For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Gaelyn's visit - Part 4

This robber fly was kind enough to let me crawl up to him to take his picture. I did not see many last summer and wonder why?
A beautiful spider..... Nephilidae - Nephila fenestrata -Golden Orb
There are many different "foam" grasshoppers here. They all have bright colors and produce a foamy defense secretion.
A fly of some sort?
A Lunate Blister Beetle.
One often sees this in the grass and it is made by a web spinning spider.

22 comments:

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

We don't seem to get many golden orb spiders around here, but when I do find one in the bush I love to photograph them.

Diane said...

Gaelyn must have enjoyed her visit as you seem to see insects that I would normally never notice. Diane

MadSnapper said...

thanks for documenting the wonderful world of insects, these are incredible. now beautiful for a word for spider is not in MY vocaulary, but it is a super photo. never heard of robber fly before.

Teuvo Vehkalahti said...

Very nice picture, and your blog is fun to read and watch. I like it very much. Come take a look Teuvo images www.ttvehkalahti.blogspot.com blog and tell all your friends Teuvo pictures on your blog that the fermentation can be your country's flag higher in my blog. A very good continuation of the autumn to you. Teuvo Vehkalahti Suomi Finland

Gaelyn said...

I can only remember the grasshopper. Oh oh, it's been too long since I went away. Must be time for another vacation. Hope you're still enjoying yours.

Becky said...

Tak about up close and personal. Super shots Joan. I took a pic of a spider today, but it wasn't all that good. I think it was a jumping spider. It really moved fast!
B.

Unknown said...

Your macro shots always amaze me, just look at that bug on top!

Craver Vii said...

That Robber Fly has some funny looking legs. Nice perspective. I wish you would offer a free seminar on technique.

Craver Vii said...

Free is what I can afford, but your counsel would be worth a whole heap of money, Joan!!

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

They are probably one of our most beautiful ones Jonker and well worth getting pictures of.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

I hope she did Diane. It was wonderful having her here and being able to show her my world.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

You are so welcome Sandra. It is a world which we so seldom take notice of and yet it is a fascinating one. One of these days you are going to be taking pictures of them too. I am well known for being a bad influence in this respect. :) I am willing to bet you will even loose your dislike for spiders after a while. Michelle managed to get over her fear of them through seeing them on my blog and I think that has been the great thing I have accomplished in my lifetime.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks for visiting and commenting Teuvo. I will go and check out your blog.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

I cant remember where I took it either Gaelyn although the pics are in the order I took them so I would think it was in the Dinosaur Park. :)

Yes, it is definitely time for another visit to see the other parts you missed. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Becky. Those little spiders disappear much too quickly sometimes. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Jose. It was kind enough to sit there for a while for me to sneak up on. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Those legs look about as hairy and skew as mine do sometimes Craver. LOL!!

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Craver: I am a total amateur when it comes to photography but I am always willing to share the bit of knowledge I have. Over the years I have put in some hints and tips on doing insect photography for anyone who is interested. Please do not hesitate to ask if you want to know something. You can do it in the comments or via an e-mail. The address is at the top of my blog.

About the legs: I should have added "skinny" too. LOL!!

blog with no name said...

Macromania! Nice bugs, bug lady! :)

Hi Joan! How are you?

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Mike. I am always okay thank you. With all the wonderful trips you and G are doing, it looks like you are having a great time too. :)

Mary said...

Great macro as always! Haven't heard of "foam" grasshoppers. You always teach me something new in your blog.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Mary. You have foam grasshoppers there too but unless you are a threat to them, you never see this foam.