Caterpillars: Unusual guests arrive at the Mbuluzi Game Reserve

The Mbuluzi Game Reserve in Swaziland, which borders the Lumombo Mountains, the Mlawula Nature Reserve and Hlane Royal Park has had a visit from a few less noticed visitors!

The Mbuluzi Game Reserve in Swaziland, which borders the Lumombo Mountains, the Mlawula Nature Reserve and Hlane Royal Park has had a visit from a few less noticed visitors! Visitors who have been literally queuing to get in!

The Processionary Caterpillar is the name for a number of moth larvae that march in single file on the lookout for food. They follow a line of silk, which can be seen trailing behind the last caterpillar. Each individual follows the track laid down by the first critter, much like slot cars on a racing track. It is thought that this tactic has been evolved so as to appear to look like a larger single creature, thus deterring predators. The actual reason is still debated and may never be known, however they are a wonderful curiosity to be seen, and although they wonโ€™t quite it onto the top 5 wildlife list in the Mbuluzi Game Reserve, it will still make a great spectacle to share with friends. Lines of these caterpillars have been known to be seen marching in lines as much as 600 m long!

Before transforming into moths these caterpillars, who have followed each other most of their lives, create a nest together and pupate at the same time.

The Mbuluzi Game Reserveโ€™s Manager, Tal Fineberg is on the lookout for a discarded nest to display in the office, although he warns that the larvae should never be handled as the abundant hairs on their bodies can cause extreme irritation to the skin.

Also recently spotted is the Lebombo flat lizard, and as the name suggests this stunning reptile is unique to the area! Often found basking in the sun light, flicking a small pebble in the opposite direction is normally enough to get this beauty scampering around, looking for the โ€œpreyโ€ it saw moving!

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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