Many previous visitors to Ubizane might have noticed numerous Circular
formations in the sand around the lodge and on the road from Zululand Safari
Lodge to Zululand Tree Lodge.
These circular formations are quite literally death traps in the insect
world, well for Ants at least.
The Larvae of the Antlion digs a pit in loose soil in spots where it
will have shelter from rain, and warmth from the sun. This funnel shaped crater
in the earth serves as deadly trap for ants or any other small creature passing
by.
The sides of the pits are prepared with fine sand or soil particles
which make it difficult for small creatures to escape, once they have fallen
inside.
With open jaws the Antlion waits patiently for a tasty snack to fall
into the pit and into his lingering jaws of the “Doodle Bug”. The Antlion Larvae is also referred to as the
“Doodle Bug” due to the strange drawings on the sand, which it makes during its
search of a place to make its pit.
No comments:
Post a Comment