WhatSpeciesConnect with Nature
Lace Monitor
Varanus varius
Not as long and fat as they come sometimes, I assumed this individual to be a youngster (about a metre in length). Camouflaged itself rather well in the tree - I was interested in the bulge on the branch itself...read more
Observer 2 years ago
Mayfly
Ephemeroptera
Spotted this mayfly on the bark of a Canadian oak tree in my garden. I am not confident enough to identify this one beyond order level though - it had no particular distinguishing features in my opinion... About 2.5cm in...read more
Observer 2 years ago
Golden Everlasting
Xerochrysum bracteatum
One of many such flowers noticed in the National Park, scattered distribution.
Observer 3 years ago
Common: Golden Everlasting
Scientific: Xerochrysum bracteatum
Notes: Previously known as Bracteantha bracteata. References to its even earlier name of Helichrysum bracteatum may still be found in many publications.
Boletus
Boletus sp.
A large mushroom, of about 12cm height, growing nearby others of its kind (2-3 metres from each other).
Observer 3 years ago
Lizzie, please ignore my previous comment - I have edited the observation to include the other photo I mentioned.
Thank you Lizzie! I do have a photo with some underside of another that was growing nearby, but I do not seem to be able to post it here in the comment... I may need to create a separate record?
Very difficult to identify mushrooms without a picture of the undersides and in the case of this genus the stalk features are also important. This is from the Boletus genus, but that is as far as I will go.
Lunate Ladybird
Cheilomenes lunata
Growing a vegetable garden inevitably leads to hundreds of aphids, but if you’re lucky, those aphids can attract plenty of ladybirds too…
Observer 5 years ago
Common: Lunate Ladybird
Scientific: Cheilomenes lunata
Long Spinnered Bark Spider
Hersilia sp.
A pregnant female I discovered while looking for various insects on tree bark in my garden.
Observer 5 years ago
What a lovely find Liza! Thank you for sharing. :-)
Cabbage looper
Trichoplusia ni
A pretty green caterpillar displaying perfect camouflage in my vegetable garden (a paradise for this species).
Observer 5 years ago
Common garden snail
Cornu aspersum
A one-eyed snail that I spotted roaming about my garden... quite a sad occurrence, but that's just a part of nature.
Observer 5 years ago
Robber fly
ASILIDAE
Helped this one out of my swimming pool, and asked for a few photos in return. Any suggestions for exact species are welcome.
Observer 5 years ago
Beautiful little fellow. I am not sure of precise species. Thank you for saving it and sharing! :-)
Jade Plant
Crassula ovata
A young Jade plant making it’s way through the rockery in my garden… can’t wait to see it mature!
Observer 5 years ago
Thank you for sharing Liza. I am always intrigued by plants that spring from rock. Be sure to post more pictures when it starts blooming! We are looking forward to it.
Mirabelle plum
Prunus domestica
One of my favourite times of the year is when this tree goes into full bloom... magic, that unfortunately lasts only two weeks. While I'm at it, there is also a little bug on one of the flowers, but I...read more
Observer 5 years ago
Carpenter bee
Xylocopa caffra
I think this is a female “Xylocopa caffra”, of which there are always plenty roaming around my garden (and, of course, chipping at my roof planks).
Observer 5 years ago
Spotted Joker
Byblia ilithyia
Haven’t had many of those over the past few years, unfortunately.
Observer 5 years ago
Thank you very much! I think you're right about the identification... I'm not entirely familiar with South African butterfly species, and think this is a great platform on which to expand my knowledge. :)
Beautiful butterfly Liza. Thank you for sharing. I think however it is a Spotted Joker. If you click on the image to view in more detail, you will see the dark line on the body which is similar to B. ilithyia. Also the wing patterns are similar. Have a look at the Suggested ID and update the ID if you agree.
Common: Spotted Joker
Scientific: Byblia ilithyia
Yellow Pansy butterfly
Junonia hierta cebrene
Another gem out of my garden, this time a striking male Yellow Pansy butterfly.
Observer 5 years ago
Stunner! :-)
Blackening Wax Cap
Hygrocybe nigrescens
Quite a number of these unusual mushrooms sprung up after a good thunderstorm... they disappeared after a few days, never to be seen again.
Observer 5 years ago
Thank you for the confirmation Lizzie.
Blackening Wax Cap / Blackening Wax Gill, both common names are used, "Wax Cap" more popular.
Thanks! I don't know why my location is not coming through with my photos, but I live in Northern Johannesburg region.
Lacewing
CHRYSOPIDAE
I have many of these delightful insects around my house, particularly in the kitchen. Sometimes, I give them a bit of sugary water for food.
Observer 5 years ago
I love lacewings. There wings are so intricate. Thank you for sharing Liza!
Rainbow lorikeet
Trichoglossus haematodus
A pretty fella with an awful temper. 🙂 One of many at Montecasino Bird Gardens, Johannesburg…
Observer 5 years ago
