Australian painted lady, Island Bay

[Michael Szabo]

I saw an Australian painted lady butterfly feeding on some small white flowers by the coastal path about an hour ago here in Island Bay, Wellington. Given the recent record of 2-4 in Makara in late December there may be others around.

[Ian Southey]

Saw one at Miranda feeding on Fennel flowers this morning.

Ian

[David Riddell]

There was a painted lady on our lawn this afternoon, flitting between the dandelion flowers, first I've seen in many years. Knew there was a reason for not mowing the lawn...

[Jan]

Anyone know if they come down South ever? I'm always on the look out in Christchurch.

[Nick Allen]

Saw one at Gillespies Beach, coastwards of Fox Glacier a few years ago.

[David Riddell]

Looking at NatureWatch (https://inaturalist.nz/taxa/197077-Vanessa-kershawi), there are three records from Christchurch, and the odd one as far south as Bluff, so keep looking Jan!

[Jan]

Thanks, both replies. Very encouraging.

[David Riddell]

Just saw a painted lady fly by. Only saw it for a second before the wind took it over the roof of the house (Gordonton, Waikato), but it came very close to me and I'm sure that's what it was. With all these strong westerlies it could be worth keeping an eye out for more Australian butterflies.

[Colin Miskelly]

Alan Tennyson & I saw one at Lake George, Colac Bay on 14 Nov.

Cheers
Colin

[sav]

I had one on 7 Nov at the NZ Falcon site in Albert Town nera Wanaka.

cheers