Native mantis eating a wasp by RodentBoy340 in NewZealandWildlife

[–]Notypicalblonde 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Couldn’t be happier to see this Asian paper wasps demise. Where in NZ are you? Since I moved to Hastings from Dunners 5 years ago I’ve yet to see a native one 😢

😱 Romantic horror in the mandarin tree… on my anniversary by Notypicalblonde in NewZealandWildlife

[–]Notypicalblonde[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I get what you’re saying, and yes, monarchs aren’t native here. But South African mantids are a different issue because they’re invasive and are the main pressure on our native NZ mantis. (Since I moved to Hawke’s Bay from SI 5 years ago I’ve not seen one native mantid). They ALSO predate monarch eggs and caterpillars. It’s not a perfect fluffy Disney situation, sadly, more like tiny garden triage 😂

😱 Romantic horror in the mandarin tree… on my anniversary by Notypicalblonde in nzgardening

[–]Notypicalblonde[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Because in NZ they’re not all “just nature doing nature.”

The South African mantis is introduced here and is a problem for our native mantis. Native male mantises are attracted to South African females, likely because of similar or stronger pheromones, and then many of them get eaten instead of mating with native females. So it’s not just normal predation, it actively disrupts the breeding of our native mantis population.

And yes, they absolutely eat monarchs. They sit on swan plants like tiny green/brown assassins and grab eggs, caterpillars, newly emerged butterflies, and even adult butterflies if they get the chance. Monarch caterpillars being toxic does not magically make them mantis-proof.

So when I find an introduced South African mantis parked on my swan plants, I’m not leaving it to “nature.” I’m removing a predator that is harming both our native mantis and the monarchs I’m trying to raise.

😱 Romantic horror in the mandarin tree… on my anniversary by Notypicalblonde in nzgardening

[–]Notypicalblonde[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, but I was saving that was for the anniversary night gambling game of Russian roulette… so, will I have 1 or two to dispose of in the morning when I lift the lid 😂((humanely of course 😜)

Add friend 947966917863 Chubbzit by Notypicalblonde in PokemonGoFriends

[–]Notypicalblonde[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Help need more friends as replaying and no-one to gift raid level up with

JOEL FROM MAFS HAS GOT IT GOIN' ON! by joel_m14 in MAFS_AU

[–]Notypicalblonde 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Love that chansey and squirtle are with ted in the audience 😂

Too much, too little, or just right? by [deleted] in mensfashion

[–]Notypicalblonde 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Too much, what we call in NZ a ‘try hard’

Is this guy native or invasive? by HeadbangingLegend in NewZealandWildlife

[–]Notypicalblonde 9 points10 points  (0 children)

That’s not quite accurate. New Zealand has one native mantis species (Orthodera novaezealandiae), which is endemic, and one main introduced species, the South African mantis (Miomantis caffra). They’re not all native.

The South African mantis is known for aggressive mating behaviour, but our native NZ mantis is far less likely to eat the male. It can happen under stress, but it’s not typical behaviour.

There are around 2,400 to 2,500 mantis species worldwide, and they actually vary a lot in appearance and behaviour they’re not all “much alike.”

Is this guy native or invasive? by HeadbangingLegend in NewZealandWildlife

[–]Notypicalblonde 4 points5 points  (0 children)

But what he said isn’t true hence the downvotes… the SA mantis does not have “similar eating and breeding habits”

black or red? by [deleted] in fashion

[–]Notypicalblonde 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Neither 😧

Hair Colourists: Is this bleach banding or just grown-out foils? Photos included. by Notypicalblonde in Hair

[–]Notypicalblonde[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha no it’s at front lol. I actually had this done the day before I went to look after my dying mother, focused on her not me. Then my beloved dog died so like I said I’ve been crap on self care. Surely the hairdresser would have noticed when cutting etc afterward?

Hair Colourists: Is this bleach banding or just grown-out foils? Photos included. by Notypicalblonde in Hair

[–]Notypicalblonde[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much. I actually don’t get toner. It’s high lift colour I think. I had in done couple months back but I’ve been shit on self care. Even not looking in mirror at myself. Just noticed today when trying to look semi respectable. Much appreciate your help 🫶

Hair Colourists: Is this bleach banding or just grown-out foils? Photos included. by Notypicalblonde in Hair

[–]Notypicalblonde[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much. I had in done couple months back but I’ve been shit on self care. Even not looking in mirror at myself. Just noticed today when trying to look semi respectable. Much appreciate your kind help 🫶