Selwyn Times: June 06, 2017

SELWYN TIMES Latest Christchurch news at www. .kiwi
Tuesday June 6 2017 25
Backyard critters
Torpedo bug’s a pest
Mike
Bowie is an
ecologist
who
specialises
in
entomology
(insects and other
invertebrates). Each
week he introduces
a new species found
in his backyard at
Lincoln. His column
aims to raise public
awareness of
biodiversity, the variety
of living things around
us
The green planthopper,
also known as the torpedo
bug, is a common pest of
the garden.
Siphanta acuta is the
scientific name given to
this 15mm long bug which
sucks the sap out of plants
and excretes unwanted
honeydew.
The sugary, bluishgreen
honeydew is
utilised by sooty mould,
which can turn leaves an
unsightly dark colour that
interferes with the plant’s
photosynthetic process.
ANNOYANCE: The green planthopper, also known
as the torpedo bug, is a common pest of the garden. ​
The bug is an Australian
species, and has green
upright wings that
resemble a thorn or small
leaf, which gives it great
camouflage.
It lays about 100 eggs
in a semi-circular raised
clutch that hatch in 10 to
20 days, depending on the
temperature.
The nymphs go through
five growth stages and
have a strange looking
tuft of white hair on their
bum.
Both nymphs and adults
jump when disturbed, and
the adults can fly a short
distance.
The adults live for about
60 days.
Kim’s
Fashion Quarterly
from Kim Taylor —Viva La Moda
Update your style
Fashion is constantly evolving and changing. We often see
customers who have favourite wardrobe items that when they go
to replace, have become difficult to find. While there has never
been such a variety on offer in the fashion world, trends do
change meaning your good old wardrobe staple has evolved
into something a little different.
With this in mind, the following are suggestions as to
how to move on to remain current in your look.
The traditional woman’s shirt with a collar is a
perfect example of this. Once upon a time this
style was everywhere and while there a few
on offer, the style has moved on to collarless
tops and blouses including Chinese collars or
scooped or v-necks.
We have pictured the Airlie shirt ($145.95) which
is a beautiful dressy version in black and gold
metallic.
There are several different jacket lengths
available in stores but the predominant style is
shorter which is flattering because it can add
some definition at the waist so flatters most
women. This style replaces the traditional mid
thigh length blazer which featured strongly in
the past.
We have showcased the stunning Airlie pink jacket ($189.95)
and the LA Coalition faux leather jacket ($199) in navy as
another example of this alternative to a traditional blazer.
These jackets are available in stone, taupe, brown, navy and
black and are hugely versatile as can be dressed up with
dresses and skirts or down with pants or jeans.
Leggings are another fashion item that has moved
on. The super stretchy knit leggings of the past
have evolved into slim leg pants. The look is
similar but just a little more tailored and much
more flattering.
We have pictured the Vassalli pull on pants with
funky crosses detailing which are ultra popular
because they are so warm, comfortable and
look great with longer tops and knits. They are
also an ideal leg width for wearing with ankle
boots ($119).
The humble cardigan is another favourite
for many. The more traditional shorter length
varieties have evolved into more relaxed
shaped wraps and longline cardigans.
These less structured shapes work well
with slim leg pants or pencil skirts. When
wearing fuller pants or more A-line skirts,
a short length jacket is probably a better
alternative.
We have pictured the beautiful reversible
Augustine wrap available in the pink and grey
colourway over a striped straight through dress. These
wraps are 100% merino and can be worn grey with pink
trim or reversed to be pink with grey trim. This look
is perfectly balanced when teamed up with short
or long winter boots ($249).
All of the styles pictured are available right now
at Viva La Moda so come on down and find
something to give your wardrobe
an update for winter.
-Kim Taylor
All of the fashion featured in the images
is available from Viva La Moda Rolleston
Visit us at: Corner Main South Road and Barters Road, Templeton. Ph: 344 0331
Shop 12, Rolleston Square, Rolleston. Phone 347 1151