Baby praying mantis
A recently hatched young praying mantis. These guys hunt and eat other insects which is generally a beneficial trait.
Found 7 results tagged with 'insect'
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Beneficial insects
Insects play an import role in the health of our gardens and the wider ecosystem. By creating a conducive environment we can encourage the tiny helpers to hang around. Insects prey on others, pollinate plants, are food for birds and generally add to the richness, complexity and diversity of a healthy ecosystem.
Dung beetles
Aphodius fimetarius is a species of scarab beetles native and common to Europe.
I first noticed them in kunekune pig manure in 2018. Reportedly first seen on Banks Peninsula in 2004.
Adult bugs are up to 8mm long and emerge to fly to new sites after spending their juvenile phase inside the manure.
I first noticed them in kunekune pig manure in 2018. Reportedly first seen on Banks Peninsula in 2004.
Adult bugs are up to 8mm long and emerge to fly to new sites after spending their juvenile phase inside the manure.
December 08, 2020
Predatory insects
Since arriving at this location in 2009 and allowing it to revert to a more natural way while introducing lots of new biodiversity, we have noticed a continual increase in the numbers and types of insects and other small creatures. There is a whole world of barely noticed activity where spiders and flies, ladybugs and butterflies live out their tiny dramas...
Here a preying mantis devours a fly on a pear tree.
Here a preying mantis devours a fly on a pear tree.
April 02, 2019
Fennel
Botanical name Foeniculum vulgare
Details Super easy to grow requiring no care or attention. Grown as part of our food forest conversion process for transitioning from grass.
- Produces a lot of biomass in a season.
- Deep root system for soil stabilisation and building via organic mater injection.
- Flowers loved by beneficial insects.
- Seeds harden in autumn and can be used for tea or left to feed the birds and self seed.
Edible
Perennial
Seeds / nuts / tubers
Price $3.90
30-50 seeds
Forest layer herbaceous
Monarch butterflies enjoying blossoms in the forest garden
Details We've had plenty of nice, sunny warm weather and the monarch and red admiral butterflies are getting into the stone fruit blossom, brassica flowers and tagasaste nectar.
Date September 11, 2018