_ Sane rosea ees as Sa 




12 II.—HABITS AND DISTRIBUTION OF N.Z. LEPIDOPTERA. 
CHAPTER III. 
ON THE HABITS AND GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION 
OF NEW ZEALAND LEPIDOPTERA. 
It is well known to the most casual observer of nature 
that butterflies only fly in bright sunshine, whilst the 
majority of moths seldom rouse themselves to full activity 
until the dusk of evening is well advanced. Speaking 
generally, glades in forests, river beds, roadsides, and the 
open tussock lands are the most productive localities for 
the few butterflies (Plates IV. and V.) indigenous to New 
Zealand. The large and conspicuous Danaida plexippus is 
probably our most striking butterfly. It is very rare, but 
when found is generally seen in gardens or fields. It is a 
very rapid flier, soaring with fully outstretched wings, the 
vivid colouring of both surfaces being plainly visible and 
giving the insect a superb appearance. Originally believed 
to have been confined to the American Continent, it is 
rapidly extending its range to many of the warmer regions 
of the world. This wide dispersal has probably been 
effected by the butterfly’s powerful flight, a strong migra- 
tory instinet, favoured by the elements, and the spread 
of its food plants, by artificial means, has enabled the insect 
to effect a permanent settlement, where formerly the means 
for its sustenance did not exist.* 
Single specimens of a much smaller allied species, 
Danaida chrysippus, have been captured at rare intervals 
but, as yet, this butterfly cannot be regarded as established 
in New Zealand. Its range elsewhere is extremely wide, 
extending throughout Australia, Africa, West Asia, the 
East Indies, and Greece. It is extremely distasteful to 
birds, and on this account is closely mimicked by quite a 
number of tropical butterflies. 
Of the Satyrides, or Ringlet butterflies, there are four 
species in New Zealand, quite a remarkable number when 
the extremely limited butterfly fauna of the country is 
considered. In fact these endemic Satyrids constitute the 
most interesting section of the New Zealand Rhopalocera. 
The commonest species is Argyrophenga antipodum, which 
ranges throughout the whole of the South Island from the 
high grassy lands near Cook Strait to the tussock plains of 
Southland. It is essentially the butterfly of the tussocks, 
delighting to fly amongst them, in a lazy aimless manner, 
during the hottest summer days from January till March. 
In such localities it is often very abundant, and is always 
very easy to catch. Although extensive tussock-covered 
lands exist in many parts of the North Island (notably the 


* See Entomologists’ Monthly Magazine, 1914, p.p. 234-237; 
on the Geographical Distribution of Danaida plexippus by Com- 
mander J. J. Walker, M.A., R.N., F.LS. 
great plains in the elevated central region*) which appear 
to be ideal localities for A. antipodum, careful investiga- 
tion has failed to reveal its presence, and the absolute re- 
striction of this insect to the South Island is one of the 
most remarkable and inexplicable facts in connection with 
the distribution of our native butterflies.t The nearest 
allies to Argyrophenga antipodum are found in the moun- 
tains of Chili. 
. The coal-black Lrebia pluto is a common butterfly on 
all high mountains throughout the South Island. It is very 
rarely found lower than 4,000 feet above sea level, is most 
abundant between 5,000 and 6,000 feet, and has been 
observed as high as 11,000 feet on the summit of Mount 
Malte Brun, in the New Zealand Alps. It frequents 
shingle slides, delighting to fly over the heated stones in 
the hottest sunshine, but disappears immediately a cloud 
passes over the sun. The would-be captor of this fine 
insect must always approach the butterfly from behind, 
and strike rapidly with the net, otherwise he will probably 
lose his prize. - The smaller and browner Frebia butleri is 
much more local. It has occurred at Whitcombe’s Pass, 
Canterbury, the Mount Cook region, and on many of the 
ranges at the head of Lake Wakatipu, frequenting rough 
grassy slopes between 3,000 and 4,000 feet above the sea 
level. Its flight closely resembles that of Argyrophenga 
antipodum, to which insect it is evidently nearly allied. It 
is not so strong on the wing as Lrebia pluto, neither has it 
any liking for hot shingle, but prefers to remain among 
the shaggy mountain grasses (Danthonia). Both these 
mountain butterflies are closely akin to the Hrebias found 
in the Northern Hemisphere, and an allied form occurs in 
South America.. The finest of our Satyrids is Dodonidia 
helmsi, which is found in beech forests in both Islands, some- 
times occurring where its food-plant (Gahma setifolia) is 
abundant. It is a local species, and as it appears on the 

* In March, 1887, my brother, Mr. W. B. Hudson, walked 
from Marton to Taupo, thus traversing the great tussock-covered 
plateau of the North Island when in its absolutely primitive con- 
dition. He was experienced in observing insects and kept a 
vigilant watch for Argyrophenga antipodum. He, however, failed 
to see a single specimen, although the conditions for its appear- 
ance were favourable. 
; Some years ago I understand that specimens of Argyro- 
phenga antipodum were artificially conveyed from the South 
Island and liberated on the tussock plains in the centre of the 
Norih Island. Mr. H. W. Simmonds was, I believe, responsible 
for this unfortunate proceeding. There is, however, so far, no 
evidence that the butterfly has established itself on the tussock 
plains of the North Island. 

