Butterfly resting on grass seed head.

I am unsure as to precisely what species of butterfly this is as there are about 2,000 types of native New Zealand butterflies and moths. Interestingly over 90% of these are endemic however a further 68 species have been introduced since European settlement.

There are no major differences between butterflies and moths - they are common names given to a group of insects called Lepidoptera (from the Greek for ‘scaly wings’). But some generalisations can be made: moths usually hold their wings flat while resting, have feathery antennae, and are active at night. Butterflies are more colourful, have clubbed antennae, hold their wings upright over the body while at rest, and fly during the day.