MONARCH ( danaus plexipus )

The Monarchs only arrived in NZ about 100 years ago, and for those who havent heard the story - it was Mrs.Poos Mother (grandma Poo) who introduced them to Christchurch and maybe the South Island. She was a North Island girl and had the Monarch chrysalis's and caterpillers shipped to ChCh where she had them spread all over a very large sunroom attached to their house. It was an amazing sight when they hatched - like a butterfly park - they were released and each year the call went out for people to plant Swan plants to help the breeding.
they are well established now - although this isnt a good year( so far )
anyway - here's one !

rgds poo