Kahukura, Red Admiral Butterfly
Original artwork by G.Parker 2024.
Named the Entomological Society’s Bug of the Year 2024 - this is Vanessa Gonerilla, commonly known as the Red Admiral Butterfly or Kahukura to Māori.
Most frequently encountered in areas with plentiful, nectar-rich flowers - the adult butterflies feed and lay eggs on Ongaonga, or Stinging Nettle, the leaves of which are eaten by its caterpillars. However, as this plant also stings humans, it is usually wiped out as a “weed”.
Found all across Aotearoa New Zealand, the Kahukura is long-lived, surviving up to 6-9 months over a summer to winter period.
An Endangered Species - Introduced in 1930 to combat accidentally introduced pest white moth, Wasp populations are a huge problem for our butterflies and other insects / invertebrates. We can help butterfly populations by creating sanctuaries with plants like Stinging Nettle, and other nectar filled native flowers like Koromiko.
As in Tiwaiwaka principle #6 - We give special care to the tiniest living creatures, for they are the foundation that keeps and sustains life.
Original Piece features butterfly on fruiting Kawakawa - for Mangaroa Farms.
Natural Paints Acrylics on upcycled plywood board 900mm x 1100mm
Original artwork by G.Parker 2024.
Named the Entomological Society’s Bug of the Year 2024 - this is Vanessa Gonerilla, commonly known as the Red Admiral Butterfly or Kahukura to Māori.
Most frequently encountered in areas with plentiful, nectar-rich flowers - the adult butterflies feed and lay eggs on Ongaonga, or Stinging Nettle, the leaves of which are eaten by its caterpillars. However, as this plant also stings humans, it is usually wiped out as a “weed”.
Found all across Aotearoa New Zealand, the Kahukura is long-lived, surviving up to 6-9 months over a summer to winter period.
An Endangered Species - Introduced in 1930 to combat accidentally introduced pest white moth, Wasp populations are a huge problem for our butterflies and other insects / invertebrates. We can help butterfly populations by creating sanctuaries with plants like Stinging Nettle, and other nectar filled native flowers like Koromiko.
As in Tiwaiwaka principle #6 - We give special care to the tiniest living creatures, for they are the foundation that keeps and sustains life.
Original Piece features butterfly on fruiting Kawakawa - for Mangaroa Farms.
Natural Paints Acrylics on upcycled plywood board 900mm x 1100mm
Original artwork by G.Parker 2024.
Named the Entomological Society’s Bug of the Year 2024 - this is Vanessa Gonerilla, commonly known as the Red Admiral Butterfly or Kahukura to Māori.
Most frequently encountered in areas with plentiful, nectar-rich flowers - the adult butterflies feed and lay eggs on Ongaonga, or Stinging Nettle, the leaves of which are eaten by its caterpillars. However, as this plant also stings humans, it is usually wiped out as a “weed”.
Found all across Aotearoa New Zealand, the Kahukura is long-lived, surviving up to 6-9 months over a summer to winter period.
An Endangered Species - Introduced in 1930 to combat accidentally introduced pest white moth, Wasp populations are a huge problem for our butterflies and other insects / invertebrates. We can help butterfly populations by creating sanctuaries with plants like Stinging Nettle, and other nectar filled native flowers like Koromiko.
As in Tiwaiwaka principle #6 - We give special care to the tiniest living creatures, for they are the foundation that keeps and sustains life.
Original Piece features butterfly on fruiting Kawakawa - for Mangaroa Farms.
Natural Paints Acrylics on upcycled plywood board 900mm x 1100mm