The operations involve removing the deformed or injured wings and repairing or fitting a new one from a dead monarch using tweezers, superglue and talcum powder. Jacqui Knight from the Monarch Butterfly New Zealand Trust said videos of monarch wing transplants were largely produced in North America, and New Zealanders learnt techniques from the web and posted on forums asking for dead butterfly wings. Knight said New Zealanders devotion to the monarch butterfly started more than half a century ago, when images of monarchs were painted on the sides of buildings. “In New Zealand generally people are very attached to the monarch butterfly,” said Knight. “I think [wing surgery] is a cool way to interact with nature and understand that these animals are to be treasured, and there is a good feeling when you can help the monarch.

Source: The Guardian May 01, 2018 02:48 UTC