Common Diadem (Hypolimnas misippus)

Common Diadem (Hypolimnas misippus) family Nymphalidae

They are also known as Eggflies and found in Africa, Asia and Australia.

These butterflies are large and the males are easily recognized by their large white spots fringed with blue.

The females are almost plain orange as seen in the picture and tend to mimic the African Monarch.

Their distribution in South Africa covers mostly the warmer north eastern part where they prefer open grassland and gardens where they feed on the nectar of flowers.

Agama Lizard and cricket drama

Outside watering the garden, I noticed this Agama lizard climb onto the wall and it had what looked like some kind of meal in its mouth.

At first I could not identify it as I had never seen one with those red X markings before and only later on discovered that it was a female Southern Tree Agama and due to stress, the usual dull black markings had turned red.

Needless to say, I dashed inside to get my camera and an interesting drama unfolded. It is at times like this that I would love to have a video camera to capture it all.

What she had in her mouth was a large King Cricket (Parktown Prawn), a type of cricket and seemed to have considerable trouble swallowing it.

Was it too big? She made several attempts but could not get it down.

Then I saw what the problem was ...... the cricket had clamped it jaws on the Agama’s tongue and would not let go!! She made several vigorous attempt of trying to shake it off but to no avail.

The lizard started crawling up the wall with the cricket still firmly in place and I could only assume that it may have been trying to get to the opening above where I suspect it might live.

By this time I was feeling so sorry for the poor lizard and wondered if it was as painful for her as it would have been for a human?

Considering the kind of insects they eat, I would think that they would be used to some of them either stinging and/or biting them so are they immune to it?

Getting to the top, she once again shook her head in an attempt to dislodge it.

Freedom at last!! It seemed as if she was looking down to see where it had landed. I think that the cricket died at this point and that had loosened its grip on her tongue.

She crawled up into her space and rested after her ordeal which had taken about 20 minutes to unfold.

I found the cricket in the grass at the bottom of the wall.

What jaws it has!! No wonder it managed to hold on like it did!! Of course, it no sooner landed there and the ants were all over it taking advantage of the free meal the lizard had provided.

Two-spotted Ground Beetle (Anthia burchellii )

I have now found three species of Two-spotted Ground beetles here, the latest is Anthia burchellii.

One has to look closely on finding them as they can easily be confused so I am posting pictures of all three here to see if you can spot the difference.

They are usually found foraging alone and all three species occur in the same areas.

They are large beetles, over 3cm (1.5”) in body length with mandibles which are scary to see so close up.

The other two species are: Anthia thoracica (above) and Thermophilum homoplatum (below)

They eat live insects and can be found both at night and during the day hunting for prey.

Poison Apple (Solanum panduriforme)

Poison Apple (Solanum panduriforme)  family Solanaceae

The fruit is about 20mm (1”) in diameter and when ripe, is orange/yellow in color and in both stages, poisonous.

This plant has an extensive root system from which new plants sprout and is found mainly in grassland areas.

Both roots and fruit are used in traditional medicine.

Bees release pollen by rapid vibration as they hang from the sacks.

A small perennial shrub growing to about 50cm (1 ½ Feet) in height.

Johan Marais discovers new species of gecko

It has been named after him and called Pachydactylus maraisi.

This small (about 8cm) Gecko was found in Namibia near Swakopmund on the north coast about 5 years ago and has a restricted distribution within the National Park.


It inhabits minute cracks in small dark boulders scattered in desert sand.


What a magnificent find!! Congratulations Johan!! You deserve to have it named after you!!

In reply to my question "How did you feel on making the discovery of a new species and having it named after you?


Johan replied:
"The practise of naming animals after people when describing new species was quite common many years back but in recent years most animals are named using previously suggested but disused names as these often have preference. Otherwise they are names after the area where they are found or a description of some attribute, e.g. striped (striata), spotted (punctatus), thick-toed (Pachydactylus), very large for the group (rex), etc. So to have a gecko named after me was a big surprise and a great honour. Very cool, to say the least. The description was done by the leading reptile scientist in the world, Prof. Aaron Bauer of Villa Nova University in Pennsylvania and in honour of my contribution to science and popular knowledge on reptiles."

What a gorgous, cute one too!!

It is through the hard work done by people like you that we are able to discover and learn about all these wonderful creatures who inhibit our planet. Thank you for your dedication and sharing your knowledge with us. Most people do not realize the tough conditions and sacrifices which field researchers have to go through in order to collect information and pictures of our critters. In most areas there are no bathroom facilities, shops or any other convenience around. The work is done in all kinds of weather, blazing hot or icy cold, yet in the end, it is well worth the effort to a few dedicated souls. Only those who are passionate, dedicated, enthusiastic and tenacious can do this kind of work.



Johan is a very well known herpetologist and travels throughout southern Africa recording the species of reptiles found here. Him and his books have been of tremendous help to me in identifying species as they are packed with wonderful pictures and information. They are available in all book stores or can be ordered through his website http://www.johanmarais.co.za/


For more information, go to: Herpetologist Johan Marais new book

Favorite pictures - Part 4

Hibiscus

 Hippo

 Rhino Beetle

 Aquarium

 Lions - Part 1       Lions - Part 2      White Lions

 Flap-necked Chameleon - Part 1         Part 2

 Some fun with a graphics program

 Montage

Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui)

The Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui) is cosmopolitan and found on every continent where they migrate vast distances.

In South Africa, they are found throughout the year and in all regions except the desert.

 They are rapid fliers and defend their areas.

 The females are not as colourful as they males.

It is a medium sized butterfly and its life cycle is about 3 weeks in length.

It lays a bright green oval egg and the caterpillar feed on a wide variety of vegetation including thistles, malva, nettles and sunflowers.

Favorite pictures - Part 3

This dragonfly was featured in my "Art of Disguise" series.

Dung Beetles

 African Goshawk

 Parrot

 Caracal

 One of the many fascinating caterpillars to be found but unfortunately few have names.

 Insect antennae

 True Leaf Katydid