If you grew up in New Zealand then chances are that you will recognise the monarch butterfly. In the 1950’s, when I was at primary school, every classroom had a Nature Table. Each Spring someone would bring in some monarch caterpillars on swan plant.
But here’s a few facts you probably never knew about them!
A few facts about monarchs
Did you know you can tell the difference between a male and a female monarch? It’s not so easy with other species of butterfly, but monarch males have two scent glands which appear like black dots on their hindwings. The veins on female monarchs are also thicker than on the male.
Monarch butterflies are believed to have introduced themselves to New Zealand in the 19th century, with the earliest written records dating from European settlement. In North America, east of the Rocky Mountains they make a spectacular migration each Autumn (Fall) from as far north as Canada to join millions of monarch butterflies in reserves in the mountains of Mexico’s Transvolcanic Belt. It is the most amazing migration to witness! Some butterflies have flown 5,000 kilometres!
A cluster of monarchs in the Sierra Chincua Santuario Mariposa Monarca, Michoacán, Mexico
NZ does not have a large number of butterfly species that they can call their own but we do have about 2,000 moths, of which over 90% are endemic!
All butterfly and moth species need two types of plants: The females of each species lay eggs on ‘host plants’, which vary depending on the butterfly. I think everyone knows that the cabbage white lays eggs on brassicas like your cabbages and cauliflowers. The monarch, of course, lays eggs on swan plants, so called because the seed pods resemble swans before they split open, the wind scattering their seeds.
Did you know that the swan plant originated in Africa? It is believed that quite possibly the seed arrived in NZ as a ‘stowaway’ inside a pillow, cushion or garment which was bought by settlers visiting ports on their journey here. The fibre attached to the seed has been used for many years as a stuffing material.
In fact, during WWII, when America joined the Allies, they needed kapok to fill thousands of Mae Wests (life preservers). As Indonesia was held by the Japanese there was no kapok available. So schools in the United States were called upon to send their students out into the fields to gather milkweed floss and it was actually found to have a better flotation score than kapok. This comic-style poster from 1941 tells the story - thanks to monarchflyway.com for sharing.
Nectar is sweet!
But I digress! The other type of plant that all butterflies need is a nectar source: bright, colourful flowers that are loaded with nectar. Butterflies are pollinators, like bees, so as they extend their proboscis deep into the centre of a flower they collect pollen which they then leave in another flower, allowing fertilisation of the flowers and in the end producing seeds or fruit. It is estimated that ¾ of our food depends on pollination!
I have had monarchs since my kids were little, this is the first year I have found a blue tinted one, do you know what this is
Hi Lois! Very interesting. Are you talking about a butterfly, chrysalis or? And whereabouts are you located? Did you get a photo? Any chance you could send a photo to (with location as well).
Cool
I love butterflies
Recently visited one of the monarch migration sights in Mexico. No words to describe it and no pictures do justice.
I just sat on the forest floor in total silence and watched in amazement. At times it was like confetti was released from heaven!
I have been in awe of butterflies since childhood, such amazing creatures! This was on my bucket list before I was old enough to know what a bucket list was!
Trying my best to help Monarchs by growing Swan Plants in Auckland....
3 years and no success
Let the plants self seed. Let several grow outside my fence to 2 metres. COUNCIL SPRAYED THEM!! Also discovered no locals knew what a Swan Plant is let alone that Monarchs need them.
In face of such ignorance Monarch demise is loomimg.
I tried!
Mum used to have hundred of chrysalis's hanging from plants and eaves of house.Orewa.
Yes, CP, it's a sad situation. It's the same for most parts of the country, but in some areas the monarchs are laying hundreds of eggs, while in most parts of the country there ae none. That's why we set up "Monarch Matchmaker" on Facebook. If you don't have or use Facebook, ask a friend who does if they will put up a post for you there, or scroll through as I know there is at least one person on the North Shore that is giving away on average 80-100 eggs a day.
Why this is happening we have no idea! But it will probably be the social wasps in your area that are causing the low numbers. Look elsewhere on our site for tips about raising monarchs. If you can keep your plants covered - a mosquito net will do - there's more than likely going to be some of your caterpillars getting through to adults. AND hopefully you'll get another generation this summer at least.
I live in Matamata... I have many large this year swan plants..
But not one caterpillar only a few eggs.. and in my Lavander no bees only bumblebees.
Previous years excellent for Monarchs.
You are not alone, Stephen. Many people are reporting similar situations. Bizarrely, there are people who have been inunaded with female monarchs laying eggs, and only a few doors away, there are none. This is why we set up the "Monarch Matchmaker" page on Facebook, so that anyone with plenty of swan plants could accommodate caterpillars where food was in short supply. Check it out, link below:
Monarch Matchmaker NZ