ISSUE 06 | SPRING AND MOTHS OF NEW ZEALAND

In search of the elusive SMALL APOLLO 10 TO BE ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: WON • Raumati South School impresses at the Ellerslie Flower Show • Purple Milkweed – a great addition for lovers • Raising Monarchs is as easy as ABC • Create a butterfly habitat with our on-line course 2 There’s a new milkweed being profiled and it sounds From the very exciting. I think purple is my favourite colour in the garden and of course it EDITOR sets the Monarch colouring off so nicely! And talking am so pleased that Spring is about colour, Jane has really I“here”. The lambs and calves, got carried away by colour the blossom, new growth... it this time in the garden. So CONTENTS all gets me very excited, that soon it will appropriate for Spring. be Summer and we’ll be surrounded by We realise that many people are new Cover photo: Spotted Frittilaries mating – butterflies. I know that we need to have a to our organisation and won’t know how photo by Angela Moon-Jones Winter, but I’m always so pleased when the MBNZT was formed, so we take 2 Editorial Spring is with us again. a look back at our early days. We’ve come such a long 3 Please welcome our new Trustees So it’s with great delight that we bring you this year’s Spring magazine. way. I love the photograph of 130 years in the making Some of our taggers have won prizes from Yates – as has Rena Oliphant the Monarchs 4 Children and Butterflies at from Christchurch who has received a at Butterfly Ellerslie 2013 gardening gift from them. Bay. How 6 Purple Milkweed It’s great to cover yet another school awesome to which is making a difference for our see something 7 History of the MBNZT like this in NZ. New Zealand butterflies. Raumati South Butterfly Bay on the Kapiti Coast was the first school We have reports 9 Loads of Colour from various to be invited to exhibit at the Ellerslie parts of the country during Winter, 10 Raising Monarchs – as easy International Flower Show and by all that people are seeing overwintering as ABC accounts they were an inspiration. I love Monarchs. How wonderful! some of their ideas and can’t wait to 12 Butterfly Expeditions We have two new trustees joining put some of them into action in my own us – both men with extensive corporate garden. Did I say “some”? I mean ALL. 13 Get Growing backgrounds – and sadly say goodbye Angela Moon-Jones (who sells to Sea Rotmann who is leaving our One-line course – Create a advertising in this magazine) and her butterfly habitat board to pursue her political career. We husband Rob Jones have just returned thank her for the work she has done on 14 Photography Tip from a butterfly hunt in Europe. They behalf of our organisation. love taking photographs of their finds Some months ago we had some fun Certification – what you and Angela agreed to share some of her in the forum on our website, with people need to apply best photos here with a brief summary of contributing an alphabet of tips for 16 Goodies to buy her trip, including the photo on the cover. raising Monarchs. You’ll see the finished It sounds so amazing. article in this issue. Some very good Subscribe and win points were made. But that’s just a short Correction sampling of what we have to offer in this 10 Our apologies for not acknowledging Spring magazine. We know you’ll love it. TO BE Barbara Ryan who contributed the Keep up the good work and if you are WON text and photographs for the article able to, please support our sponsors. “Muritai School, Eastbourne, enjoys Don’t hesitate to tell them that you’re the benefits of butterflies” published in part of this great organisation, the Editor/Secretary: Jacqui Knight the Winter 2013 magazine. [email protected] MBNZT. Art Director: Kristie Rogers, [email protected] A big thank you Treasurer: Carol Stensness Please support [email protected] to our magazine Advertising: Angela Moon-Jones sponsors. We couldn’t [email protected] OUR SPONSORS do it without you. ISSN 2324-1993 (Print) ISSN 2324-2000 (Online) Published by: Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust, PO Box 44100 Pt Chevalier, Auckland 1246 www.monarch.org.nz [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ mbnzt Twitter: @NZButterflies Pinterest: pinterest.com/mbnzt

Printed in New Zealand on Cocoon 100% recycled paper using vegetable-based inks 3 their childhood?” Meanwhile Mark has Please welcome our been in the Waikato since June 2010 having moved from Christchurch shortly before the earthquake. NEW TRUSTEES “I work for Fleetpartners NZ and look lease welcome Glenn product development after corporate fleets in Waikato and the Bay of PJohnstone and Mark and marketing,” he said. Mark Kendrick Kendrick, our new trustees. “Working in and around Plenty,” he said. Glenn lives in Auckland and governance has played a Since finishing at says that since the heady large part within all the roles University of Canterbury in 2002 he days of watching butterflies in I’ve had. Wanting to take this has been working in the finance sector the veggie patch as a young further and bring my energy though various insurance roles looking kid growing up in Palmerston and direction to something after brokers and corporate clients. North, he has gone on to have I had a passion for saw me Mark has a strong interest in a career that has spanned jump at being a part of the developing the community either via Glenn Johnstone large corporates through to Moths and Butterflies of NZ sporting organisations or not-for-profit small and medium businesses. Trust.” groups and using his networking skills “With a background in finance, my “I can’t imagine not having butterflies to be able to achieve this. Outside of current role as an IT Telephony CEO sees and moths – who doesn’t want their kids work Mark is interested in sport, music, me dealing with all facets of business to grow up with swan plants, monarchs movies and family time. – especially legal, contract, strategy, and other in Welcome to the MBNZT. 130 YEARS in the making seem to remember learning most of pots, potting mix and Imy gardening skills from my mother. tools. Christchurch won $100 of Her ‘bible’ was the Yates Gardening To celebrate its 130th Yates products for signing Guide, which is still published today... birthday, Yates released up to their mailing list. It’s after so many years! Yes, the Yates a commemorative seed the first time Rena has Garden Guide was first published in tin (below) containing won a competition so she 1895. ten packets of heritage was pretty excited. Rena’s Yates was founded in Auckland by seed varieties and class (Year 2, St Martine Arthur Yates in 1883. In 1887, he a booklet outlining School) has had swan plants opened a branch in Sydney and left the history of the Winner Alex Giblin with Monarch caterpillars his brother, Ernest, in charge of the NZ company. The tin this year. She said, “I liked store. The brothers came to an is illustrated on watching the caterpillars get agreement to run the stores five sides with imagery from bigger and bigger and the separately until the 1980s, the extensive Yates archival butterflies hatch out.” when the two companies collection of photographs, seed Thanks to the support of Yates for our merged again. packets and advertising material. tagging project, this year’s taggers were By 1893 Arthur had started This great keepsake, all entered into a draw to win one of five selling seed packets for home commemorating a very special commemorative tins, and the winners gardeners. Later, Yates began anniversary in this country’s are: Jules Cunningham, Alex Giblin, Sam to sell other gardening items gardening history, is still available Kean, Brian Thompson, and Gwen and apart from seeds, and the range from various garden centres. Barry Wilkinson. soon included fertiliser, sprays, Seven-year-old Rene Oliphant in Thanks Yates!

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Photos and story Diane Turner, Teacher Aid at Raumati South School

arlier this year our students had had been Above left: Kids love to learn, seen here Ean exciting trip to take part in the involved with are two pupils of Mrs Lambert’s class Ellerslie International Flower Show in over the last at our school getting a closer look at a Christchurch. I say ‘take part’ because five years. Monarch caterpillar, (well at least they were until I got the camera out!) it wasn’t just a day trip. We had the We started great privilege of being the first school planting natives and building a vege Above: The finished garden is complemented by a beautiful recycled art to create their own exhibition garden at garden based on comments from piece created by Tanya Vliss’s five-year- Ellerslie. students and parents in 2008. To date old students from Room 14. After two very successful entries to the we have planted over 4500 native plants Kapiti Coast District Council Sustainable in our school grounds and have several valiantly attempted to grow luscious Garden Show in 2011 (People’s Choice raised beds of fruit and veges as well as green leaves and the occasional flower and Judges Gold Award) and 2012 a collection of fruit trees. The school is against an onslaught of munching (Gold Award) the school applied and also very proud to have gained our Silver caterpillars, many of which made it to was accepted to exhibit our unique and Enviroschools’ Award this year. adulthood. At one point the students sustainable themed show garden at the The school’s Ellerslie exhibit was counted 63 pupae suspended from the show. designed to highlight the success of the weatherboards. It has been lovely to The garden was designed to recreate gardens and work in school and also the watch the enchanted faces of young and topics and projects that our school insight and knowledge that children can old alike as they passed by. This was the now share with the public. It included a reason we included a butterfly area into variety of horticultural features which the the Ellerslie garden design. keen young Raumati South gardeners We used the planting list from the have worked on in recent years: Monarch Trust’s website to help select • a raised fruit bed suitable nectar plants producing a very • an edible flower bed colourful display in the back corner of • a pizza oven and herb area the garden. • a South African keyhole garden with Tanya Vliss’s five-year-old students its own compost system from Room 14 produced a stunning • a butterfly garden area with a green piece of recycled art to complement roof above it the garden. Made from plastic lids, their • a bed of native planting for lizards butterfly picture was a labour of love. Just in case there were no Monarchs and weta The host plants were grown by staff, at Ellerslie we took our own with us. • a rainwater harvesting system using students and their families at home. This particular one travelled down on a an old dairy pump driven by a bicycle Clever recycling produced caterpillar- sweet corn plant. Others were attached ridden by students. proof growing conditions. to the swan plants in various stages of One plant that has attracted a lot of Raumati South’s Principal Graham their life cycle. They emerged during the construction of the garden and delighted interest over the years has been a single McDonald acknowledged the sterling visitors by returning each day for a feed. swan plant near the entrance to the work of Michael and Catherine Stewart, school office. Each year the plant has Steve Aiken and myself, the driving force 5 behind the project. It took one week to assemble the garden in Christchurch assisted by fourteen Raumati South pupils and various parents during the show. We dismantled the garden as the show closed and rebuilt the majority of it at Wharenui Primary in Riccarton the next day. Wharenui now has Junior and Senior School Envirogroups learning about garden maintenance and sustainability at schools. Among other things the children learn how to reduce resource use as well as recycling. “We are very grateful to Raumati South School for their generous gift and appreciate the time and thought that went into it,” the school said. “Not only will the garden provide us with healthy food to eat but we love relaxing in the calm environment the garden has created.” The challenge now is to create more Our new entrants have a butterfly area gardens at Raumati South School behind their classroom which I hope to for our pupils to enjoy the lifecycle of add more nectar plants to this year and Editor’s Note caterpillars. a butterfly house that we hope to add Well done, Raumati South! In 2011 Raumati South School has more some more artwork too and connect up long-term MBNZT member Ron Pincott swan plants at our school this year a rainwater collection system to water delivered some swan plant seeds and as the excess ones that were grown the plants. information about the for Ellerslie have been planted in the Perhaps if you have spare plants you Trust to Raumati South School. I am school grounds. I also have seed left to could pop into your local pre-school or sure Ron’s initiative helped this school grow more nectar and host plants this primary and ask if they would like help to along the way. Good on you, Ron! season. set up or expand an existing garden. 6

Purple

by Adam Browne MILKWEED sclepias purpurascens or Purple The overall attraction of this milkweed Amilkweed I’ve decided is the most is complemented by its darker coloured beautiful milkweed to grow simply leaves (foliage) which in conjunction with because of its stunningly beautiful, the flowers, make it very aesthetically fragrant, deep purple flowers that are an pleasing to look at and photograph. This absolute magnet for bees and butterflies. also probably explains the higher degree Just like the other members of the of visitation it experiences from bumble milkweed clan, this milkweed regrows bees and various other pollinating itself from an underground rhizome early that seem to almost continuously each Spring and pops up about the visit it in December to February while it same time as A. incarnata does, early in is flowering. September each year. In the United States this milkweed has Purple milkweed is well behaved in been listed as a rare and endangered that it doesn’t spread underground and species in some areas and some years it continues to emerge each season where doesn’t pop up at all, instead preferring you originally planted it. It also grows to emerge the year after, perhaps due to very well in large pots of potting mix climatic factors. although like the other milkweeds, it My own experience of growing this needs a free draining growing medium milkweed in both pots and in the ground when it’s active in Summer and also in has been very positive although I’ve Winter so the rhizome doesn’t rot too never had seed pods form, presumably much before it re-emerges the following due to the two plants I do have being Spring. too closely related (from the same parent This milkweed produces multiple plant). stems of leaves from the soil line up I have recently grown a few more to more than 1 metre tall with some plants from seeds of (hopefully) an branching, and begins to flower in unrelated batch so I hope to get some December with clusters of intricate seed pods at some stage in the near Asclepias-style purple flowers that smell future. This milkweed doesn’t flower very delicious. The Monarch caterpillars from seed the first year you grow it so very much enjoy munching on this be patient in that respect if you avidly milkweed so if you want seed pods to want flowers but thereafter it will flower form, you’ll not only need two separate each and every year if it gets the plants not from the same parent to required six plus hours of direct sunshine pollinate one another but you’ll also have in Spring/Summer and the soil is free to keep the caterpillars at bay too. draining! 7 History of the MBNZT by Jacqui Knight

e stood there, our eyes and mouths Wwide open. Speechless. Seeing the Monarchs overwintering at Butterfly Bay was something I’ll never forget. That was in August 1983. Butterfly Bay is a private beach (in that there is no road access – one has to be invited onto the property above, or walk along the beach at low tide). It looks so much like paradise you’d think you were walking onto a movie set. It is so perfect. Above: Overwintering Monarchs at Butterfly Bay, 1970s After walking along Tauranga Bay’s beach and over some rocks you pass a waterfall splashes cool, clear water had been sold to an overseas developer a cave and across the sand under a into a sparkling, fern-draped pool. It’s and would be turned into an ecolodge. I stone bridge and up onto the beach a wonder that a movie company hasn’t knew what could happen, might happen. proper. As well as other birdlife there discovered it to film a romance there! The prospective owners would no doubt are endangered dotterels nesting there, Of course the Monarchs which soared see the Monarchs and the pohutukawas beside a pond which flows into a creek out of pohutukawas from time to time – as an asset, an attraction, but quite and on out into the ocean. like an exploding skyrocket – and gliding possibly this might not filter down to the A prominent stone cliff is actually one around our heads made the experience. many contractors – and if one of them end of a horseshoe shaped formation Later in the middle of 2005 when I decided a tree needed to be sacrificed – and as you walk into the horseshoe was living in Russell I heard that the site Continued on page 8 ENCOURAGE BUTTERFLIES into your garden Buy our latest catalogue for just $5.00, choose from a variety of seeds that the butterfl ies will just love and we’ll send you TWO FREE PACKETS of butterfl y friendly seeds. Just quote “KINGS FOR BUTTERFLIES” PO Box 283 Katikati 3166 Ph: 07 549 3409 Fax: 07 549 3408

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Above and right: Butterfly Bay

From page 7 to enable access for a piece of equipment the site might be prominence but damaged forever. pests and So began a campaign of getting beside the new owners parasites and educating them. We formed a trust – the MBNZT – and too, as well as a protected space where larvae, pupae and solicited donations by way of memberships and adults would be ‘safe’ from their enemies without the use of seed and sticker sales. The support from Northland pesticides. locals was amazing but the support went further, The plan includes a classroom where presentations nationwide. Everyone loves Monarch butterflies. could be given as well as office and storage space. The And that was how the MBNZT was born. crowning addition would be a lab, an indoor and secure Some people asked us what were we doing about rearing facility. It would need to be insulated with NZ’s endemic butterflies. I had to admit I knew nothing. smooth washable walls and floor, plumbing, drainage The Forest Ringlet or Dodonidia helmsi, for example, was and electrical outlets. It should have natural light as only found in NZ but appeared to be retreating from well as artificial light from fluorescent tubes when civilisation – it was no longer found in many places needed. where it had once been relatively common. Then, the We would need washable, bleach resistant NZ Red Admiral or kahukura (Bassaris gonerilla), was benches with metal rearing cages and an air also not found in many parts of the country where it had conditioning unit incorporating automatic humidity been seen regularly. It seemed appropriate to add these and temperature control, and a filtered exhaust vent as butterflies – moths too – to our ‘brief’ and seven years later the well as a cooling cabinet with variable controls. Then there name and rules change has finally confirmed the transition. would need to be a separate cleaning/sanitising room with sink When we realised the challenges that our butterflies were bench, storage cabinets and the usual paraphernalia (mops, facing, including the lack of awareness about our species buckets etc). and about metamorphosis, for example, we developed a plan Outdoor areas would need a rainwater collection system to to establish a base to include an open garden where people reduce our reliance on piped water and solar power would be could witness metamorphosis in action, with butterflies in an asset too. We are constantly on the lookout for such a facility, whether it’s bare land or an existing building and surrounds that could be adapted. We imagine that we would need about .4 hectare (1 acre) and the building footprint would probably be about 200 square metres. Being close to motorways or transport would be a huge advantage as would additional space for parking (coaches and/or cars). We are liaising with the Auckland Council and other landowners but to date nothing has become available. Of course, major fundraising will be needed when we get to the appropriate stage. But in the meantime every sale that we make, every donation that we get, every member that we add, not only creates an awareness of what we’re about and our plans but will also help boost our funds to make this dream a reality. We therefore appreciate your support - whether it’s buying a calendar or a pin, encouraging another member, contributing to discussion on our forum or sending us a donation. We will make this dream a reality. 9

ow is the time to begin loading surrounding plants will be slightly lower Loads of Ncolourful plants into your garden to than your sunflower thereby ensuring ensure you have a blazing display to that they stand above their neighbours. attract as many butterflies as possible. Plant alone or in groups of three. You’ll Butterflies are attracted to a colourful be thrilled by the theatrical presence scene and will even fight over an of their big leaves, impressive flowers, COLOUR appealing area claiming territory. and magnificent seed-heads providing by Jane Carver On a hot Summer day male you with plenty more for next year. If butterflies will patrol an area watching you have room try sunflower ‘Giant out for females to mate with and ready Russian’ or ‘Skyscraper’ for massive to attack any rival males that cruise flowers that cannot fail to knock your 1 past. There will be aerial dogfights over socks off. good flowers. The butterflies don’t Plant a new perennial or two each really care what kind of flowers you year and let them colonise a spot. have, but will be looking for quantity. They only require an annual cut back The longer your flowering display, in Autumn and they will surprise you the longer you will see butterflies. each year as the colony grows in Remember that butterflies have poor both the area it will inhabit, and the eyesight and will be looking for masses ever increasing flourish of flowers. of colour. The variety of flowers Mulch heavily to 5cm deep around all found in ‘cottage garden’ plantings is perennial clumps, and fill any gaps stimulating and the different height and with a few potted colour until the leaf structures afford protection from main displays begin in late Spring and predators. Summer. Most garden centres sell potted Butterflies will be looking for host 2 colour and have an area dedicated plants on which to lay their eggs. to displaying these colourful plants. Plant a few more swan plants for your Potted colour is flowering at the time Monarch caterpillars and a nettle or of purchase and is great for instant two to attract our gorgeous NZ Admiral impact. You won’t require lots of these, butterflies too. The Admirals will lay but the more the merrier. Reasonably eggs on your nettles if they’re around. priced you can usually buy a few for Admiral eggs look very different from under $10, and they can be used Monarch eggs, being both smaller in as they are, or planted on into pots, size and easily missed due to their baskets and borders where there are clear colour. You will find Admiral gaps in the display. If you are starting eggs on the ends of the nettle spines a new garden, have limited space on themselves, sort of suspended in an apartment deck or have acres of space, rather than against the leaf garden to fill, you’ll get lots of mileage cuticle as with a Monarch egg. 3 from these plants. For some great inspiration and Plant a few sunflower seeds as the ideas, enrol in the ‘Create a Butterfly ground warms up in Spring to add a Habitat’ on-line course starting on magical feel to any area. Look at the 10 September (see page 14). You’ll get height listed on the seed packet and tons of new ideas and interesting facts. plant the seeds in an area where the Happy gardening all!

Photos – Background: Helenium and bergamot by Jane Carver; 1. Gaillardia with Yellow Admiral by Jane Carver; 2. Dianthus by Jacqui Knight; 3. Achillea ‘Red Baron’ and tagged monarch by Jane Carver; 4. Blue butterfly by Jacqui Knight; 5. Buddleia by Kate Young; 6. Helenium ‘Helena Gold’ by Jane Carver.

4 5 6 10 Raising Monarchs Story by Jacqui Knight and forum members AS EASY AS ABC Photos by Sally Phillips

phids can be a major deterrent lossary – there is an excellent A to your swan plant. Healthier plants Gglossary on our website which in healthy soil will usually withstand will help your understanding of new aphids until such time as their words. We try to keep things simple predators or parasites come along and (egglaying instead of ovipositing) but it control them naturally – and if you don’t also is important to know the correct use a pesticide to control them you’re terminology. less likely to upset the ecosystem in your nsecticide – Avoid the use of any garden. Ipesticides. Monarch butterflies are insects, and we tend to forget about uddleia or ‘Butterfly things like flea controls on pets or B Bush’: arguably one insect controls that plug in around of the most favoured the house. nectar plant by butterflies. - The shape of a caterpillar as they begin the process to pupation. It is leanliness in J a very delicate stage of the Monarch’s caterpillar castles/ C life; do not disturb. rearing containers is essential for healthy butterflies. Remove illing humanely in cases of crippled frass. Kand diseased butterflies can be done by putting it in the freezer for ost plants. Try to have way more a day or two. Allowing diseased isinfectant. Use disinfectant to avoid Hthan you need, and make some butterflies to breed is only weakening D problems. Use diluted bleach to wash inaccessible to Monarch butterflies. If the species. down equipment, or wash leaves if you you plan in advance you will avert any think eggs might be diseased. famine for caterpillars. ooking ahead, have as many plants Lin reserve and protected from egg- laying as you have plants available to the butterflies, these will act as back- gg-laying by ups when all your available plants EMonarchs is have been stripped, and will save the prolific. You will need panic of starving caterpillars. to restrict Monarchs’ access to plants if you don’t want to run ilkweed: the family of plants on out of food for your Mwhich Monarchs lay. They exude caterpillars. You have a milky sap which, when ingested to think like a farmer. by caterpillars, makes them toxic Don’t overstock! It is and therefore unattractive to nearly better to raise a few all birds. It is poisonous so caterpillars well. be careful to wash your hands well and do not get any in your eyes. rass – caterpillar Fpoo. – Cover your host plant with N a net such as a mosquito net to limit the amount of eggs that are laid. If the female butterfly can’t lay on your plants, she’ll go to another elsewhere in the community. Alternatively, a net is useful protection for caterpillars – to ensure wasps can’t get at them. 11 phryocystis elektroscirrha, a of some particular mineral(s) or it could entilation, very important if caterpillars Oprotozoan (simple form of ) have been nipped by a late frost. If the Vare being raised indoors as it will infects Monarchs and is most likely yellow leaves are near the base of the keep the air circulating and help to to occur when they are under stress, plant, don’t worry... they’re just showing reduce incidence of fungal and bacterial overcrowded or on inferior food. If your signs of age and what was once infections. Monarchs are dying as caterpillars, not the stem of the juvenile plant is now forming chrysalises perfectly, or crippled becoming a ‘trunk’. asps. There are several kinds butterflies are emerging, this could be Wof wasps that are predators or the problem. Look in the forum for more horax, this is the midsection of parasitoids. See the MBNZT factsheet information. Tan insect’s body. It holds the legs, on wasps at http://tinyurl.com/ wings and abdomen of a butterfly and m0narch-wasps redators and parasites including is in between the head and the erochasy - the opening of seed Psocial wasps, praying mantis, abdomen. hedgehogs. Controlling known wasp Xpods (such as swan plants) and the nests can help, as will netting on plants, dispersal of the seeds, especially when removing praying mantises. Keep they are dry. chrysalises out of reach of hedgehogs. You can put chrysalises up high or take arrow and other weeds much loved them inside for pupation. Yby butterflies and moths – dandelion, vetch, clover, nettles, various daisies, uestions about Monarchs? Go to chicory, trefoil, speedwell, thistle, Qthe MBNZT forum, you’ll find lots of plantain, pennyroyal, ragwort, wild information there. radish, wild turnip and wild sweet pea are all nectar-rich. You may not win your street’s ‘Best Kept Garden’ award but the egular tip pruning and feeding of butterflies, moths and other beneficial plants, and planting more annual R insects will love you for it! colour throughout the season ensures ample flowers for nectar. By pruning off spent heads Buddleias are ideal as innias and other nectar plants which a patio plant for people with limited nclean or unwashed hatching Zwill feed visiting Monarchs while they garden space. Ucastles can lead to caterpillars and mate, lay eggs, and provide the best or chysalises becoming diseased and food for butterflies, and also encourage wan plants with yellow leaves dying. overwintering in your area if nectar Ssuggests the plant is too dry, is short sources are plentiful. Attract butterflies to your garden

©Brian Sheppard Photography

Visit your local Go Gardening retailer for Swan Plants and everything you need to create a butterfly friendly garden.

www.gogardening.co.nz/retailers 12 In search of the elusive

SMALL APOLLO 1 by Angela Moon-Jones and Rob Jones

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s Rob and I headed to Europe After landing in Pisa, Italy and Aduring the first week of June we circumnavigating the Leaning Tower in were concerned about the extreme rains our car, we headed up the coast to a which Europe had been experiencing small fishing village called Tellaro. With and how much devastation there would fabulous views across the Mediterranean be to the butterfly habitats we were so we set up home for two weeks, knowing keen to explore. Every expedition has that a cool swim in the sea after a long a new set of goals for us, to find and day in the mountains chasing butterflies photograph new and rare butterflies would be welcomed. Immediately we which we have not seen before. Earlier were delighted to find the Cleopatra this year our goal was to find the Black butterfly and the magnificent Two-tailed Mountain Ringlet in the South Island, Pasha cruising around our garden. however it still remains elusive. In Europe On our very first trip into the mountains 4 we were hoping to have better luck with nearby, Rob found a Large Chequered the Small Apollo in our sights, apparently . While taking some close up found in the mountaintops anywhere photographs of it I was surprised that it over 1800 metres high, and the Southern was quite still and didn’t dart off as they Festoon which is found generally below usually do. We finally noticed an ambush 900 metres. spider had its fangs in it! We navigated We were disappointed to read in narrow roads with huge trucks carting the Telegraph newspaper that some white carrara marble slabs, amazing to butterfly populations in England had see. We were pleased to see the lovely been reduced by 70%. However, we Swallowtail again and I also managed to were lucky to find a few pockets in get a great shot of the Green Hairstreak France, outside of Chablis, of untouched with its lovely mint green wings. meadows with orchids in them which Our next stop was a villa in Tuscany was a sure sign of good butterfly habitat. near the national park about 45 minutes 5 While the Adonis Blue always delights us south of Florence. The wildlife in our we were very pleased to find the Small garden surprised us with a tortoise, pine Main photo above: Weaver’s Fritillary. Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Sooty Copper, marten (looks like a weasel the size of 1. Apollo, wings closed, 2. Apollo, wings Chapman’s Blue, Silver-studded Blue a cat), Hoopoe and Golden oriole birds, open. 3. Poplar Admiral. 4. Green Hairstreak. and Brown Argus. fallow deer and plenty of wild pigs that 5. Chapman’s Blue. 13 would come crashing past our villa in the dead of night. We were to discover a wonderful variety of butterflies in our garden and surrounds including Hairstreaks, Coppers,White, Southern and Red Admirals, Commas, Blues, Fritillaries, Marble Whites, and Skippers. We even managed to talk our guests into joining us for butterfly adventures and some were actually quite handy with the butterfly net. We then headed to the mountainous northern lakes of Italy. We were well rewarded when we found a stunning Poplar Admiral, the Clouded Above left: Rob Jones takes a well earned rest from the hard work of butterfly hunting. Apollo, Woodland Brown, Darwin’s Heath Above: A Large caught by an ambush spider. and Shepherd’s Fritillary as we climbed 1970 metres up Madonna di Campiglio and found more Apollo, Skippers and butterfly habitat. Further on we found to a thick layer of ice and lovely meadow. Swallowtails not to mention the second the most stunning Weaver’s Fritillary However, the Small Apollo did not show. black Viper snake on this trip. Climbing butterfly. We were completely stumped Exploring the mountain range above up from the Simplon Pass we found by something large and fast flying until Lake Como bordering Switzerland we the Silver-Spotted Skipper. But sadly, not with a last burst of energy from Rob; found the beautiful Apollo, protected the ellusive Small Apollo, differentiated he caught it in the net to find it was by European law. It flew so close to me from the Apollo only by its striped actually a moth, the Oak Eggar. that I could hear its large, strong wings antennae. Although we failed to find the two flutter! We also discovered the Idas Blue, Our last chance was to head up to the butterflies on our list we were delighted Reverdin’s Blue, Mountain Argus, Duke Val Grande National Park. This was a to find many others that we have of Burgundy Fritillary, Stygian Ringlet huge climb and we were quite exhausted not seen before. Just like the Black and the Piedmont Ringlet. by this stage but equally determined. Mountain Ringlet in our South Island, From there we travelled to the Simplon The meadow that we were so keen to it also gives us a great excuse to keep Pass in Switzerland and at 2050 metres find at the top had sadly been grazed going back. The tickets are already high we stopped at several meadows for years by cattle, reducing the natural booked! Kings caring for

SURE TO GROW GUARANTEE Temquissit eum voluptat Anda sit que velendita id aruntmin ressed quam rem. vend ignimus. Ro For more information on b mincia doloriste verspiciat ea utterfly gardening write to: udisit ea quia dolum la qui cum dolorep Moths and Butterflies of New bo. PO Box 44100,SURE Pt Cheval TO GROW Zealand Trust ier, Auckland 1246. Phone 09 551 3383 www.monarch.org.nzGUARANTEE em. KINGS VIP CLUB uptat arunt ressed quam r Temquissit eum vol . Ro A COMPLETE GUIDE TO ta id minvend ignimus Join the Kings VIP Club to receive our butterfliesAnda sit que velendi newsletters, VIP exclusive BUTTERFLY GARDENING ciat eaqui cum dolorep KEY POINTSmincia doloriste verspi specials, bo. competitions and discount • Each speciesudisit of ea butt quia dolum la Avouchers COMPLETE GUIDE TO erfly or moth needs specific host plants. Female adults w BUTTERFLY GARDENING write to: the species that their juven ill only lay eggs on n on butterfly gardening For more informatio • Research before you begin ile forms will eat. VISIT YOUR LOCAL KINGS es of New Zealand Trust KINGS VIP planting CLUB to Moths and Butterfli determine which plants Club to receive our FORREST HILL valier, Auckland 1246. Join the Kingsto VIP use and how 1 Forrest Hill Road, Ph 080 PO Box 44100, Pt Che much space is required. sive specials, HENDERSON 0 752 687 3 newsletters, VIP exclu 224 Universal Drive, Ph Phone 09 551 338 • Insecticides harm all stages unt vouchers HOWICK 836 9635 z competitions and disco 280 Botany Road, Ph 2 www.monarch.org.n Try organic gardening of the butterfly cycle. REMUERA 73 8527 and IPM (integrated pest 236 Orakei Road, Ph 5 management). Seek out a ST LUKES 24 9400 Visit Kings Plant Barn – pick up 118 Asquith Avenue, Ph 84 dvice on the website of the Moths and Butterflie SILVERDALE 6 2141 cific s New Zealand Trust. Cnr East Coast Rd & Main H KEY POINTStterfly or moth needs spe • Sunny gardensVISIT attrac YOUR LOCAL KINGSTAKAPUNA way, Ph 426 0401 s on t the most butterflies so Ph 0800 752 687 11 Porana Road, Ph 443 2221 • Each species of bu plant nectar-rich flowers 1 Forrest Hill Road, TAKANINI adults will only lay egg FORREST HILL e, Ph 836 9635 163 Airfield Road, Ph host plants. Female and host224 plants Universal in Driv 298 8736 r juvenile forms will eat. the sunniest partHENDERSON of the gard h 273 8527 the species that thei • Choose plants that will bl en. 280 Botany Road, P u begin planting to HOWICK h 524 9400 • Research before yo ow throughout the year. Try oom at 236different Orakei times Road, P ich plants to use and h REMUERA nue, Ph 846 2141 determine wh experimenting118 Asquith with Ave OPEN 7 DAYS ed. a variety of plantsST LUKES in Hway, Ph 426 0401 much space is requir that appeal to different es of the butterfly cycle.butterfly and moth species. Cnr East Coast Rd & Ma 1Call 0800 PLANTS a FREE copy of your Butterflyst SILVERDALE • Insecticides harm all stag • 11 Porana Road, Ph 443 222 ng and IPM (integrated peProvide a sunny spotTAKAPUNA for ba 298 8736www.kings.co.nz Try organic gardeni the website of sking and163 shelter Airfield Road, Ph ). Seek out advice on for the wind and rain.TAKANINI management rflies New Zealand •Trust. Nectar plants provide the Moths and Butte so food for the adult tract the most butterflies butterflies, while host plants Sunny gardens at • rs and host plants inSome nectar plants are feed caterpillars. plant nectar-rich flowe also host plants, the garden. e.g. swan plants. OPEN 7 DAYS the sunniest part of s bloom at different time Choose plants that will Call 0800 PLANTS • ry experimenting with Garden Guide and checkthroughout the year. T outwww.kings.co.nz hat appeal to different a variety of plants t species. butterfly and moth or basking and shelter • Provide a sunny spot f for the wind and rain. food for the adult • Nectar plants provide rs. ost plants feed caterpilla butterflies, while h e also host plants, Some nectar plants ar our huge range of butterflye.g. swan plants. attracting plants.

Kings proudly supporting The Moths and Butterflies Find your nearest store at www.kings.co.nz of New Zealand Trust 14 This is a great opportunity to spread the word about our Lepidoptera species Get Growing and how special they are. If you have ‘Get Growing’ is a weekly gardening high quality, unique photographs of magazine that comes via your email, New Zealand butterflies and moths, feel an e-zine. It’s newsy, filled with free to send them to us and we may be gardening hints, tips, regular fruit and able to use them in our calendar, our vegetable growing advice and more! magazine or in promotions such as And they’ve agreed to feature some of ‘Get Growing’. If you are interested in New Zealand’s butterflies and moths finding out more about ‘Get Growing’, in future issues. go to www.getgrowing.co.nz. ON-LINE COURSE Create a Butterfly Habitat The next Create a Butterfly Habitat website. Those who complete the five email address is recommended. course begins in September but it’s not tests successfully receive a certificate. You can pay by internet banking into too late to join up! Week 1: Typical butterfly; our account with Kiwibank, account We have had wonderful feedback from understanding metamorphosis (life number 38-9009-0654693-00. Please the last course, and colourful certificates cycle); identification of the different parts ensure you code your payment with are to be mailed out to the participants of a caterpillar and butterfly; different your surname and send an email to us shortly. species which can be encouraged in a ([email protected]) with details Megan told us that “as a former NZ garden/habitat. of your name, address, how payment librarian and now a teacher, she couldn’t Week 2: Garden design to encourage was made, etc. speak highly enough about the course.” butterflies and moths; making the best The other way is to send your details “The links all worked, the structure use of the space you have available. and a cheque to MBNZT, PO Box 44100, was logical, supporting URLs worked, Week 3: Host plants. Pt Chevalier, Auckland 1246. the layout of the slides was clear, images Week 4: Nectar plants. We encourage anyone participating supported and extended my learning, Week 5: Challenges – pests, predators, in the course to discuss what they are sources were acknowledged and the diseases. learning in the forum on our website. cost was very reasonable. A course I will The cost for the course is NZ $50 for Previously there has been some great recommend to others!” MBNZT Financial Members and NZ $55 dialogue and exchange of thoughts and MM says “Really enjoyed the course.” for non-members (but the latter includes experiences, hopes and dreams. It is ideal for those involved in an email membership). After the last course MM also had a conservation who want to make sure that Please tell us the name for the great suggestion: NZ’s native butterflies are catered for. certificate, the address for mail, “I would like to see the course run For five weeks information about and the email address that you will in school terms and perhaps have a creating a butterfly garden/habitat is use consistently for the duration of separate course for kids/schools. Would made available on line. At the end of the course. Note that schools and be great if there was more contact each week a test is completed, and the government addresses are not between schools to compare projects.” five tests are mailed in to the MBNZT suitable as many servers block What do others think? We will also talk at the end of the course. Discussion recipients from downloading material to Enviroschool leaders about this idea, takes place in the forum on our from our dropbox site. A personal and would welcome more feedback.

Photo by Sally Phillips 15 Photography Tip From Ellen and Jean Reid

hese two guys were enjoying a drink snacked on the Primula flowers. shows that the Admirals eyeballs are T(dilute Gatorade) together in the I love to zoom in and look at the furry all over! Weird! But absolutely morning sun before being released in minute details on these photos, such as gorgeous. the garden later on that day. I wonder if the fur and iridescence on the wings. We welcome tips from butterfly they’re having a chat too something like, The monarch looks like he’s wearing photographers. Please send a high “I wish the paparazzi would go away sunglasses as you can’t see the pupil(s) resolution photo and your tip and let us have a drink in peace…”. in his eyes whereas you can with the that helped you get that snap to After they had the Gatorade they also Yellow Admiral. On macro photos it [email protected].”

• nectar plants for all seasons of the Similarly indoor habitats with tropical year; species do not qualify, as the idea is CERTIFICATION • evergreen shelter trees of appropriate to boost numbers of NZ’s endemic height on southern side of garden; and native species. There are some What you need to apply • water for puddling; wonderful species of butterflies n August 2009 we announced a new • signage on display (noticeboard, and moths in NZ that any of us can Iinitiative: those with the ideal garden website, brochure or whatever) as to encourage once we understand what or habitat for butterflies and moths can what plants were planted for what they need. apply for certification. species (hosts) and/or nectar during If you have a butterfly garden Certification means that your garden what season of the year (to inspire or habitat (don’t forget: moths too!) has been approved by the MBNZT as and encourage others to keep a of which you are proud, and if you ideal habitat for at least three species continuity of planting); believe it meets the above criteria of butterflies and moths. In this way we • predators and parasites to be you will find the application form on believe that other people – gardeners discouraged by natural means; our website. Previous winners have and land-owners – will be encouraged to • been established for two or been: create more butterfly habitat by visiting three seasons, and be able to 2009: Te Puna Quarry Park, Bay of certified areas to collect ideas. provide evidence such as Plenty; Verran Road School, North Before applying for certification, photographs, references Shore, Auckland; West Lynn Garden, gardens or habitats should meet etc. The trustees want New Lynn, Auckland. the following criteria: to discourage groups 2010: Earthlore, Owaka, South Otago. • they can be privately owned or people who plant 2011: ‘Wildwind’, (Jane Carver/Peter or public spaces, e.g. up a piece of garden, Herbert), Milson, Palmerston North owned by council, landcare and then apply to be 2012: None. groups, schools, etc; certified. Planting for So far this year there has been one • outdoor landscapes; butterflies and/or moths request received and if you are thinking • host plants for at least three needs ongoing commitment of applying now is the time to put in your different lepidoptera species; and perseverance. application! Your purchase supports the Moths GOODIES TO BUY and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust Caterpillar castles Calendar Caterpillar castles are Stunning photographs and awesome. No more escaping information about NZ’s caterpillars! No more butterflies and moths. Each heartache due to predators! month has a full A4 page, Five sides have fine mesh showing holidays and to promote healthy air flow. with room to write special One clear vinyl full side appointments. The 2014 window for easy viewing of calendar will be available contents. Large protected, in October 2013 and each calendar comes with its own zippered opening for easy envelope, ready to post to friends or family. access. Proven design used $25 each, includes P&P. Two for $45.00 to raise thousands of healthy caterpillars. The Monarch Butterfly Collapsible, lightweight and George Gibbs’ “The Monarch Butterfly” durable, they fold flat for storage or to be washed. You can use has been out of print for some years 10% bleach solution to sanitise before reuse. but now it’s back, and updated. Learn The fine mesh protects your caterpillars from wasps and everything there is to know about the other predators. The fabric wicks away moisture to keep beautiful Monarch butterfly in the revised contents dry. edition. With captivating photographs and LARGE castles (33cm x 33cm x 60cm) are a good size for illustrations each part of the life cycle is 10-20 caterpillars. Cost (including post & packing) is $33 for clearly depicted and fully detailed. financial members and $38 for non-financial members. Anyone wishing to raise Monarchs in JUMBO castles (60cm x 60cm x 90cm) make excellent flight captivity or in their garden will find all you need to know in this cages and you can leave your butterflies in there (up to 100) concise little book. with nectar flowers until there is a fine day. $60 for financial 56 pages, paperback, colour photographs, only $29 each, members, $65 for non-financial. includes P&P.

You can order items by sending your order and cheque payment to: TO PLACE Monarch Butterfly NZ Trust, PO Box 44100, Pt Chevalier, Auckland 1246 Or pay by internet banking into the MBNZT account – Kiwibank 38-9009-0654693-00 and send an AN ORDER email to [email protected] with details of your order, your name and delivery address. SUBSCRIBE AND WIN 1 year for only * 10 TO BE WON *$25.00 for on-line magazine. $35.00 for printed magazine. Become a member and be in to win one of 10 Go Gardening Gift Cards worth $30 each Choose from a wide range of plants, garden accessories and giftware, at over 200 Go Gardening retailers nationwide. For more information please visit www.gogardening.co.nz. ✂ ❑ Yes please join me up as a member to receive the quarterly magazine by MY DETAILS: Mr / Mrs / Ms email for $25 OR First Name:______❑ Yes please join me up as a member to receive the printed quarterly Last Name:______magazine by post for $35 GRAND TOTAL $______Address:______HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO PAY? ______❑ Cheque – please make cheques payable to MBNZT, P O Box 44100, ______Pt Chevalier, Auckland 1266. Email:______❑ Direct Credit by internet banking to Kiwibank 38 9009 0654693 00 (quote Daytime contact phone no:______surname and postcode). ❑ Yes, add me to the Go Gardening mailing list for tips, offers and special deals.

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