In the peace and sunshine of Grey Lynn, in the land

PRAYING MANTIS: The praying mantis eats both caterpillars (including almost fully-grown ones) AND adult butterflies. Consequently, you need to carefully examine your swan plants and catch individual praying mantids in jars, then destroy them. The mantis can be hard to see on the plant, as like chameleons, they change to the same green colour as the plant after resting on it a while, so an unsuspecting butterfly can land to lay an egg, and be snatched by this evil and invisible priest. I knew they eat caterpillars, but was astounded recently to spot a mantis in the midst of munching on a butterfly!   Fortunately I was able to get a photo before destroying the mantis.

SNAILS: Snails eat the leaves of the swan plant, depriving caterpillars of their needed food. Snails usually crawl out at night and munch away. The big ones are obviously the worst pest, so it is a good idea to use a torch and examine all stalks and leaves of your swan plants each evening before retiring for the night. Carry a container and pop all the snails you find into it, then the snails can be removed to a safer place. The snails are grey and easy to see against the green plant. By day, some snails, especially baby ones, hide under swan plant leaves, so be sure to check the underside.

Meanwhile, please visit the links mentioned on this site.
Coping with wasp stings, click here. Coping with wasps, click here.