As many of you know who read this blog, a lot of my time is spent watching the amazing interactions of insects on the ant-acacias. The other day I found this incredible wasp inspecting the swollen thorns. The long pointy-thing is her ovipositor (egg-laying device). With this she lays her eggs – inside the bodies … Read more
Hello – this morning I discovered a pair of mating hawkmoths sheltering on leaf in the garden. Just as I was photographing them, the female lifted the male, who is attached to her, into the air. As she flew clumsily (I guess he was rather heavy), I waited for them to land again so that … Read more
With the forest fires burning in different parts of Kenya and high winds blowing day and night, some unusual insects have been blown our way. This mantid arrived this evening and settled down near a light to feast on tiny moths and flies that were drawn there too!Thanks to everyone for the kinds comments! More … Read more
As I was working on a longer post about bees (which I can’t get to upload on the slow connection) I felt this little creature brushing against my leg. After slaking its thirst with a small amount of blood, it settled on the edge of my desk. I couldn’t help but admire its exquisite structure, … Read more
Hello – many greetings and sorry for not posting more often – have been really busy and have limited access to the internet here. The plains grow hotter and dustier everyday and we hope that it rains soon. A few evenings ago I found a lovely shrub, the Maerua flowering at the edge of the … Read more
Hello – As the rains approach East Africa, many insects are courting and mating. The most ardent lovers in the insect world are no doubt the ‘Love Bugs’ who spend hours and hours mating. They are actually flies in the family Bibionidae. This pair had picked Ngorongoro crater in Tanzania for their romantic getaway. The … Read more
This morning we were blessed with rain. Just before dawn the skies poured down on the plains. What a relief to wake to drops dripping from everything – leaves washed fresh and birds singing with renewed energy. As I waited by some flowers for a bee to appear, I felt something tickling the palm of … Read more
Have been watching flies coming and going from a flowering Rhus natalensis bush – you may think of them as just pesky insects, but take a closer look and you will see what marvelous forms they are…
Hello – was just in Tanzania where early rains have transformed parts of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro into lush green pastures and meadows of wildflowers. Here is just one of them – perhaps one of our loveliest flowers – and aptly, being pollinated by equally gorgeous butterflies…
THE BRAVEST ANIMAL By Dino J. Martins The heat shimmered over the dry plains. The mighty lion had just finished his drink by the waterhole. He lay back, stretching his massive paws and yawning. From a safe distance dozens of thirsty eyes watched the sweet, shimmering water. The other animals were all … Read more