Introduced by Manaaki Whenua Landcare as a biocontrol for the pest plant, Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonicus), this very pretty butterfly was first brought to NZ in 2010. Trials were extensive to ensure it did not affect other plants or organisms. The butterfly is endemic to the island of Honshu in Japan.
Family
Nymphalidae
Biostatus
Released by Manaaki Whenua Landcare as a biocontrol (2014) firstly in the Karangahake Gorge
Host Plant
Lonicera japonica / Japanese honeysuckle
Egg
Pale yellow eggs laid singly on upper and lower leaves. 7 days.
Larva
28 days or much longer, sometimes overwintering. Newly hatched larvae are found on the tips of leaves, older caterpillars are green with brown horns.
Pupa
Green and brown.
Adult/Imago
Black and white on upper side, reddish-brown, silver and black stripes on underside.
Wingspan
60 mm
Overwinters
As larvae, on the host plant.
Range
The Honshu white admiral has been released in various sites around NZ by regional councils.
Distribution
