Monarch butterfly

Press, 1 June 1989, Page 16

Monarch butterfly

Sir, —Mike Lusty’s column dealing with gardeners’ queries (May 26) the greatly increased number of monarch butterflies in Christchurch last summer and comments on their ability to fly long distances. My firm belief is that, having been established on a year-round basis in Akaroa, over-wintering there for the last few years, they have used their tremendous ability for long flights to invade Christchurch gardens. People’s interest in them has led to a vastly increased demand for swan plants and nurserymen acknowledge that, after previous negligible demand, they are now supplying thousands. While this continues, the future of the monarch is assured, regardless of seasonal influences, though warmth certainly helps. Their greatest threat comes from the increasing wasp population devouring both chrysalis and freshly emerged butterfly. Other suitable food sources are Asclepias fruticosa, Asclepias curassavica and Araujia sericofera plant), a

vigorous climber and another member of the Asclepiadaceae family.—Yours, etc., T. D. J. HOLDERNESS. May 29, 1989.