Augrabies Flat Lizard (Platysaurus broadleyi)

Family Cordylidae




Some animals/insects are only found in one small
area and this lizard is one of them.


 They occupy a small area around Augrabies Falls
which is situated in the Northern part of SA, near the Namibia border. The male
reaches a length of about 15cm. The female looks very different to the male.

Natal Acraea (Acraea natalica) Female

Family Nymphalidae Heliconiinae


Found in the northern regions as well as the east coast from about East London northwards.

Isn't he just the cutest? (Mantis)

We have many kind of mantis here and this is a baby of the Giant Mantis which gets to be about 5 inches in body length. The tail end eventually straightens out when it gets its first wings. It is a very common species and feeds mainly off caterpillars.
All mantids have large heads and compound eyes.

The female lays her eggs in cocoons like this which is mainly attached to branches. The cocoon

Whitefaced Duck

Easily identified by white face.

Found from Swaziland and central regions and northwards.


Have a distinctive whistling call.


Habitat: All inland waters.


Eat seeds, grain, buds, tubers.



Info: Robert’s Birds of Southern Africa

Garden Orb Web Spider (Argiope lobota)

Family Araneidae Argiopinae


 I found this spider in Kruger National Park in the beginning of the year. It is the first time it is recorded as see there.

Cape Fox

One of the most wonderful
experiences I have had in a long time was seeing these in the wild for the
first time. What beautiful animals they are!! We were sitting around the camp
fire when this one paid us a visit. Pictures were taken in Kgalagadi by Roberta
as I did not have my camera with me at the time and she kindly sent these to me.
Thanks Roberta. Hope to see you again soon.


 These are

Diverse White (Appias epaphia contracta)

Family Pieridae Pierinae


 About 4-5cm wingspan.


 Found in the eastern regions and as far south as the Eastern Cape.



Info: Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa (Steve Woodhall)

Salt pans - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

 



Natural salt pans are found in desert or semi-desert
areas and on the way to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, I passed this one.



Pans are found where water has evaporated and the
minerals are left exposed to the sun.







They have developed over thousands of years and
especially when flying over the region, the white gleam stretching for many
miles can be easily seen.