Bugs and creepy crawlers usually have a bad rep all over the world. People don’t like them because they’re weird looking, have more legs on them than they need and some bite and sting like it’s nobody’s business.
But there are people out there to whom insects and various other creepy crawlers are pretty! For them and those who don’t really like them, BookAllSafaris.com presents 10 stunningly beautiful African creepy crawlers that are will win over your heart.
Original post can be found at: https://www.bookallsafaris.com/news/african-crawlers
10. Devil’s Flower Mantis
Binominal name: Idolomantis diabolica
Habitat: Central and East Africa
This stunning creature is one of the largest species of praying mantis in the world. Its most fantastic feature is its capability of mimicking flowers. Because of this, they’re quite hard to spot in the wild. If you really like this creepy crawler, know that it can be kept as pet!
9. Plain Tiger Caterpillar
Binominal name: Danaus chrysippus
Habitat: Throughout Africa
The plain tiger caterpillar is best known for transforming into the majestic monarch butterfly. But one look at this beautifully colored caterpillar can show that even caterpillars can be impressive.
8. Giant African Fruit Beetle
Binominal name: Chelorrhina Polyphemus
Habitat: Dense tropical African forests
The giant African fruit beetle isn’t as giant as the name suggests. Actually, an adult female can measure up to 2.1 inches (55 mm) and the male can reach 3.1 inches (80 mm), which for a bug is impressive. As you can see, it easily blends in its habitat, so keep an eye out when you’re on your tropical African safari.
7. Flower Chafer
Binominal name: Smaragdesthes africana
Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa
Few beetles are as cute and stunning as the flower beetle. This bug is so popular that people are actually keeping them as “pets”. They feed on fruits and seem to thrive pretty much all around the sub-Saharan region of Africa.
6. Wasp Spider
Binominal name: Argiope bruennichi
Habitat: North Africa
The wasp spider may look a lot like a wasp, but its bite is not at all threatening to people. In some areas of Africa, the venom from this spider is actually used as medicine. Feast your eyes of this little guy if you happen to see it on your safari, but don’t touch it!
5. Rainbow Milkweed Locust
Image source: Victoria Rivas’ Flikr
Binominal name: Phymateus viridipes
Habitat: Southern, Central and East Africa
This may be one of the most beautiful locusts ever to grace the face of the Earth, but it is poisonous to animals who eat it. Because it feeds on the milkweed plant (which is highly poisonous) and other toxic plants, the locust has also become poisonous. The bright colors are saying just that: stay away, I’m deadly!
4. Rainbow Shield Bug
Binominal name: Calidea dregii
Habitat: South Africa
Can you believe that this stunning bug is considered a pest in Africa?! The bugs feed on Jathropha plants, which are used to produce biofuel. Well, alternative fuel is indeed a priority, but this cute piece of rainbow bug needs to also life its life!
3. Smurf Bug
Binominal name: Eupholus bennetti
Habitat: Rainforests of Papua New Guinea
Smurf madness seems to have reached Africa! Actually, the bug has been a regular in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea. Named after famous naturalist George Bennet, the Eupholus benetti’s color is a strong warning to any predators, as the bug is very bitter to taste!
2. Spiny Orb Weaver
Binominal name: Gasteracantha cancriformis
Habitat: South Africa
No matter how much you hate spiders, I truly hope we can all agree that this is one cute spider. The spiny orb weaver comes in a variety of combinations of colors: red, black, yellow and white. Make sure you snap a photo of this tiny arachnid for the folks at home to admire!
1. Kirby’s Dropwing
Binominal name: Trithemis kirbyi
Habitat: Throughout Africa
This gorgeous dragonfly is present all throughout the African continent! You’ll be sure to spot it, regardless of your location, whether you’re on a desert adventure or a jungle safari, the Kirby’s dropwing will be at your service!
*unless stated otherwise, all photos are taken from Wikipedia
Keep your eyes peeled when you’re on your next African safari! Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet one of these 10 colorful creepy crawlers!
Beautiful blog post thank you for sharing