Mystery surrounds hundreds of black beetles: Te Atatu South.
Mystery surrounds the gathering of hundreds of South African black beetles outside Countdown Te Atatu South on Tuesday night.
Concerned shoppers posted on a Facebook community page that they had seen a swarm of the critters on the footpath, spreading to the carpark.
A resident reported a security guard was trying to sweep them from the door outside the supermarket.
Beetle scientist Rich Leschen from Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research said the South African black beetles were nocturnal creatures.
"They're active at night, flying around looking for mates."
Leschen said the huge number of beetles may have been attracted to the bright artificial lights outside the west Auckland supermarket.
"They're really gathered there by the light, not there to get toilet paper," he said.
"One thing is they will probably be more active with the warmer nights which is normal for a lot of insects in general.
"They might be more active because of the rain."
Leschen said the adults were harmless but large numbers of larvae could remove the leaves of some trees, according to literature.
"I haven't seen them defoliate leaves here," he said.
"In my opinion, I think they're probably more critical as turf and pasture pests.
"Everyone probably has them in their garden. The blackbirds are able to find the larvae when they're close to the surface and they dig 'em out from the tufts in the grass."
Leschen said there were thousands and thousands of species of beetles in New Zealand with many more yet to be discovered.
He decided to study natural history when he was a young biology student, "so I just gravitated to beetles, maybe because there's so damn many of them."
Leschen said his affinity for the insects evolved over time and was unrelated to a traumatic childhood encounter.
"I think I was three years old and I stuck my finger in its mandibles and this is quite a large beetle in the United States," he said.
"It bit me and I hated it. I was screaming and crying and I killed it.
"It didn't really influence me at all to work with beetles."
Poll: Are quality products on the decline?
Gift-giving looks a lot different these days when you can pick up super-cheap goods made overseas. But do they last?
Do you have any old items like appliances, electronics or clothing that have stood the test of time? Share below!
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91.9% Yes
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7.2% No
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0.9% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Would you rather:
We all deserve a space where we can truly unwind and recharge, so if you could upgrade ONE thing in your bedroom, what would it be?
Tell us which upgrade would transform your bedroom into the perfect retreat! Drop your answer below and let’s see what everyone’s dreaming of for their sleep haven!
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56.3% A better mattress
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25% New pillows
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18.8% Cosier decorations
Kmart duvet recall
Kmart will be recalling a number of their Anko duvet sets.
What you need to know:
- The recall is involving Christmas-themed duvets: Mrs & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set and Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set
- A recall of the products began in Australia following health concerns from several families.
- One woman said she thought she was having a heart attack after using one of the products which smelt of diesel.
- One customer said she’d purchased the quilt covers and said they smelled like gas. Another mum said hers did not have that smell but claimed her son developed a rash that only went away when he stopped using the product.
- The product is no longer available for purchase on the Kmart website.
Regardless of whether you have experienced an issue, customers who have purchased this item may return the product to store for a refund.
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