January 9, 2013

 Although this bug blended well with the bark of the tree, its face gave it away!

One of my very first posts to this blog on 27 March 2011 was of the same type of bug.

This one has more prominent 'horns' on its thorax

January 8, 2013

Today was a rather busy day and I did not venture outside at all. It was too hot anyway.

Much to my surprise, this little critter flew in and sat on the cord of the flash drive where I was working at my desk - it was probably trying to find a cooler spot to rest, but I prefer to think 

that nature came indoors to visit me today ;)

It patiently posed for a few photos while I fumbled with the settings and then took off, 

disappearing out the door.

January 7, 2013

These tiny little Caterpillars are eating the new leaves of the Tree Fuschia aka African Walnut tree, Weeping Boer Bean or Huilboerboon. A new sighting for me - they are only about 10mm in length!

(spot the heart cut-out in the first photo?? )

 Further examination showed these strange tiny packages shown below- attached to the uneaten ends of the leaves. Is it poop or is could it be a cocoon of sorts?

I tried to open one, but because it is so small, could not find anything significant in it.

The package is about the size of the Caterpillar's head. Judging by the size of the body, I somehow doubt that it is poop.  The first photo shows the Caterpillar blowing a bubble.

Could it be that it 'sucks' nutrition in the form of fluids and then deposits the remains in the form of a little roll on the leaf? I can not find any information on Google.