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Kōrero: Butterflies and moths

Boulder butterfly pair

Image
Boulder butterfly pair

These boulder butterflies (Lycaena boldenarum) display their camouflaged undersides. The depth of colour varies according to the habitat. Although this species is classed as a copper butterfly, males have an almost purple, iridescent lustre on their wings. It is New Zealand’s smallest butterfly, with a wingspan of 1 centimetre.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10040628

by Gregory H. Sherley

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Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Brian Patrick, Butterflies and moths – Life cycle, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/10539/boulder-butterfly-pair (accessed 4 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Brian Patrick, i tāngia i te 1 March 2009.