Copper Butterfly - featured fauna
The copper butterfly is relatively small, 24-34mm across with orange and black wings. It is often seen on pohuehue on the back dunes where it lays its eggs. When hatched the little green caterpillars (very hard to see) feed exclusively on the pohuehue leaves and flowers.
Copper butterflies have evolved a strategy for coping with New Zealand’s unpredictable climate. In every brood some larvae grow steadily towards maturity, but others stop feeding after just one molt and enter a resting stage (diapause) for several months before continuing their growth some months later. This increases the chance of survival for some offspring if harsh conditions suddenly develop.
Posted: 7 May 2012 in the Flora & Fauna category