Mike Hoeta in Northland sent in this photograph:
http://www.monarch.org.nz/monarch/2012/02/06/what-is-this-please/
Norm has identified it as a Varied Swordgrass Brown (Tisiphone abeona) an Australian butterfly. The species has six subspecies which vary considerably in their markings. The larvae feed on Gahnia species.
It's not clear if the butterfly was observed in Northland or not... perhaps more info. to come.
Thanks for that Jaqui, I'm a little embarrassed, cos It didn't even cross my mind tha James lives in Australia so it's probably likely that it was an Australian butterfly, however it was a great pic taken by his niece, good to see the young ones take an interest in their environment. It's good to be back online, I couldnt log in for ages cos I lost my password, but I finally got back on
Hahaha, Mike. THAT IS CHEATING!!! Here I am getting all excited because you've seen an Aussie butterfly! :)
Now I'm a little embarrassed too. :)
Were Mike photoing Varied Swordgrass Brown butterfly in Northland NZ ???
Varied swordgrass butterflies had never been in NZ before.
Clinton: In answer to your question, NO.
Disappointing, eh?
the same happened to some gardeners, looked at a variegated Jacaranda, all excited when we checked up, pic posted on a NZ site, was an Australian tree, not here :(
Heather
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