Folks I really need your help to identify this bug which I almost stood on today! I say almost, because when I spotted it just below my foot as I was about to go up some steps I nearly jumped 20′ in the air in terror. Now as you can imagine from my name, I’m not built for either speed or gymnastics moves. However, it never ceases to amaze me the incredible feats the human body will perform when pushed!
This insect is about 2½ inches-ish long from the tip of its antennae to its feet. The body is about 1 inch long and resembles a genetically modified wasp, but with no wings. You will have to trust me on the measurements or best “guestimates” because unlike my photo of the stag beetle I was not about to attempt placing a euro coin anywhere near it as a benchmark.
The shape of its legs and absence of wings is alarming as it probably jumps! I hate bugs that jump; they are so unpredictable!
Once I’d regained my composure Mr. Piglet was immediately despatched to get my camera. Luckily for me it has a zoom lens and motion control for shaky moments such as these. Even luckier was the fact the bug, who I have since named Harold, was not camera-shy nor in any apparent hurry to be elsewhere. That is, until hoping to scare Harold off, I grabbed the hose and doused him with water. Unimpressed, Harold crawled off to take refuge in some nearby rocks giving me a backward glance as he did so. Yikes, I am a marked woman!
I wonder if my mate Lenny the Lizard will eat him, I hope so!
He spotted me with the water hose and scuttled off into the rocks!
This weeks WordPress “Weekly Photo Challenge” is Tiny
I was removing the weeds around my Jade plant when I came nose to eyeball with this tiny yellow spider. No I did not scream; I’m not that much of a wimp, but I did go and grab my camera. Look at it’s eyes – awww it’s so cute!
I’ve just spent the last thirty minutes trying to identify my new friend, but without success. I am always interested to know whether a bug is likely to bite or sting me so I can take the appropriate action.
The Brown Recluse Spider looks harmless
Call me cautious but, the most innocuous looking spider I’ve seen in Portugal is the Brown Recluse Spider looks harmless and if you are bitten you MUST seek medical advice immediately.
Can anyone with a spider fettish identify my tiny yellow friend?
Are you taking part in the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge? This week’s theme is “Spring”
Caterpillar in Spring
When I lived in the UK, the arrival of spring was heralded with wonderful displays of golden daffodils. In Portugal we have so many beautiful flowers throughout the year that when I think of spring; insects not flowers come to mind. Even in January, when the temperatures dip to just above freezing at night, we still have colourful displays of Gazanias to brighten our winter days. Winter drifts into spring, but with different flowers, warmer weather, insects, reptiles and pesky mosquitos.
My frame of reference for spring in Portugal would have to be the awakening of all the insects, reptiles and mosquitos!
I discovered the above solitary black hairy caterpillar marching up my driveway as bold as brass. By the time I returned armed with the camera it was just disappearing in my bed of Gazanias, probably for a spot lunch. It looked like a caterpillar on a mission so who am I to deny it a few leaves and the right to live? Initially, I thought it may be a Billy-no-mates processionary caterpillar which had lost its way. However, on closer inspection when I enlarged the photograph, I think not. I have just made a quick Google search before making this post and at the moment I am none the wiser and Billy-no-mates still needs a name.
Can you help identify it please?
This spider made me scream - yep I'm a self-confessed wimp!
This spider made me scream when it walked across my finger as I removed the cover on one of my pots of newly planted seeds. Mr. Piglet was quickly dispatched to get my camera while the spider and I remained motionless as our neighbours peered fearfully over the fence.
Lenny the Lizard
Lenny the lizard appeared in our garden last year and has just returned after his winter vacation. I found him basking in the sunshine; studying us intently as we drank our morning coffee.
Today’s post is about the Red Palm Weevil as I wanted to bring to your attention to the devastating effect this little critter is having on the palms as it munches its way across the world.
This majestic palm is infested with Red Palm Weevil
The lack of action in containing the spread of this weevil by some authorities is inexcusable.
I was not aware of the Red Palm Weevil until I attended a talk at our local gardening club. At that point there was no sign of the Red Palm Weevil in our local area but just nine months later it arrived and infested palms are being left to die, untreated thereby allowing the weevils to move on to their next host unchecked.
What is the Red Palm Weevil?
Red Palm Weevil
The Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus Ferrugineus) is an orangey brown beetle, about 3cm long, attracted to palms – especially males of the Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis ). Originally of South East Asia the Red Palm Weevil was accidentally introduced to countries such as USA, Egypt, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy and France to name just a few. Due to the lack of control of the movement of the palms from infested areas, both internationally and nationally, it is now out of control.
Life Cycle
Cocoon and Pupa
The total life cycle takes about 7–12weeks. The adult female lays approximately two to three hundred eggs (like small grains of rice) on: new growth in the crown of the palm; at the base of young leaves; or in open lesions on the plant. The eggs hatch in two to five days into larva which then feed on the soft fibres and terminal buds. The larvae tunnel through the internal tissue of the tree for about a month until pupation when they then leave the tree and form a cocoon built of dry palm fibers in leaf litter at the base of the tree.
What are the signs of infection?
Crown of adult palm wilts and dies
Early detection of infestation of the Red Palm Weevil is difficult as the larvae that damage the palm live inside the stems and base of leaves. Unfortunately, symptoms of infestation, are not visible until it is serious.
Signs of infestation include: leaves of the adult palm crown wilt and die; holes in the leaf bases; chewed fibre at the base of stem or edge of leaves. Apparently, by the time these external symptoms are observed the damage is usually sufficient to kill the tree and if you place your ear against the palm you can hear the lavae munching away!
However, despite the research carried out so far, no safe techniques for early detection of the pest have been devised.
Protecting and treating palms
Contact Insecticides such as Confidor, Diazinon or Vetimec can be applied to the surface to combat eggs and pupae.
Systemic Insecticides such as Imidacloprid or Tiamatoxin is usually applied through a funnel about 5 cm above the infested area of the trunk so it absorbed into the palm tissue
Pheromone traps can also be attached to the palm to capture and kill the Weevil.
Prevention is better than cure – so one suggestion I discovered is to leave the lower fronds of your palms to die naturally before removing. Alternatively, only trim fronds approximately one meter from the base of the crown rather than close to the trunk as biff the palm is injured, because of freshly cut fronds, such as, this can attract the beetles by kairomone, a smell emitted from the tree’s wounds.
Professional advice should be sought for treatment or removal of the infested palm.
The palms most commonly affected are the Canary Palm Phoenix canariensis and the Date Palm Phoenix dactylifera . Weevils can also attack the Washingtonia although, not as common.
The title may sound a little dramatic even OTT, but in truth these cute and harmless-looking caterpillars pose a real danger to people and pets.
Since moving to Portugal I have developed an unexplained desire to learn more about the insects I find in our garden. I like, no NEED, to know are they friend or foe!
When we first arrived in Portugal we noticed our neighbour had several cocoon like nests in his pine trees. We were soon to discover they were home to hundreds of caterpillars which when they descended from the nest, marched nose-to-tail in a procession along our garden wall until they disappeared into the soft soil. We were told they were called Pine Processioanry Caterpillars but little did we know then, how dangerous they were!
The silken cocoon nest of the Processionary Caterpillar
Please read on and you will understand why coming into contact with pine processionary caterpillars may have such terrible consequences.
Where are they found?
Pine processionary caterpillars are found in Southern Europe, anywhere there are pine trees.
The caterpillars live in silken spun cocoon nests attached to branches in the pine tree. These cocoons can accommodate hundreds of
caterpillars which once developed will descend from the nest in late winter/early spring. On leaving the nest they proceed nose-to-tail (like a procession) as they go in search of soft soil in which to burrow and pupate, before changing into harmless moths.
So why are they so dangerous?
The adult caterpillar is approximately 3cm long and covered in tiny brittle barbed hairs which are constantly being shed.
Because their hairs are airborne they may inadvertently be ingested simply by picking the caterpillar up, stepping on it or attempting to move them out-of-the-way.
Symptoms and what to do
The hairs, when they come into contact with the skin, can cause severe skin irritations and if ingested possibly even cause Anaphylaxic shock. If you do come into contact with these caterpillars and you develop an itchy rash, seek medical advice. Treatment
Danger to humans is mainly if you are allergic and/or asthmatic and it is recommended that inhalers are always close to hand and always have antihistamines in stock (available in Chemists without a prescription). Itchy rashes and skin rashes are common if humans come into contact with the caterpillars. Take an antihistamine tablet i.e. Piriton, Claritin, Citizirine 10mg etc. immediately. Again, drink plenty of orange juice if you are affected and keep all windows and doors closed as much as possible if the trees are close by your home. Dogs and Cats
When dogs and cats get to close to the caterpillars they may pick up hairs in their paws which they then lick, and therefore ingest with potentially catastrophic consequences including death. The symptoms of ingestion may include swelling, vomiting and excessive drooling. Check for small white spots on the tongue and in the mouth. If dogs or cats eat these caterpillars the consequences can be fatal so if your pets come into contact with processionary caterpillars do seek veterinary advice immediately. Treatment
You need to contact your Vet urgently. I have been advised you can help by always having in stock Predisolene tablets – In Portugal these are called Lepicortinolo Prednisolona available from Chemists in Portugal without a prescription (cost for packet of 60 – 20mg strength approx. 7 euros) – these range in strength from 5mg to 20mg – an immediate tablet of 20mg is recommended followed by fresh orange juice syringed down your pets throat (or orange Vit C tablets squashed with water). Also give your pet an antihistamine tablet immediately.
The vet will give your pet an antibiotic and may put them on a saline drip depending on the severity. In some cases partial amputation of the tongue is the only course of action.
Processionary caterpillars march nose-to-tail
Finally a few useful tips
Do not attempt to remove the nests as hairs may be released which may then come into contact with the skin or even ingested.
Do not burn the nests as hairs may be released into the air.
Do not attempt to move a procession of caterpillars as this will spread their hairs.
Do not allow dogs and cats near the nests or caterpillar Curiosity killed the cat.
Do contact your local Camara (local council) to see what their policy is regarding removal of nests, especially if they are in an urbanisation
If you do not have any luck with your local Camara I have been advised the treatment to get rid of the caterpillars/moths is Pheramone traps, glue bands, insecticidal spray, etc which you can obtain from Biosani.
My thanks to Paws2Claws Pet Boarding who has shared much of the above information and the great pictures Have you seen these caterpillars?
Please share any information or actual personal experiences!
The beautiful insects featured below all live in my garden. We exist in parallel worlds in harmony just hoping our paths rarely cross (well I do)!! My garden is a haven for various insects where my plants and vegetables provide sustenance equal to a three-star Michelin restaurant!
I would love to identify them…please can anyone help?
7/11/2010 Val from Northern Portugal has kindly identified these.
Graphosoma Italicum or Shield Bug
I have seen several of these colourful beetles in my garden this year.
7/11/2010 Val from Northern Portugal has kindly identified this bug as a Graphosoma Italicum also known as a Shield Bug
Female Stag Beetle - larger than a Euro coin!
This beetle was huge! I just had to persuade it to walk over the euro coin while I took its photo to give some indication as to its size. Later I found it wriggling on its back, covered in ants, and unable to escape. I rescued it and set it on its way. Lucky beetle!
I was just about to pick some green beans when I unexpectedly disturbed Fred! I should think my scream could be heard across the other side of the Atlantic!
Can anyone help me identify these insects, please?
This is a pictorial guide to just some of the unusual insects, bugs and critters which inhabit my garden. I have not, as yet identified “what” they are or whether they are friend or foe – so if you can help – that would be great!
We live in harmony, each of us avoiding the other; but when our paths do cross unexpectedly – you could probably hear Piglet’s screams on Mars!!
Last weekend was extremely hot and with temperatures well over 35C in the shade and the “Ugly bug ball” was in full swing. These are just a selection of bugs who hung around for a photo shoot!
If you are squeamish please look away now.
What's my name?
I discovered this cute little brown bug when cutting back the courgette leaves. A very close encounter. I rushed off to find the camera.
“Say cheese – smile nicely!” Thank goodness for a zoom lense as I quickly discovered it jumps!
Wolf Spider lurking in the compost bag
I became to closely aquainted with this spider when I was rummaging in the compost bag. He was well camoflaged so was not spotted immediately. Thank God I was wearing gloves!! My scream even stopped the tourists in their tracks and there was a moment of complete silence!
He looks mean!
On the way back from my spider adventure and terrorising the tourists I spotted Lenny the Lizzard in the hedge peering down at the ground. I was just wondering what he was doing when I spotted “matey boy” who I was about to tread on. Needless to say I made a hasty retreat to grab the camera.
He was huge!
This bug was HUGE! Unfortunately, the photo does not even begin to give you an indication of size. I have not seen one of these before – perhaps, well I hope, he was just dropping by and has no plans to stay!
Please dont forget to pop in again and see my partners for the next dance…
Locust lurking in my Hibiscus plant
Hiding in my runner beans!
