Common Thorntail (Ceratogomphus pictus)

Family Gomphidae

 This dragonfly was newly hatched and its wings were not fully expanded.

Blackwinged Stilt

A medium size bird with very long legs found throughout SA along estuaries, dams and ponds.

Flocks of up to 500 birds have been seen but usually only a few.


Often stand on one leg. Sweep bill over the surface of the water and eat insects, seeds and snails.

Info: Robert’s Birds of Southern Africa

A magnificent specimen - Large Brown Longhorn (Macrotoma palmata)

I think most people take lunch boxes to work with sandwiches in it. I have the idea that for me, the sandwiches are just an excuse. I need something to put my insects in!! :)
This is a Large Brown Longhorn (Macrotoma palmata) - aptly named for sure. His body length is about 2 inches.

Dragonflies - Odonata

These fly around so fast it is difficult to get proper photographs. Certain species blend in so with with their environment, that it is even difficult to find them.

Red-backed Shrike - female

A migrant bird seen only in the summer months in the northern half of SA.

Found in savanna and woodlands.

Eats insects and small reptiles.

Rhinocerous Tick (Dermacento rhinocerinusm) male

Family Ixodidae 

 As much as I do not like ticks, some of them are quite colourful.

Yellow Shining Leaf Chafer (Popillia bipunctata)

Family Scarabaeidae

 A smallish beetle about 2cm in length. Found in the region of the Northern Cape.

Red-necked Francolin

Very similar to Swainson’s Francolin but with a limited range it is found in: the eastern coast from Knysna northwards.

Declining numbers due to its habitat destruction by humans.

Found in grasslands, edges of forests.


Breed during the winter months.

Food: Insects, seed, fruit and bulbs.

Info: Robert’s Birds of Southern Africa

Mantis Ballet

I found the smallest little mantis I have ever seen and when I saw the pictures on the PC, I had to smile as it looked as if it was doing some kind of ballet. LOL!! I hope these pictures make you smile too!!

The first picture is there to give you some indication of size. I had to take these all one-handed as it was crawling around on the other. :)

Test - Chameleon feeding

For more information and pictures: http://saphotographs.blogspot.com/2009/03/flap-necked-chameleon_10.html