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

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Warmbaths - Part 4

This is a big lizard about 1' in length and has the most wonderful colors. I caught sight of him climbing up a wall looking for some dinner (insects).
What a lovely grasshopper. Even though the has the same shades as the grass, he was still easy to spot.
The eyes are amazing.
Red roses for a blue lady? Yes!!
The stinkbug was trying to hide under a flower but I know their tricks and where to look for them. :)
In a hole of a tree the millipedes had mad a breeding site for themselves and were crammed into the small space available.
A bagworm had made its home of the handiest material around and that was the thorns of a tree. How neatly it all fitted together.
What a catch!! This hunting spider had caught himself something to eat and was holding onto it for dear life. He had made his nest across the corner of the swimming pool which I think was a great place to catch water insects.
Another millipede in search of dinner. I liked the color of the leaf next to him.

32 comments:

Diane said...

Wonderful pictures as always. I love the bagworms home. Diane

Becky said...

Interesting group of goodies Joan. I would have missed that Grasshopper for sure.
I wonder if we have bagworms here. I've seen something like that near the creek.
Cool lizard. Love the colors.
Yes, I got your email, and I'll get back to you today later.
Have a wonderful day.
B♥

Sciarada said...

Hi Joan il tuo italiano รจ perfetto complimenti, also your pics are perfect, the number three is sublime, it is cheek by jowl wow!!!

Philip said...

Nice shot of the lizard Joan the colours are stunning :)

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Joan: You were on a quest for bugs which was surely fulfilled.

Diane AZ said...

I like the colorful lizard against the red bricks and the millipede looks stunning next to the dry leaves. And the grasshoppers head reminds me of jade. A lot of beauties in this post!

Craver Vii said...

I'm floored!! This is one amazing capture after another! You really do have a gift, Joan, and I am glad you bring nature up close for us to see in such clear detail.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

I have seen them mostly build it out of sticks Diane but this is te first time I have seen it with thorns. Very neat. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Becky. Yes you do habe bagworms there too, I am sure I have seen one of my friend from NC post one.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

La ringrazio per le gentili parole Sciarada. E 'bello averti visitare di nuovo.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

That is an amazing lizard Philip, like a rainbow. He sure can move fast!! I had to approach him so slowly or else he zipped off and I had to try again.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

You are right Tom. I was surprised to find any under those consitions.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Diane. It was a good couple of days there and I came home with more pictures than I thought I would find.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Craver has anyone ever told you that you are very sweet because you say the nicest things (except for Mrs C of course)? Thank you for them my friend.

Mary said...

Wonderful photos, as always! That lizard is so colorful looking.

Mary said...

Just checked out the link for the new site. This is going to be fabulous when you get it all done! I'm sure it will help a lot of people in South Africa trying to find and identify different "critters".

Jo said...

Thanks Joan;) I enjoyed this post. It's good to see you again. I've checked out the site and look forward to visiting it in the future.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Mary. It is huge and one of the most colorful ones I have seen.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Hi Jo. Nice to hear from you again too. Thanks, I think this site is going to be huge and I look forward to finishing it.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Mary. I am sure it is going to turn into a great asset to many people out there. I hope so anyway.

Wendy said...

That lizard is so pretty! I love lizard, I think I'm going to get a bearded dragon someday :)
Those bagworms are so interesting. Are they actual worms or are they larvae of some insect?

Unknown said...

Another fun-filled South African Post! :o) I love this place.

That lizard at the top is the most beautiful lizard I have ever seen. What great colours, and the shape of his body is fascinating!

Rambling Woods said...

I am not crazy about millipedes for some reason..I wonder why. The insect site is just amazing Joan. I think it's wonderful and what a time consuming job .... but what an invaluable resource.....Michelle

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Michelle. The millipedes do look kind of scary don't they but if you can get over your fear of spiders......

You are right, the site is taking ages but then I expected it too for the begining. There is still so much orting and naming to do but within a few weeks, I will be done with the bulk of it and it will be just maintenance. Right now I am also adding the link to search engines and everywhere I can think of like the university.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Wonderful to see you back Leeloo. I hope you had a great holiday.

Bagworms are actually the larvae of a moth species. The females never leave their nest and do not feed as they have no mouthpart and a very short lifespan. Thanks for the question.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Glad you enjoyed it Krista. Maybe you found some interesting lizards during your visit to Mexico as I know they have some wonderful ones there too.

Gaelyn said...

That lizard is beautiful, and Big. Also like the thorn house. How clever.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

That house was SO neatly built I was amazed at it Gaelyn but I wondered where it got the idea from? :)

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

Fantastic collection of photos. I was away so I am playing catchup again.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

I was wondering where you were Jonker? Hope you had a good trip and I am pleased you are back. I hope to be back to normal again in a few weeks time as I do not have enough hours in my day at the moment and am lucky to get 4-5 hours sleep per night.

Max-e said...

Hi Joan, all these pictures bring back so many memories from my chlidhood in Warmbaths. As kids my friends and I often tried to catch the bloukopkoggelmanders, but they were too fast for us.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Hello Max. I think it is about time you and your wife and came to visit down here again. :)

LOL!! I am sure you had a lot of fun chasing them. Beautiful creatures.