A post about creepy crawlies for the nephews...

We took a brief pause during work yesterday to do some hunting around the hanger for interesting creatures. We went into an unused corner armed only with flashlights.

Duncan, our best spotter, located about 4 red back spiders.

I guess their bite is pretty painful, but since the introduction of an anti toxin over 50 years ago, there have not been any known deaths. Nevertheless, the standard policy here is to wear gloves when you are working anywhere that they might be hiding. (That pretty much means I should wear gloves whenever I am not working on my computer.)

Green Carab Beetle

These guys are everywhere. They are constantly prowling the hangar floor and occasionally climb somebody's pant legs. They are harmless, but a bit creepy. Oh, don't flick them at your coworkers. They are liable to emit a foul smelling substance on your coworker's backpack and make your coworker displeased with you. 

 Beetle:

Coworker in happier moment:

Other things:

grasshopper

Rose Breasted Cockatoo? (We haven't exactly identified this guy yet.)

Black Flies. They are everywhere. They don't bite, but they are really annoying. They seem to like eyes, mouth, nose and ears. And they keep pestering and pestering you.

Me being pestered: (see the ones flying around my face ready to pounce...)

And here I am with a fly net over my head. They are not a great fashion statement, but they are effective. Even wearing sun glasses makes a big difference. Anything that keeps them from crawling into your eyes.