LONG TAILED BLUE (Lampides boeticus)
What a delightful surprise to see a LONG TAILED BLUE (Lampides boeticus) enjoying the winter sunshine and flowers, in a little out-of-the-way bay near Russell (Far North of New Zealand) today. It's mid-winter here, so seeing a blue butterfly flying about at this time of year was a surprise. Having said this, I also recall seeing a Monarch Butterfly fly through. We see Monarchs all the time during winter, but I've never seen a blue butterfly.
Our New Zealand butterflies go into diapause during winter, basically meaning they don't mate. Today's sighting of a blue was quite historic for me. The butterfly had slightly ripped wings, but was otherwise fine. Hopefully it will get through until Summer when it can mate.
Our New Zealand butterflies go into diapause during winter, basically meaning they don't mate. Today's sighting of a blue was quite historic for me. The butterfly had slightly ripped wings, but was otherwise fine. Hopefully it will get through until Summer when it can mate.
LONG TAILED BLUE (Lampides boeticus)
