Sunday, May 26, 2013
Room 5's Interesting Visitor.
These insects get their name because they have very long front legs that they hold in a position that reminds people of praying. There are about 1,800 species of praying mantids around the world.
Praying mantids are carnivores, eating mainly insects and other small animals. Many gardeners and farmers welcome mantids, because the insects they eat are often pests that hurt crops. In addition to insects such as crickets and grasshoppers, mantids eat spiders, frogs, lizards, and even small birds.
Praying mantids have long necks topped by a triangular head. They can turn their heads 180 degrees—an entire half circle—which, along with exceptional eyesight, helps them spot prey. They're well-camouflaged, adapting colours that help them blend with the plants they live near. Some also have amazing body shapes that make them look like leaves or branches.
To hunt, mantids either sit and wait for an insect to pass by, or they stalk them. They're nearly invisible when they sit still, looking like part of a leaf or stem. When they are close enough, they strike so quickly—about one-twentieth of a second—you probably couldn't even see it happen. It's just a blur.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Pukeiti EOTC Visit- a rain forest garden.
The Giant Rata tree is over 800 years old and may have started growing before mammals arrived in New Zealand. It grew near the top of a tree and sent roots down to the ground. After a long time it killed the host tree. It is very tall. Our class were able to fit inside the hollow rata tree. The tree’s cave is from where the dead tree had rotted away. There was a big opening and a small escape opening at the back.
We observed all the bugs that had fallen into the traps. The traps were buckets in the ground almost covered except for a small opening. The top of the bucket was at ground level.
Lots of Rimu trees were cut down and dragged away in the early pioneer days. The children had to work hard too and often didn’t go to school. The settlers lived in large, heavy, canvas tents.
We identified plants and creatures at Pukeiti from charts they provided. Everyone potted up a native tree seedling to take home and replant.
We learnt a fact about one sort grasshopper that can jump 4.7metres from a standing start. We all tried to beat that jump, but the best Room 5 pupil could only jump 1.25metres.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
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