Butterflies in New Zealand
While there aren’t many butterflies in the island nation of New Zealand, there are surprisingly quite a few endemic species here. These include the New Zealand Red Admiral, the Boulder Copper, and the Butler’s Ringlet.
Butterflies in New Zealand
List of Different Butterfly Species of New Zealand
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- Australian Painted Lady (Vanessa kershawi)
- Black Mountain Ringlet (Percnodaimon merula)
- Butler’s Ringlet (Erebiola butleri) [endemic]
- Common Tussock (Argyrophenga antipodum) [endemic]
- Dark Tiger (Tirumala hamata)
- Forest Ringlet (Dodonidia helmsii) [endemic]
- Harris’s Tussock (Argyrophenga harrisi) [endemic]
- Janita’s Tussock (Argyrophenga janitae) [endemic]
- Lesser Wanderer (Danaus petilia)
- Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
- New Zealand Red Admiral (Vanessa gonerilla) [endemic]
- Yellow Admiral (Vanessa itea)
- Hypolimnas bolina nerina
- Junonia villida calybe
- Melanitis leda bankia
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Boulder Copper (Lycaena boldenarum) [endemic]
- Common Copper (Lycaena salustius) [endemic]
- Glade Copper (Lycaena feredayi) [endemic]
- Rauparaha’s Copper (Lycaena rauparaha) [endemic]
- Long-tailed Blue (Lampides boeticus)
- Common Grass-blue (Zizina labradus)
- Lesser Grass-blue (Zizina otis)
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Lemon Migrant (Catopsilia pomona)
- Small White (Pieris rapae)
The best place to see butterflies in New Zealand is Butterfly Creek located close to Auckland airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some endemic butterfly species in New Zealand?
New Zealand is home to several endemic butterfly species found nowhere else. These include the New Zealand Red Admiral (Vanessa gonerilla), the Forest Ringlet (Dodonidia helmsii), and various Copper butterflies like the Boulder Copper (Lycaena boldenarum) and Common Copper (Lycaena salustius), highlighting the country’s unique fauna.
Where is the best place to see butterflies in New Zealand?
The best place to see a variety of butterflies in New Zealand is Butterfly Creek. Located conveniently near the Auckland airport, this attraction offers visitors a dedicated environment to observe both native and exotic butterfly species up close, making it a popular destination for enthusiasts and families alike.
Is the Monarch butterfly native to New Zealand?
The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is not native to New Zealand but is considered a self-introduced species that has become a naturalized resident. It arrived in the 19th century from North America and has since established breeding populations, often seen in gardens with swan plants (milkweed).
What does the New Zealand Red Admiral butterfly look like?
The New Zealand Red Admiral (Vanessa gonerilla), or kahukura, is an endemic butterfly recognized by its velvety black wings with prominent red or orange bands. The forewings have white spots near the tips, and its appearance is a familiar sight in gardens and native bush throughout the country.
What types of Copper butterflies are found in New Zealand?
New Zealand has several endemic species of Copper butterflies from the Lycaena genus. Notable examples include the Boulder Copper (Lycaena boldenarum), Common Copper (Lycaena salustius), Glade Copper (Lycaena feredayi), and Rauparaha’s Copper (Lycaena rauparaha). These small, fast-flying butterflies are unique to the region’s diverse habitats.
How can you identify a Forest Ringlet butterfly?
The Forest Ringlet (Dodonidia helmsii) is an endemic butterfly identified by its dark brown wings with a distinctive orange-brown diagonal band. The underside of its hindwings features a cryptic, bark-like pattern with two small, silver-ringed eyespots, providing excellent camouflage against tree trunks in its native forest habitat.
Are Tussock butterflies common in New Zealand?
Yes, several endemic Tussock butterflies are common in New Zealand’s alpine and subalpine grasslands. Species like the Common Tussock (Argyrophenga antipodum) and Harris’s Tussock (Argyrophenga harrisi) are adapted to these harsh environments, with their larvae feeding exclusively on the native tussock grasses found in these areas.
