciated. :=)</p> <p>Clinton. </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/admiral-caterpillar-photos-showing-details#post-16036 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:35:44 +0000 Jane 16036@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>These photos show details of admiral caterpillars close-up </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/crysalis-not-closed-properly#post-16141 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:44:40 +0000 Moni 16141@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Hi, I'm fairly new to the Monarch community and have now quite a number of crysalises on my Puriri tree outside. I just noticed a couple of them seemed to not have formed properly. There is a horizontal gap on the opposite side to the "golden rim" at the top and it has dried that way. The crysalis itself is quite a light green colour and more elongated compared to the others that appear normal. Has anyone had this happen and could this be a disease? </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/potted-swan-plants#post-16154 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:57:59 +0000 medusa 16154@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>What causes the leaves to turn yellow and drop off my potted swan plants? I have put fertiliser on them but am I missing something? </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/gazebos-for-butterfly-lovers#post-16131 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:15:25 +0000 Anna 16131@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>On my hunt for a permanent Butterfly house I came across this website, and found some really interesting gazebo shapes and ideas.<br /> <a href="http://www.gazebo.co.nz/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.gazebo.co.nz/index.html</a></p> <p>On the Mitre 10 netted gazebo that I am using at the moment it has fairly fine black mesh that makes it easy to see through, so all that some of these gazebos would need would be to line the inside with some sort of mesh. I haven't sussed out what would be a good way of having a door as yet, but time will tell.<br /> Also I wonder if the roof would need a couple of light panels to let in sun for the butterflies to sunbake?<br /> I might add that the mesh on the Mitre 10 gazebo still lets in tiny insects, so I may need to look out for something finer.<br /> Heres another link to photos of some they have already done:<br /> <a href="http://www.gazebo.co.nz/photo_pages/gazebos/gazeboimages1.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.gazebo.co.nz/photo_pages/gazebos/gazeboimages1.html</a> </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/inward-facing-chrysalises#post-16119 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:50:45 +0000 Darcy 16119@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Has anyone noticed that if a caterpillar makes a chrysalis on a leaf, the chrysalis will almost always face the stem of the plant (the gold and black band I am assuming is the "front"). When making a "J", the head of the caterpillar will be away from the stem but when it makes a chrysalis the front will be facing the stem. Of my 30 chrysalises on the plant, 28 are facing the stem.<br /> Any explanations??? </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/very-little-monarchs-in-picton#post-16129 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:35:32 +0000 lawrence pope 16129@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Hi there<br /> This year has to be the worse year for me for monarchs for two years running i have released<br /> 800 monarchs each year in picton<br /> This time last year i have released around 500 monarchs<br /> BUT this year have released 20 a big drop than last year<br /> one or two come around during the day but no female laying eggs</p> <p>Lawrence </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/oh-my-goodness-a-lemon-migrant-spotted#post-16112 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:28:21 +0000 nzwings 16112@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Today, just before 1pm, while i was out with my net searching for Australian wind blown butterflies, i saw something fly into my yard, and i have a big section out in the country. i thought what i was seeing was a lesser wanderer as i thought at first it was orange. as im looking for them. but this looked bigger then a common white butterfly. and was white with yellow...i was suprised to know that what i saw as i got closer was infact a LEMON MIGRANT (Catopsilia pomona pomona):D looked to be a female as the male is completely yellow. oh wow i was not expecting to see something like this...infact only 1 has ever been spotted ever in history in New Zealand. i will see if it hangs around, im in Masterton but im likely not to see it again but wow that made my day! </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/lots-of-caterpillars#post-16067 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:06:33 +0000 Chewerpillar 16067@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Hi there.</p> <p>Thought you might like to see the volume of caterpillars i have this year, they are all surviving thanks to a supply of extra trees from my neighbours:</p> <p><a href="http://s1161.photobucket.com/albums/q516/MistaSteakMan/Caterpillers/" rel="nofollow">http://s1161.photobucket.com/albums/q516/MistaSteakMan/Caterpillers/</a></p> <p>PS: Do you still need more swan plant seed? If so could I have the address to send them to please. =)</p> <p>Cameron </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/milkweed-1#post-16098 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:44:34 +0000 Thomas 16098@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Hello members,<br /> I own several tropical milkweeds (Asclepias curassavica) and was wondering whether it is evergreen, like the giant swan plant? Or will it die away after a certain time/height/season? Also, my milkweeds' newer leaves at the top of the plant have become curled, while the lower leaves are drooping, but not in the way they do when under-watered. Is this normal? I haven't let the caterpillars on it yet.<br /> Greatly appreciate all the help :-) </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/idea-paint-the-hind-body-of-paper-wasp-white#post-16080 Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:12:02 +0000 clinton9 16080@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>I had an idea...If I catch the Asian paper wasp, with a net and I paint the hind body, with white paint, when it fly away, I able to follow it to nest, so I destroy the nest.</p> <p>Germany wasps were used to been dipped in white flour and been followed to nests, by people who destroyed the nests.</p> <p>Asian paper wasps can be dipped in white flour same as for Germany wasps.</p> <p>White flour or white paint make wasps white-coloured and easy for people to follow. </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/new-to-monarchs#post-15866 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:04:15 +0000 carolinenz 15866@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Hi. Im new to this so please bear with me. I have very fond childhood memories of Monarch butterflies hatching. I have bought 1 swan plant, 2 stems, now 2 feet high, grown in a 23L pot. A Monarch laid around 12 eggs on it yesterday. So excited!</p> <p>1. As the plant was bought from a DIY shop will the leaves be suitable food or sprayed, so no good?</p> <p>2. Will that plant be enough to feed the caterpillars? I can only grow things in pots where I am living.</p> <p>Thank you! </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/too-many-caterpillars-3#post-16091 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:01:39 +0000 Evelinevan Heyst 16091@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Anyone in Christchurch area wanting more caterpillars can come and collect as I don't have enough swan plant. They are just over a week old. I can be contacted on <a href="mailto:eveline.vanheyst@xtra.co.nz">eveline.vanheyst@xtra.co.nz</a> or ph (03)942 7263 or 027 465911 </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/how-many-caterpillars-per-swan-plant#post-16088 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:14:04 +0000 Crown.Julz.24 16088@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>I have 2 swan plants and 13 new caterpillars. I have shifted them inside to avoid any more eggs. Will two plants have sufficient food for 13 caterpillars? I can get more if need be.. </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/caterpillers-dying#post-16076 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:32:33 +0000 hereisme 16076@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>I had about 8 caterpillers on my plants but daily one seems to work its way to the bottom of the plant and by morning it is curled up dead on the soil. What am i doing wrong? </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/need-help-no-food-for-catapillars#post-16043 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:34:23 +0000 petrina 16043@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Hi THERE.<br /> New to this and have moved to a house with a swan plant. In litterally a few days all of the leaves have been eaten by the catapillars and there is nothing left for them to eat. I have had advise to put fresh cabbage out under the tree and around it and they will eat it and then on the other end of the spectrum is to get rid of them.<br /> The kids are loving watching the process take place and dont know what to do. Dont want them to starve. Any advise anyone.? I counted up this morning about 50 catapillars varying in size </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/summer-update#post-16078 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:02:14 +0000 Jacqui 16078@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>This has just been sent out to all those who have email...</p> <p>Hi there - hope your summer is going well... Here’s an update on what’s happening with the Monarch Butterfly NZ Trust</p> <p>*** TOO MANY CATERPILLARS? NOT ENOUGH CATERPILLARS?</p> <p>It’s the time of year when we have many inquiries on our website for people wanting others to adopt their starving Monarch caterpillars. If you haven’t checked the forum recently, do take a look... People in Wellington (Tawa) and Rangiora need help as I write this newsletter...</p> <p>*** UPDATE ON OUR CHRISTCHURCH PROJECTS</p> <p>Plans are going well. A grant from the Telecom Foundation and another from Bayer Pharmaceuticals (bannerstands) have helped – but we are still fundraising. There are two fun auctions on TradeMe to raise funds – even if YOU aren't interested please tell other people, one of them may be keen!</p> <p> TRADEME AUCTIONS – UNIQUE and CLOSING SATURDAY!</p> <p>---Naming Rights - a very special butterfly</p> <p><a href="http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=439925583" rel="nofollow">http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=439925583</a></p> <p>For the one that you love this is absolutely unique: the naming rights to our star butterfly, a beautiful, big, orange and black Monarch. This butterfly will take the lead role in displays and our butterfly release in Christchurch in February. Yes! You can name her or him whatever you like... so long as the name is socially acceptable.</p> <p>---The tie Paul Henry rejected – Unwanted birthday gift</p> <p><a href="http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=439950850" rel="nofollow">http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=439950850</a></p> <p>This beautiful tie was a gift to Paul Henry (former TV1 Breakfast Host) from news reader Peter Williams on Paul's birthday, 4 August 2009. Paul donated it to the MBNZT – take a look, it’s a beauty!</p> <p>You can buy many items in our shop on our website, or there are more auctions here, please help with our fundraising:<br /> <a href="http://trade.me/butterflytrust" rel="nofollow">http://trade.me/butterflytrust</a></p> <p>But please feel free to retweet or tell your friends about our projects.</p> <p>*** FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS, CHRISTCHURCH</p> <p>Our bannerstand displays are being renewed, thanks to a donation from Bayer. Bayer is a global company focused on the areas of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials.</p> <p>“Our products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time we are committed to the principles of sustainability and to supporting environmental education and restoration in New Zealand," said William Malpass from Bayer New Zealand Ltd.</p> <p>“We wish the Monarch Butterfly NZ Trust every success in its endeavours to preserve the Monarch butterfly in New Zealand and in particular Christchurch.”</p> <p>*** BUTTERFLY RELEASE – 182 MONARCHS</p> <p>The Telecom Foundation has made a generous donation towards our Christchurch projects and we have agreed that children of Christchurch Telecom staff will release the 182 Monarch butterflies at the the earthquake tribute (22 February). We appreciate the support of the Telecom Foundation.<br /> We are keen to hear from you if you would like to contribute butterflies for this release. We will be asking people to send us green pupae on or about 13 February. More information in the next bulletin, or watch our website (the forum).</p> <p>*** ELLERSLIE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOW</p> <p>From 7 to 11 March we will have an interactive display at the Ellerslie International Flower Show, North Hagley Park, especially of interest to children.</p> <p>*** VOLUNTEERS – CHRISTCHURCH</p> <p>We would love to have more of our members (or other interested people) helping at our two displays. Are you interested? Please email us <a href="mailto:trust@monarch.org.nz">trust@monarch.org.nz</a>, and let us know what day (half a day or a full day) and your full contact details.</p> <p>For those who live outside Christchurch there may well be accommodation available, and we may be able to help with airfares. Mention that you could be interested in sharing our apartment, right in central Christchurch, very handy to both the museum and North Hagley Park.</p> <p>*** VOLUNTEERS – AUCKLAND</p> <p>We are having a few working bees in Auckland - folding, labelling - stuffing envelopes etc. If you would like to help, please contact me, Jacqui, on 551 3383. I live in Blockhouse Bay. Could you come for an hour or two? Some days planned so far are:</p> <p>Saturday, 21 January, 2pm<br /> Tuesday, 24 January 7pm<br /> Thursday, 26 January 7pm<br /> Saturday, 28 January, 11am<br /> Sunday, 29 January 2pm</p> <p>Come and meet some fellow members. You will be welcome to take cuttings from any plants in my garden, so bring a bucket!</p> <p>*** VIDEOGRAPHER</p> <p>We would like to find a videographer who could film our Christchurch events for a promotional video. Anyone interested? Please contact <a href="mailto:trust@monarch.org.nz">trust@monarch.org.nz</a>.</p> <p>*** BUTTERFLY GARDENING COURSE</p> <p>Our “Create a Butterfly Garden/Habitat” course has been very successful and the next one begins on 1 March. Why not book in now? For more details: <a href="http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/projects/butterfly-gardening-course/" rel="nofollow">http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/projects/butterfly-gardening-course/</a></p> <p>*** 2012 CALENDAR</p> <p>There are still some available. More information here:<br /> <a href="http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/items-for-sale/calendar-2012/" rel="nofollow">http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/items-for-sale/calendar-2012/</a></p> <p>*** NZ ASSOCIATION OF PRIMARY SCIENCE EDUCATORS</p> <p>This year we will be working on a project with the NZAPSE. More information in our March newsletter, but teachers: you might want to contact the NZAPSE now as it is looking very exciting. There will be activities planned throughout the first and second terms.</p> <p><a href="http://www.nzase.org.nz/primaryscience/" rel="nofollow">http://www.nzase.org.nz/primaryscience/</a></p> <p>*** SAVING SEED</p> <p>You are welcome to send in surplus seed to the MBNZT. Please store it in paper so it stays dry and label it well. Could you also add your name/email/phone so we can contact you and say thanks - and also the date when collected... month/year is fine. Your local chemist throws away desiccants (little things that come with pills to keep them dry) tand will be happy to give you some to help keep the seed in the best condition. Every donation is appreciated. Send to MBNZT, PO Box 44100, Pt Chevalier, Auckland 1246.</p> <p>Happy Butterflying!</p> <p>The Trustees </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/reporting-on-paper-wasp-sightings-are-still-needed#post-16068 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:18:31 +0000 Pepetuna 16068@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Landcare Research scientists still need reports of paper wasps, so this is a chance for all of us to help. As butterfly people, we probably notice them more than most people do. Here's the media releae:</p> <p>Seeking public help to find paper wasps<br /> Media Release: Monday, 16 January 2012</p> <p>Scientists are seeking public help to learn more about the spread of an unwanted pest.</p> <p>Asian Paper Wasp </p> <p>Australian Paper Wasp</p> <p>There are two species of introduced paper wasps (Polistes wasps) and they were last surveyed in the early 1990s. The first species to become established in New Zealand was the Australian paper wasp Polistes humilis, which has been present here since the 1880s but restricted to the North Island. The second species is the Asian paper wasp Polistes chinensis, which was first recorded in New Zealand in 1979. </p> <p>Researcher Darren Ward wants to know if the wasps are continuing to spread through New Zealand, or whether they have reached their ‘limits’.</p> <p>“Paper wasps are a threat to natural ecosystems because they prey on invertebrates, predominantly caterpillars, and also collect nectar in late summer/autumn. Densities of more than 200 nests and 6300 wasps per ha have been recorded in the far north of the North Island.”</p> <p>Specific information Dr Ward requires is:</p> <p>localities from around New Zealand (such as city/town, suburb, street, date, where found) what species is it (Asian or Australian). If you are unsure, a photo is best, even a low resolution image is ok, as the species have very different colours/markings on their body. Please email this information to Dr Ward on the following email: <a href="mailto:wardd@landcareresearch.co.nz">wardd@landcareresearch.co.nz</a> </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/lesser-wanderer-butterfly-in-thames#post-15975 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:45:42 +0000 clinton9 15975@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>This windy afternoon I went hunting for cyclone-blown aussie butterflies in Richmond Villas retirement Village (no aussie butterflies) and then in wasteland near Refuse Transfer Station.<br /> At wasteland I saw a female Lesser Wanderer butterfly flying from west-north, over Refuse Transfer Station, then it went down to bank...I went after it, I only have blue net (you buy from $ 2 shop)...it went on as it were looking for either flowers or swan plants, but there are nothing in overgrown grasses, then it flies upward over the mangloves &amp; flew south over the sea. I did not caught it as it was not in catch-able rangle and no flower for it to feed.<br /> The strong wind had ensuren I cannot catch the butterfly.<br /> I had caught a female long-tailed butterfly seaval mins before and collected the eggs of Monarch butterfly from few swan plants that grew wild on wasteland, to take home. </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/breeding-red-admirals-1#post-15475 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:36:04 +0000 Rob 15475@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Made a trip to the King Country to collect Admiral caterpillars. I collected 10 large Red Admiral Caterpillars (4th 5th instar) and 20 mini pint sized Red Admiral caterpillars(2nd &amp;3nd instars. Thought this would be enough to start a home population and breed them. Had a few teething problems but managed to get the more mature caterpillars to pupate and now have 4 butterflies hatched and one more to come. Hopefully out of the 5 I should be able to start up a Red Admiral breeding colony and get the experience I am after. My biggest learning curve (and problem)out of this venture is that 20 baby caterpillars just dissapeared. My shadehouse is on concrete and I had the caterpillars on a small leafed annual nettle dug up from the King Country.I couldent figure out just where they went. They just dissapeared. I have had a few years breeding Yellow Admirals ON GRASS in my shadehouse and never had this problem. I think that in a concrete world there is more competition for food. I assume ants have been snacking on my babies. Have now moated my nettles for egg laying....what a hassel!!! If I can get any eggs!!!! Will have to pay the butterflies an early morning visit for a sexing eercise. My main problem for now is what happened to all those babies? Are ants the culprit? </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/anyone-in-rangiora-can-adopt-monarch-caterpillars#post-16063 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:13:34 +0000 Jacqui 16063@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Rangiora member writes:</p> <p>"I have approx 40 caterpillers which should be ready to hatch for Feb 22nd. I am fast running out of food though.</p> <p>Do you know of anyone in CHCH / Rangiora who has plenty of food but no caterpillars who wants to help? I can either give them some caterpillars for them to raise for you or collect some swan plant from them to continue growing here."</p> <p>If someone can assist this member, pleaes contact me privately: Jacqui, 027 481 4811 or <a href="mailto:braenz@gmail.com">braenz@gmail.com</a> </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/swan-plants-which-are-best#post-16005 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:27:30 +0000 YvonneWallis 16005@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>which variety best for most foliage?<br /> Which variety best for enduring winter temperatures?<br /> Are there any varieties less susceptible to aphids? whit fly?<br /> Which variety lasts longer in years ? </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/admiral-caterpillars-1#post-15898 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:53:50 +0000 Thomas 15898@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Hi guys,<br /> I'm not sure if they're still in season, (I'm new to admirals)<br /> but does anyone have admiral caterpillars (or eggs, I'm not sure which is better)? I have quite a few nettle plants, which should be ready in a week or so, so I'd only need a couple. I live in Northland. Where we live I haven't ever seen an admiral. Any help would be greatly appreciated :-)<br /> Thanks,<br /> Thomas </p> http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/topic/wellington-homeless-caterpillars#post-16046 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:33 +0000 bronwynmj 16046@http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/forum/ <p>Hi there,</p> <p>I wonder if there's anyone here in Wellington that would like to foster some monarch caterpillars? My swanplant has died (I think it's trunk snapped in a wind - the leaves are all yellow and crackly to touch), and I've just discovered a whole heap of tiny (1cm long) caterpillars on it.</p> <p>I live in Tawa - is anyone able to help me out? I have such a black thumb, so don't want to get another swanplant, just to have me kill it in time for the next batch of caterpillars to arrive.</p> <p>Thanks in advance - if I forget to come back on here (I've signed up especially to post this message), please email me on 1001bookreviews(at)gmail.com </p>