They use touch and smell to understand the world, though some insects are attracted by bright colours. New Zealand has over 18,000 species of insects, and many of these are endemic only to New Zealand - this means that they are only found in New Zealand. There are also many introduced species which have come into the country. Some hitch a ride with imports, while many insects are blown across from Australia on high altitude jet streams. There are lots Australian insects in New Zealand.
Butterflies mostly fly in the day.
Their wings are usually bright coloured on top. Their feelers always have a clubbed tip, which they use to smell and touch. Many can taste with their feet. They are rarely seen in winter because they hibernate or spend that time as a caterpillar or chrysalis. They are found in all of New Zealand's environments and even on top of mountains.