The New Zealand Archipelago stretches 2750 kilometres from the sub-tropical Kermadec Islands to the subantarctic Campbell Island group with over 700 islands including the planet's 16th and 18th largest landmasses. Additionally, the South Island is the 10th highest landmass on Earth and has a complex and long coastline.
On the ancient rocks and vegetation of this complex land 58 butterfly species have been observed of which 39 are endemic and six introduced. In all 45 species breed here including four assisted and two introduced species. Although just two of the World's five butterfly families are represented in the endemic fauna, New Zealand is the Hotspot for both Admiral and Copper butterfly diversity globally.
We'll explore this fascinating fauna on this remote Archipelago and discover which habitats and host plants it's attached to, and discuss its conservation and current active research.
Supper and a chat after.