DISCOVERY DAY –
Calling all those with an interest or enthusiasm for butterflies! Norm Twigge will be giving us an insight into the Forest ringlet (also know as the Helms) butterfly. This winged gem is endemic to NZ and is our largest and only forest-dwelling butterfly. Experiencing a very serious decline in both numbers and distribution due to the introduction of predatory wasps, the Forest ringlet has, amazingly enough, been sighted at Aongatete. Norm has the necessary approvals to help save the species from extinction with a breeding programme, and would dearly love the help of locals and volunteers in keeping an eye out for the butterfly and it’s larvae. Come and find out what to look for and who to call if you see one!
For more information email events@aongateteforest.org