monarchs in New Zealand

[Mark Walker]

Sarah Mansfield wrote:

>The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is well established in New
Zealand.
>There is some anecdotal evidence of migration from the North Island to a
>mountain range in the South Island for the butterflies to overwinter. As
far
>as I know, no overwintering site has been located. The evidence is only
from
>observed flight patterns. I don't know what their status is in Australia.

I find this interesting, considering the mountains of the South Island are
certainly much colder during the winter than the northernmost sections of
the North Island.

Mark Walker.