The Little Things

Because I was able to walk around Thabo Tholo, it was a fantastic place to see and learn about the little animals that really can make the bush come alive!!

Beautiful: The African Monarch Butterfly

(Top Left) I have no idea what kind of spider this is, but I woke up to this little guy (about the size of a 50p) walking over my bare chest. (Top Middle) A huge rain spider, again found in my tent one morning; he just about fit into the palm of my hand. (Top Right) Brown Button Spider, the only one of the "medically relevant" spiders I saw while I was out here, for the first 6 weeks I was here she would make her nest every evening by one of our bathrooms, and after she had caught her meal would disband her web and retreat until the next evening. (Bottom Left) The TINY Kite Spider, about the size of a finger nail, these colourful little spiders make huge webs spanning roads, often getting caught up in our vehicle and joining us in the front. (Bottom Middle) The stunning Golden Orb Weaver; the female (Left) is many times bigger than the male (Right), and if he isn't careful will eat him after they mate, so he will normally wait until she is feeding before attempting to mate!! They get their name from the golden tinge to their webs, which can be huge and incredibly strong!! (Bottom Right) I found this awesome little Velvet Spider in a dead tree I was dismantling in camp. Their name is very appropriate because they honestly look like they are made of velvet. 

Cleaners: Without dung beetles, the bush would be a very different, much smellier place!! They play a crucial role in cleaning up the bush, and it's always important when driving around the reserve to try and avoid dung piles so you don't run over these little guys. Some species roll balls which they will then lay a larvae in and burrow to try and give it protection while it develops...

...however, Honey Badgers (Left) are particularly fond of these little pre-packed meals. We found the remains of one on one of Friday walks up in the mountains.