Bugs of Malawi

Okay, so I don’t know much about insects. But I’m finding the ones I see here fascinating. If you know any names, let me know.

: Katydid, in the Grasshopper Family. I think this is the one called “Chiboli.” The US name of katydid is an onomatopoeic name based on the sound they make. In British English it’s called a “Bush Cricket.”

: Stinkbug family! The orange on this one’s back was a lot brighter in person.

: This is a millipede (“thousand-legger”). They are peaceful plant eaters and do not bite like centipedes do. This is the kind of info we need to know! Susan says: Some millipedes exude poisonous chemicals or gas for protection from their predators though the substances are usually harmless to humans. However, some people might have a skin reaction and usually the substance will discolor the skin. Best just to observe and not touch. I said they were plant eaters–more specifically they eat dead plants and organic matter.

: And it curls up when it gets scared. Susan says, “When they curl up…, they usually emit an odor that smells a bit like iodine–it’s a protective mechanism so that predators will find them icky.” So, don’t be surprised if you see a photo of us sniffing bugs!