Common Tussock Butterfly (Argyrophenga antipodum)
The common tussock butterfly (also known as common ringlet) is endemic to New Zealand. It can be found in the eastern, southern and central regions of New Zealand's South Island, most abundantly in lowland Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Its apparent absence from all other areas of New Zealand, despite suitable habitat being available, has been noted.
Not a lot is known about this butterfly, however it is suspected the life cycle is one year, in most of its range, and maybe longer in the sub-alpine areas of range. It is well camouflaged with closed wings, with silver streaks on the underside of the back wings that blend beautifully with grass blades.
It is understood they feed on Silver Tussock (Poa cita), Red Tussock - Haumata (Chionochloa rubra), Festuca, Agropyron, Snow Tussock (Chionochloa spp), Other Tussock's (Poa spp) and some introduced grasses. it's suspected that other Tussocks and grasses might be suitable foodplants, but since the larvae are hard to find and the grasses are equally hard to identify, it may well be a while before there is a comprehensive understanding of this butterfly.
Ref: Wikipedia and NZButterfly Info
Not a lot is known about this butterfly, however it is suspected the life cycle is one year, in most of its range, and maybe longer in the sub-alpine areas of range. It is well camouflaged with closed wings, with silver streaks on the underside of the back wings that blend beautifully with grass blades.
It is understood they feed on Silver Tussock (Poa cita), Red Tussock - Haumata (Chionochloa rubra), Festuca, Agropyron, Snow Tussock (Chionochloa spp), Other Tussock's (Poa spp) and some introduced grasses. it's suspected that other Tussocks and grasses might be suitable foodplants, but since the larvae are hard to find and the grasses are equally hard to identify, it may well be a while before there is a comprehensive understanding of this butterfly.
Ref: Wikipedia and NZButterfly Info