The Pine Emperor Moth (Nudaurelia cytherea) is one of the largest moths in Southern Africa, but it is the caterpillars that are especially impressive. Reaching some 10-12cm in length and almost 2cm in diameter, they are covered with a myriad of colourful spots that look like lights on a Christmas…
Tok-tok beetles are one of those insects that form part of childhood memories. They are commonly seen during the day, walking boldly along paths. Their broad, almost bulbous abdomen makes them easily recognisable. But it is when they stop and use that overweight rear end to tap the ground with…
An elephant-shrew is a perfect example of an oxymoron mammal name. The name fuses the largest living land mammal with one of the smallest to refer to a completely unrelated animal. The Cape Rock Elephant-Shrew, Elephantulus edwardii, is shrew-like in general appearance, but like all elephant-shrews, it has the exceptionally…
The southern Cape is remarkable for the number of rare and endemic frogs. Many of these frogs occur in the mountains and are poorly known. We recently discovered a small frog in a damp marshy area on the upper slopes of Phillipskop. It has been identified as the Montane Marsh…
Cape Wagtails (Motacilla capensis) are a common garden bird in South Africa. They are frequently seen bobbing along the lawns at Phillipskop in search of little insects. With its distinctive tireless wagging tail, there is no mistaking the Cape Wagtail regardless of its rather dull coloration. Other wagtails occur in…
Grasshoppers are generally known for their jumping ability. Anyone who has tried to catch one will know that this is an invaluable defence mechanism for getting away from predators. But what if you don’t need to get away from predators? The koppie foam grasshopper, Dictyophorus spumans, is such a creature…
