Our vital native pollinators – under cataclysmic threat | Catalyst Kōrero - 11th September

New Zealand’s native butterflies and moths are vital pollinators, contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity. Worryingly, many species are struggling to survive. They are under cataclysmic threat – and yet are largely unknown.

This is partly because our more than 2000 species of native moths operate mainly in the dark, says Moths and Butterflies of NZ Trust’s Jacqui Knight. “They are an overlooked taonga, unique to New Zealand.”

More than 90% of our moths and butterflies, or Lepidoptera, are found only in this country. The caterpillars from which they grow are an integral part of the diet of our native birds.

“All of these beautiful species, not to mention our monarch butterflies, are seriously struggling due to development, and herbicide and pesticide use. Even pet flea treatment can kill them.  But the biggest threat is that most people don’t even know they exist.”

At our September 11 Catalyst Kōrero, MBNZT founding trustee Jacqui, lepidopterist Brian Patrick and University of Otago teaching fellow and native bee expert Connal Maclean will tell us of their research and give actionable advice on how to make our gardens and towns safe places for our beneficial insects.

They’ll also be giving out free packets of wildflower seed to help us make our gardens more butterfly and moth friendly, promoting their community “Moth and Butterfly Garden corridor” project.

Glenorchy Dark Sky Sanctuary has proclaimed 2025 as the Year of the Moth, recognising their importance to biodiversity. (Photos below of two species found in Queenstown.)

Lycaena boldenarum, Brian Patrick

  Homodotis megaspilata, Olly Ball

Thursday, September 11, The Rees Hotel, 6 to 7:30 pm, registration required. Koha to Whakatipu Wildlife Trust and Whakatipu Reforestation Trust for their invaluable work supporting habitat for our at-risk native butterflies and moths.