Pilansberg - Wild flowers - Part 8 Final

A lovely Two-spot Beetle crossing the road. He is about 4 inches in body length.

This little turtle was so small I could easily have closed him in my hand and he had such a happy, smiling face. :)

An Elegant Grasshopper having a meal on the flowers.

Odds and ends - Part 9

This bug was so small I could hardly see him on these Bouganvilla flowers.
A stinkbug in its developement stage.

Towards afternoon, the rain clouds came up thick and fast.

Caterpillars, soon to be moths, were all over these pretty daisies which they were feeding on.

Some bug lost his skin......

The smallest of crickets.

These gecko's only come out at night that is why their skin is so pale. This little fellow was crawling over my kitchen floor looking for bugs. I sure hope he got rid of a few mosquitoes for me.

Crowned Guineafolw settling in under a bush for the night.

Insect antennae

Antennae function almost exclusively in sensory perception. Some of the information that can be detected by insect antennae includes: motion and orientation, odor, sound, humidity, and a variety of chemical cues.
The antennae are an insects primary, non-visual, sense organs, though in a few rare instances they have become adapted for other purposes such as seizing prey items ( i.e. the larva of Chaoborus sp. {Diptera}) or holding females during mating (i.e. the males of Meloe sp. {Coleoptera}) Not all insects possess antennae, they are absent from the Protura.

In most insects the antennae possesses a mechanosensory organ on the pedicel (the second antennal segment) called 'Johnston's organ' and, normally, only the basal antennal segment contains intrinsic muscles. However in two orders (Diplura and Collembola) the antennae lack a 'Johnston's organ' and all but the last segment contains intrinsic muscles, thus allowing far greater controlled movement of the antennae as is demonstrated by the rolling and unrolling of the antennae observed in the Collembola Tomocerus longicornus.

Antennae come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, generally the first segment is known as the 'scape', second segment as the 'pedicel' and the rest as the flagellum. It is quite usual that the males of a species have more elaborate antennae than the females, this is because it is normally the males who have to find the females. The greater the surface area of the antennae the more dilute scents they can detect, thus male insects with feathery antennae, such as those seen in many moths, are far more sensitive than the purely filamentous ones of crickets and cockroaches.

The antennae are a pair of sense organs located near the front of an insect's head capsule. Although commonly called "feelers", the antennae are much more than just tactile receptors. They are usually covered with olfactory receptors that can detect odor molecules in the air (the sense of smell).

Many insects also use their antennae as humidity sensors, to detect changes in the concentration of water vapor. Mosquitoes detect sounds with their antennae, and many flies use theirs to gauge air speed while they are in flight.

A special "Thank you" to Johan Marais

I have taken the art of multi-tasking to a whole new level these past few months, although I will admit that sometimes I have made myself coffee and got back to the computer to find I have left it standing in the kitchen or found myself carrying the cup to my workstation and find I have forgotten to put the water in with the sugar and coffee powder. LOL!! Oh well, I never said I had multi-tasking perfected. LOL!! LOL!!

I am always meeting the most wonderful, helpful people and it was a pleasure to meet Johan Marais last week. He is the co-author of the book "A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa". When I contacted him and asked if he would help on the project identifying reptiles for the website, he confirmed that he would without any hesitation.

It is a fascinating book and a "must have" in any home, with beautiful pictures and full of excellent advice, descriptions and information on the species found here. To find out more about him and his book, please click on the book cover below.

Thank you Johan, you do not know how much I appreciate your help in this. Your book is fascinating to say the least. I have spent all my free time reading it and I have already learnt so much. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
Tree Agama (Acanthocercus atricollis) also know as the Blue-headed lizard for obvious reasons. They are found throughout SA and are very large, this specimen being about 12-13 inches in body length. Under threat, they are able to change their skin color.

Sungazer lizards (Cordylus giganteus) are very spiny and this specimen is about 12 inches in length. Their prey consists of beetles, millipedes, bugs, ants, grasshoppers and ants.

Female tortoises dig nesting burrows in which they lay from one to thirty eggs. Egg laying typically occurs at night, after which the mother tortoise covers her clutch with sand, soil, and organic material. The eggs are left unattended, and depending on the species, take from 60 to 120 days to incubate.

This is a Madagascan Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans)

The Yellow-throated Plated Lizard (Gerrhosaurus flavigularis). During the breeding season, the throat of the males becomes a bright orange in color. In some areas they are very common and this picture was taken in Pilansberg Game Reserve which I so often go to.

TheTropical House Gecko (Hemidactylus maboeia) is one of more than 1,130 found worldwide. This little one s tiny as you can see and I think it was playing dead in the hop I would let it go which I of course did. They are mostly nocturnal so it was unusual to find one during the day.

Hinged tortiouse are so called because of a well developed hinge between the 7th and 8th marginal scutes on the posterior half of the carapace. Egg laying takes place from November to April with clutches numbering 2-10 hard-shelled eggs.

This is a completely new one to me and Johan said it is a Cape Wolf Snake (Lycophidion capense) and no, we do not have wolves in SA but are named for their long teeth which have adapted for grasping prey. :) They are completely harmless though for someone like me who does not know snakes at all, I will not try to go near or pick up any of the species.

The Snouted Cobra (naja annulifera) is venomous as all in the species are. Females lay clutches of 8-33 eggs in early summer. They are found in the northern parts of SA.

Male Rainbow Skinks (Trachylepis margaritifer) are a copper brown in color while the famels have this wonderful blue tail. They are fairly common here and I see them almost all the places I travel to. At most, they are about 6 inches in length.

One very interesting pieces of information Johan has in his book is the following:

"Tails can be shed in response to physical grasping or stress of impending capture. Some species lose tails much more easily than others. A lizard will often return and eat its own tail if it has not been consumed by the predator. In this way, the lizard wins back some of the resources sacrificed in flight."

The Water Monitor (Varanus niloticus) is the largest of our species of lizards and I have seen them reach about 5 feet in length including the tail. They get their name from the fact that they are usually found near water and are excellent swimmers propelling themselves through the water with their tails.

Warmbaths - Part 6

Just 15 more days then the sun starts to come south again. What a WONDERFUL thought!!

Before I get to my normal post today I wanted to show you this funny picture someone sent me of a "horsefly". LOL!! Someone out there has a GREAT sense of humor. LOL!!
In the camping grounds where I was, there were some light on throughout the night and they would attract a lot of moths and the predators which ate them so I decided to get up at midnight and see what was going on out there. There were a few which appeared in my book so I have names for them like this Speckled Ermine Moth (Yponomeuta fumigata).

Streaked Ermine

The one in the next three pictures looks very uninteresting at first but its body has wonderful colors so I picked it up to get some photographs.

It also had the nicest eyes.

In the morning when I woke up a few of them had already died as some of them have a very short lifespan.

Medicinal herbs - part 1

PLEASE NOTE: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MUST ANYONE EVERY TAKE MEDICINAL HERBS OR ANYTHING ELSE OF THE KIND UNLESS THEY ARE COMPLETELY SURE OF THE PLANT AND THE ALLERGIES THEY MAY CAUSE. PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE DOING SO.

MINT
Properties and benefits of Mint

Because of its active compounds contained, mint has sedative, disinfectant and cicatrizing properties. It can be successfully used in gastro-intestinal disorders; it helps the liver and calms indigestion. It contains menthol, menthone, menthofuran, a-pinene, limonene, cardinene, acetic aldehide, isovaleriana, vitamin C and antibiotic substances.

Mint tea
To make tea, you must boil one mint spoon of leaves in 200ml of water. The tea must be drunk cold, three times a day. Mouth rinse is made out of 5g of mint oil dissolved in 95g of concentrate alcohol. This drink is refreshing, antiseptic and it can remove the unwanted smell or taste. Mint oil mixed with hot water is used to treat the flu, laryngitis and hoarseness. The product obtained from 5g of mint oil and 95g of alcohol can be used to treat rheumatic pains and itches.

Rheumatism can be treated also with mint baths, obtained by boiling 200g of leaves in 3 liters of water and mixing the result with water at 37 degrees Celsius.
Parsley
Proprieties and benefits of Parsley
Between 25-30 mg of parsley a day are enough to provide the daily dosage of vitamin C. It is important to mention that parsley contains more vitamin C than lemon, orange or any other fruit. It has abundant quantities of other vitamins and minerals such as: provitamine A, vitamine B, vitamine E, vitamine K, beta-carotene, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, sodium, potassium, sulfur and calcium. It acts like an antioxidant (eliminates toxins and maintains the elasticity of the blood vessels), it is a general stimulant, diuretic, antiseptic, antiinfectious, antirachitic and more. Apart from these, parsley is a great neutralizer of the negative effects brought about by smoking and dependence upon alcohol. Among other effects that it has: it straightens the body and immune system, has a beneficial effect over the liver, spleen, digestive and endocrine organs.

From a medicinal point of view, parsley behaves as an anticacerous herb (it helps protect the liver and intestines form cancer), antirheumatic, stimulant of digestion, of kidneys, eliminating toxins and kidney stones. It is important to bear in mind that parsley seeds have an outstanding aphrodisiac effect by stimulating the sexual glands. Moreover, they stimulate fertility and helps against dependency upon alcohol and against brain tumors.

Oregano
Oregano oil benefits include its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It's used to treat a variety of ailments from the flu to skin infections.Oregano oil is created through steam distillation of fresh oregano leaves. Its anti-bacterial and disinfectant properties were first recognized in ancient Greece, where the oil was used to treat skin infections and wounds. Its name originates from its preferred growing environment, high altitudes, and literally means “delight of the mountains.”

In addition to being a popular culinary herb, the oil made from oregano boasts numerous and varied health benefits. Its active ingredient, carvacol, is a natural compound that fights bacteria, fungus, parasites, and viruses. It's used both internally and topically to treat all manner of infections, and there is even an increasing amount of scientific evidence to prove it's effectiveness.

Sweet Basil

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)
The basil is a herbaceous annual culture plant, ramified from the ground, 20-60 cm tall with hairy stems, round-oval leaves and white or reddish flowers. The basil has been known since ancient times and is a holy plant in India, very much appreciated by Egyptians, too; bouquets of basil were found in the Egyptian pyramids.

An aromatic plant, the basil is used in the culinary art as a seasoning for diverse meat and sauce dishes. Traditional medicine uses basil as a remedy for chronic gastritis and stomach aches.
Pharmacological actions: sedative, diuretic, antiseptic.

Starting from the essential oil content of the basil, as related to the other active elements, basil is recommended in the treatment of gastro-intestinal and renal affections, bronchitis and fever.

The use of basil leaf tea is recommended in nervous system fatigue, insomnia and painful menstruation. To avoid the unpleasant effects of insect stings rub the wounded spot with fresh basil leaves or with the juice from fresh basil plants.

Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla)
also known as Lippia citriodora
The use of herbal remedies, including the herb lemon verbena, classified as Aloysia triphylla, are popular as an alternative to standard Western allopathic medicine for a variety of problems, including relieving digestive track spasms (colon), strengthening the nervous system as well as reducing fevers.

· strengthening the nervous system
· de-stressing
· anti-spasmodic
· expectorant
· helps with digestion
· easing colic
· feverish cold
· reducing fevers
· relieving spasms of digestive track (colon)

Rhubarb
Rhubarb can be used as a strong laxative, with the roots being used as a laxative for at least 5,000 years. Rhubarb has an astringent effect on the mucous membranes of the mouth and the nasal cavity.

The roots and stems are rich in anthraquinones, such as emodin and rhein. These substances are cathartic and laxative, which explains the sporadic use of rhubarb as a slimming agent.
Rhubarb roots are used in traditional Chinese medicine; rhubarb also appears in medieval Arabic and European prescriptions.

The rhizomes ('roots') contain stilbene compounds (including rhaponticin) which seem to lower blood glucose levels in diabetic mice.

Rosemary
Among the main properties of rosemary we can enumerate: analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antiviral, aphrodisiac, disinfectant. Its active elements have choleric, antiseptic, diuretic and tonic aspects at a nervous level, stimulating bile secretion and eliminating it in the intestines, destroying microorganisms, increasing the quantity of eliminated urine, improving the blood flow and refreshing and energizing the mind. Apart from this, scientific researches indicate that rosemary is an ideal memory stimulant for both adults and students. Rosemary contains a series of secondary elements such as carnosol and carnosic acid, with a reflecting action in case of free radicals. Rosemary also has calming effects by working against fatigue, sadness, anxiety, calming muscle soreness, digestive pains and also, indigestion caused by stress.

In aromatherapy it is appreciated for bringing youth, protection, love, optimism, vitality health and a restful sleep.

Coriander
Coriander fruits contain volatile oil, lipids, starch, pectins and mineral substances. In fact, coriander's flavor comes from the etheric oil contained in proportion of 1,5% - 2,0% . This oil contains linalool (60% - 80%), pinene, dipentene, etc. The fruits contain fatty acids like petroselinic acid, proteic substances, amino-acids, sitosterols, tocopherols, cumarins, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. The aromatic contained substance - coriandrol - is a very good adjuvant in the treatment of liver cancer. At the same time, coriander leaves represent a powerful source of vitamin A, C, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin K, folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. In small quantities it contains also niacin, vitamin B6, phosphor and zinc.

Furctus Coriandri, in other words coriander fruits are used as a stimulant for the gastrointestinal secretion, sedative and carminative. They ameliorate the abdominal pains, reduce digestive spasms and distend. Coriander is also known as a bactericide, fungicide and anthelmintic. It has also a good influence over the neural system and stimulates memory.

Art of disguise - Part 8

This tiny Katydid blends in so well even though he is a different color to the flower.

He is on the left of the flower and you can just see his antennae over the petal.