How can the two blue butterflies found in New Zealand be distinguished? The answer is "not easily"; but the diagnostic features are on the underside of the hindwings i.e. the part that shows when they are feeding or resting. On the left is the endemic southern blue (Zizina oxleyi) from central Otago, with a dark, heavily outlined zig-zag band across the wing. On the right the widespread common blue (Z. labradus), also found in Australia, which has no obvious band and rather more diffuse colouring. Note also the strongly banded fringe of hairs around the wings in the endemic species.
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Forest and Bird, Volume 18, Issue 4, 1 November 1987, Page 18
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100How can the two blue butterflies found in New Zealand be distinguished? The answer is "not easily"; but the diagnostic features are on the underside of the hindwings i.e. the part that shows when they are feeding or resting. On the left is the endemic southern blue (Zizina oxleyi) from central Otago, with a dark, heavily outlined zig-zag band across the wing. On the right the widespread common blue (Z. labradus), also found in Australia, which has no obvious band and rather more diffuse colouring. Note also the strongly banded fringe of hairs around the wings in the endemic species. Forest and Bird, Volume 18, Issue 4, 1 November 1987, Page 18
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