Award-winning nature author Liv Sisson of Fungi of Aotearoa fame returned to Ōtautahi Christchurch to present her new book Butterflies and Moths of Aotearoa. Her book on fungi explored our rich and diverse world of mushrooms. In Butterflies and Moths of Aotearoa she unveils the peculiar and curious universe of lepidopterans, scale-winged insects. On Wednesday evening, our colleague Poppia introduced Liv Sisson to an enthralled audience and fully packed Tautoru / TSB space at Tūranga.
Butterflies and Moths of Aotearoa
Meeting Liv Sisson again after a few years’ absence felt like embracing a dear friend after a long trip, as she was welcomed to loud cheers and applause.
Our beloved author thanked the audience, Scorpio Books (the co-organiser of the event), and Maddy, who provided beautiful facepainting in line with the event’s theme. It resulted in an array of colourful butterflies painted on young and old in the crowd.
How did Liv come about this rather unusual topic? Her journey started with a Monarch butterfly in her garden in Kilmore Street, Christchurch. How was it possible that the butterfly of her childhood home on the East Coast of the United States also appeared on the other end of the world? Another trigger came in the shape of an Admiral butterfly visiting her Auckland garden. She was hooked and decided to delve deeper into the subject.
The outcome is a well-researched and accessible investigation of Aotearoa’s lepidopterans or scale-winged insects. Aotearoa has 30 native species out of approximatively 2000 butterflies and moths. Both share the same ancestor. However, people tend to prefer the colourful, daytime version rather than its nocturnal alter-ego. Liv Sisson, on the contrary, shared that she’s attracted by the ICK-factor and the secretive, nocturnal aspect of moths.
Learning about our endemic butterflies and moths also taught her about their role in our ecosystem, not only as pollinators, but also in the preservation of our native plants. Deforestation, agriculture and increasing pollution have destroyed this fragile equilibrium. Therefore, Butterflies and Moths of Aotearoa is also a pledge to protect our endemic butterflies and moths, as they are unique and can’t be enjoyed anywhere else in the world. The presentation was followed by a short Q&A. We learned that male lepidopterans, contrary to other male counterparts, don’t fight over a female’s favours, but charm her with a playful ritual. Moths possess special faculties to outwit bats and other predators at night.
Liv Sisson advocated for a greater appreciation of insects, for their diversity and beauty (it's there, even if not immediately perceptible) as well as their function as eco warriors and conservators of our native flora. Liv Sisson — forager, author and curious observer — magically captivated us all. We were smitten by her infectious enthusiasm and passion for our natural world and the environment.
Liv Sisson advocated for a greater appreciation of insects, their diversity, their beauty- even if not immediately perceptible- beyond their function as eco warriors and conservators of our native flora. Liv Sisson, forager, author and curious observer’s magic operated once more. We were smitten by her infectious enthusiasm and passion for our natural world and the environment.
Book launch: Liv Sisson, “Butterflies and Moths of Aotearoa”
Wednesday 4 November 6pm at Tūranga.
More about Liv Sisson
- Find books by Liv Sisson
- Follow Liv Sisson on Facebook @livmoss
- Follow Liv Sisson on Instagram @liv_sisson
- Read Charlotte's blog about The curious world of fungi
- Read Donna's blog about the book launch of Fungi of Aotearoa Vibrant Networks
More about NZ butterflies and moths
Tanya, Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre
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