Selwyn Times: October 24, 2017

SELWYN TIMES Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi
Tuesday October 24 2017 25
Backyard Critters
EXOTIC: The false katipo
or Steatoda capensis
sometimes has a red
stripe on its rear, causing
it to be mistaken for the
native katipo Latrodectus
katipo. ​
Katipo imposter
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 FALSE katipo or
Steatoda capensis is one of
many exotic spider species
found around your back
yard.
Originally from South Africa,
this small shiny
black/dark brown spider is
very common and sometimes
has a red stripe on its rear,
causing it to be mistaken for
our native katipo, Latrodectus
katipo.
Along some coastlines, the
South African imposter is
thought to be out-competing
our native katipo, causing
significant conservation
concern.
Although the two species
have similarities, the bite of
the native katipo is much
more painful and serious than
the false katipo.
Steatoda capensis is commonly
found in dark, dry
places such as under firewood,
where it will prey on other
invertebrates.
Males are much smaller
than females and often have
small white dots along the
abdomen, and sometimes a
red stripe on their rear.
Egg sacs are white cotton
wool-like balls about 1cm in
diameter.
TOP TEAM: Caitlin Henderson (left), Tamsyn Knowles, Kiri Hiini,
Finn Smith, Disal Rathnayakege and Cameron Blondell.
Rolleston pupils take
out Top Team Challenge
at Ellesmere Show
Rolleston School year 6 pupils came away as
winners from the Ellesmere A&P Show held in
Leeston.
The pupils took out the Top Team Challenge,
which put schools from throughout Selwyn through
a series of challenges inspired by the New Zealand
television series Top Town.
As part of the prize, the pupils won $500 for the
school’s parent teacher association.
Come & look at the new
Hamilton 470
on display at the Ashburton A&P Show
Friday 27th & Saturday 28th October
fall in
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