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Gasteracantha Versicolor
''Gasteracantha versicolor'', known as the long-winged kite spider, is a species of diurnal spiny orb-weaver of the family Araneidae. It is found in the tropics and sub-tropics, where it occurs in forests. It has an extensive range, from central, east and southern Africa to Madagascar. The female is 8 to 10 mm long, with a large, glossy and brightly coloured abdomen, like others of their genus. The hardened (sclerotised) abdomen projects over the cephalothorax and has six peripheral spines, with the lateral pair medium to long and slightly recurved in this species. Males are much smaller, less colourful and lack the thorny abdominal projections. The web has densely spaced radii and an open hub, and may be placed from near ground level to several meters up. Their venom is not known to be dangerous to man. Races * ''G. v. avaratrae'' Emerit, 1974 – Madagascar * ''G. v. formosa'' Vinson, 1863 – Madagascar * ''G. v. versicolor'' (Walckenaer, 1841) – mainland Africa Ref ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Burman Bush
Burman Bush is a nature reserve in Morningside, Durban, situated some 8 km north of the CBD. At about 50 hectares it constitutes a small circular enclave of coastal forest which forms part of the Durban Municipal Open Space System (D'MOSS). It is the northern remnant of a forest that once covered much of the Berea ridge. The reserve's elevation varies from 19 to 133 m a.s.l. Trails It contains three walking trails, the Pithi (500 m), Hadedah (1 km) and Forest olive (2 km) walks, that wind through the forest and allow visitors to see the various flora and fauna. A viewing platform at the outer walk's northern extremity allows sweeping views of the Umgeni River, from Connaught bridge to the Blue lagoon. Fauna and flora Reclusive species constitute much of the fauna. The reserve has Durban's largest population of blue duiker, besides grey duiker, banded and slender mongoose, porcupines and troops of vervet monkeys. Its birdlife, most evident during the early ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |