Welcome to the final installment of the horrors of nature newsletters (for now). Since October is the month where people take great delight in spooks and ghouls, I thought it would be fun to feature some of nature’s more horrific and ghoulish members in each newsletter. I hope you’ve enjoyed it!
In 2017 Nolan and Mia took their first big adventure trip, destination South Africa. Through the magic of technology (thank you What’s App) they were able to stay in touch with all parental units while they traveled. This helps alleviate parental unit anxiety and provides a glimpse of some of the interesting things they see along their travels.
Here’s the first photo they sent, a couple of days after their arrival in Johannesburg.
My goodness that’s a large grasshopper.
Turn out it’s also highly toxic!
Just great - the first picture home is a creature that can kill!
This is a Koppie Foam Grasshopper (Dictyophorus spumans), and they grow to about 3” in length (I’ll wait while you check your ruler).
The foam referred to in the name is part of this insect’s defense system. They eat milkweed, which is toxic to humans and animals. The toxins collect in their bodies, and when threatened they exude poisonous foam that could kill any animal that eats it, including humans. Apparently it also smells horrible, which signals that everyone should just stay away!
This daring fellow decided to take the risk of touching a Koppie, thus giving you the opportunity to see how big they are.
Foam grasshoppers are really quite spectacular, as long as you don’t eat them. They vary in color schemes, including some pretty wild, almost neon shades. Shnazzy!
Photo by birdernaturalist - Koppie Foam Grasshopper (Dictyophorus spumans)
Foam grasshoppers are native to South Africa, so you’re not likely to run into one in your back yard. You’ll have to rely on intrepid travelers like Nolan and Mia to send home photos, or you can browse the many photos and videos on iNaturalist if you want to see more. You can also read this article for a bit of information on their toxic properties.
Speaking of Nolan and Mia, they are planning their next adventure to Chile and Argentina at the end of November. I will certainly share any dispatches of interest as they send them. In the meantime, check out Nolan’s new Instagram account: botanists_in_paradise. You’ll enjoy the amazing photos and learn something from every post.
I want to acknowledge a milestone today - this is the completion of two full years of That’s Gneiss! I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing the bits and bobs of life with you and look forward to more of it ahead. Please don’t be shy - hit reply and say hello. Also, if you know of somebody who would enjoy this weekly missive do forward this email and share with them.
Thank you for reading each week!
~Anne
Tidbits
Do not try this at home (also, words matter)
Remember Biosphere 2? It didn’t go very well.
Check out this botanical tapestry map of the earth (her other projects are worth a gander as well)
Bad Fruit - who thought beaded mold could be so lovely?
Find the best fall foliage near you!
Making: I’m in the final stretch of AInktober! I’m pretty proud of my Voidfish. I also spent a few minutes with my alcohol inks, finishing up a couple of pedals for Michael.
Recently eaten: We tried some new places this week! Friday night we hit the Anchor Pub for burgers, and they were just dandy. The place was quiet (perfect for two tired saps at the end of a long week), but the evening crowd was rolling in as we left. I can make some guesses as to what it’s like there later when things get hopping. Today we wanted a quick lunch, so headed to Twin Foxes. Probably not going to eat there again, but it might be a fun place to go for a drink now and then. I ordered the toasted ham and cheese sandwich, expecting a grilled cheese. NOPE. It was toasted bread with cold slices of ham and swiss cheese. The cook that brought it out was kind and switched the cheese out for pepper jack. The only cheddar they had on hand was grated, apparently… the beer was fine. Fortunately I went in with low expectations.
Reading: no change from last week. Still plugging away…
Video of the Week
They’re coming to get you, Barbara…
Run as quickly as you can!
Question of the Week
If you feel like answering the question (or to just say hello), hit reply to this email. Answers will be shared next week - always anonymous.
What is the scariest book or movie you’ve read or watched?
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Last week I asked what candy is your weakness.
I like exceptionally good chocolate. I can live without M & Ms or Snickers bars. See’s Candies are pretty darn good for a local option. Godiva is pretty good, too. My absolute favorites are Belgian chocolates, raspberry truffles in particular. I have been known to eat an entire kilo by myself in a single sitting.
Chocolate is my weakness. Plain, milk chocolate.
yes
Licorice is my downfall, so it's a good thing many types of licorice aren't suitable for vegetarians. I live in hope that someday a gelatine-free licorice allsorts will be invented, but then again I like having all my own teeth.
Peanut M&Ms
Lemon Jolly Ranchers
Anything dark chocolate and coconut
I’m a sucker for Reese’s, and anything with salted caramel.
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