An unusual visitor
Posted by: rob
This yellow admiral butterfly (Vanessa itea) decided to visit us this afternoon. Took a few photos before showing it the way out again. (Thanks to my brother Stephen for correcting my mistaken identification of this wonderful insect)
Yellow Admirals were first collected in 1769–70, when Captain James Cook circumnavigated New Zealand in the Endeavour. These butterflies are strong fliers, and are found throughout most of the country, including Stewart Island.