Apparently, I didn't warn people early enough in the Halloween post about the snake. So, to all arachnaphobes... there is a picture of a spider in this post. Read on only if you want to.
So, in addition to all the reptiles in the desert. We are learning about all kinds of creepy crawly critters. First, are the stink bugs. These are about 3 times the size of stink bugs we have in Virginia and they SPRAY. You can't shoo them or step on them or you will reek for ages. Although, they are good in a way, because they are "predatory" bugs. Meaning they eat other bugs. Regardless, I don't really enjoy them and wish they'd stay off of my front walk.
Next are the cockroaches. These guys are huge!!! We had one that was about 6cm (3in) long sitting outside the front door. I was just glad he wasn't inside. Now, these are about as big as Palmetto bugs in Florida, but they are really and truly cockroaches. Just GROSS!
The redback. Sounds very innocuous, but they are quite dangerous. Worse they are very common. In fact, I had to kill one in the garage this morning. Apparently, they really like build their webs under patio chairs and tables and playground equipment. We'll have to spray down our furniture and toys every morning to be sure we dislodge any new residents.
Of course, the most prevalent and annoying of the creepy crawlies are the ants. Big ones, small ones, black ones, red ones. They are everywhere! Jamie thinks its fun to put his hands down on top of their hills and let them climb all over his arms. Fortunately, he's just found the little ants. They bite, but it doesn't seem to bother him too much. I'm sure he'll be convinced to stop this, if he finds the bigger ants and the bites are a lot harder. So far, my telling him this isn't doing any good.
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Interesting. I wonder if you have black snakes and brown snakes. Both are poisonous. I faintly remember that there are garter snakes that are fierce but not poisonous. My favourite spider is the huntsman. They can leap out at their prey in any direction and like to climb on walls and ceilings. They appear to me to be harmless. At least I was never bothered by any of them while we were at Cassilis, Victoria at our homestead.
ReplyDeleteI hope you will be reporting on the birds. There should be some very pretty ones about. Maybe blue wrens for example.
Wow! I can deal with snakes, but the spiders would definitely unnerve me. Jamie and his 'pet' ants is quite interesting...maybe he'll change his tune f they get in his pants!
ReplyDeleteHave you heard the well-known song about the redback yet? If not, see http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/redback-on-the-toilet-seat-lyrics-famed-aussie-poem/ for the lyrics and
ReplyDeletehttp://www.themadmusicarchive.com/song_details.aspx?SongID=8629 for the tune.