Story: Evolution of plants and animals

Monarch butterflies

Monarch butterflies

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) was first recorded in New Zealand in 1873, having island-hopped its way across the Pacific Ocean from North America. Most insects are thought to have come from the opposite direction, borne on strong westerly winds from Australia. Over millions of years many winged insect species must have been blown across to New Zealand.

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How to cite this page:

Matt McGlone, 'Evolution of plants and animals - How did they arrive?', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/12431/monarch-butterflies (accessed 26 April 2024)

Story by Matt McGlone, published 24 Sep 2007