Selwyn Times: September 23, 2020

Wednesday September 23 2020 Selwyn Times 21
BACKYARD CRITTERS
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. Check out the full list of invertebrates found
at www.inaturalist.org/projects/backyard-biodiversity-bugs-in-my-lincolnsection
Big head for tiny wasp
BAEUS IS a full stop-sized
genera of parasitic wasp.
THese ‘micro-flea’ wasps are
parasitoids of spider eggs.
Although less than
1mm long, Baeus have
characteristically big heads,
big eyes and wingless females.
Females oviposit a single egg
into the wall of the spider egg
and the minute larva hatches,
consumes the contents of the
egg, and pupates within the
egg case before emerging as an
adult.
Only 25 species known
worldwide, of which five
species are known in New
Zealand, with two of these
species being shared with
Australia (Baeus leai and
Baeus saliens).
Baeus are most often found
in leaf litter, soil or bark
of trees or shrubs and in
Australia more commonly
associated with spider species
that attach their egg sacs to
vegetation.
THese include orb-weaver,
sheet-weaver and cob-web
spider families in particular.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Westpac Rolleston branch hours.
Our branch transactional hours are
Monday to Friday 9:30am – 3:30pm.
For an appointment outside these hours please
call the branch directly on (03) 347 7700.
We also have mobile mortgage managers
available 7 days a week, you can contact
- Vanessa Loader on 021 711 168 or
- Christian Delgado on 027 591 4686.
We are located at 9 Masefield Drive, Rolleston.
Whether it’s face to face, over the phone or online,
we’re committed to being here for you.
Westpac New Zealand Limited.