Common name : Yellow admiral caterpillar
Scientific name : Vanessa itea
Family : Nymphalidae
Native to : New Zealand, Australia, Norfolk Islands and Howe Islands
Interesting fact : This butterfly has a local Maori name ‘kahukowhai’ which means ‘yellow cloak’.
A medium-sized butterfly, the yellow admiral’s size varies from region to region, but essentially is between 48-55 mm. Its habitat includes open country area, wastelands and gardens. Its diet is comprised of various species of nettle plants. The female lays eggs on the nettle plant leaves. Once the egg hatches, the larvae feed on these leaves during the night. For protection, they hide within curled leaves.
