Africa Wild

mposthumus wrote: ↑Tue Dec 08, 2020 10:08 pm

ExFmem wrote: ↑Sun Feb 10, 2019 7:33 pm Our move to KK unveiled some of the common, but still beautiful, animals along the way.


More visitors after dark

Richprins wrote: ↑Fri Dec 11, 2020 6:54 pm Small beetle, 1.5cm?

Nelspruit


q.jpg

ExFmem wrote: ↑Fri Dec 11, 2020 10:19 pm Looks good to me (she said without any scientific evidence) . I'll write it up and see if I have more pictures as well.

ExFmem wrote: ↑Sun Jan 26, 2014 7:38 pm Bark Mantid Tarachodes sp.
Family Tarachodidae. Subfamily Tarachodinae. Tribe Tarachodini

There are 9 similar looking species found in South Africa.


Attracted to the outdoor light at KTC in KTP in Nov. 2013


Habitat
Usually on tree trunks in the warmer parts of the region. Range extends to Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Biology
Tarachodes sp. move about on the trunks of trees in search of caterpillars and other prey. Several African species show maternal care, with females guarding the egg case for up to 70 days until the nymphs hatch.

Body structure
Their head is triangular and extraordinarily mobile with large compound eyes set very high on the upper corners and three simple eyes called ocelli on top of the head (between the compound eyes).



Behavior
Most mantids sit quietly and wait for prey to come within reach, but a few species actually chase down their victims. After feeding, they always spend a great deal of time grooming. They use their forelegs to wipe their eyes, heads, and antennae.