Jeff Clarke Ecology

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Rock Nightmares

Rock Nightmares!

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All images unless otherwise stated © Jeff Clarke 2012


One of the fun things about turning over rocks is the frisson of uncertainty you get from never being 100% sure if the creature that resides below is capable of expressing its annoyance at having the roof lifted of its abode by indulging in a bout of physical retaliation. Even veterans of the pastime sometimes get a little jumpy when you uncover something with a potent bite, or sting.

Whilst Co-leading a wildife tour in Grazalema with Teresa Farino we managed to reveal some fearsome invertebrates capable of getting your instant respect and a degree of circumspection in your approach due to their impressive weaponry. Anyone who has ever turned over rocks in southern Spain will at some point uncover a Scorpion, in our case it was the notably venomous Buthus occitanus, often referred to as the Common Yellow Scorpion.

Rather more unnerving was the fast wriggling multi-legged Scolopendra cingulatus, or Megarian Banded Centipede. It's bite is powerful and potentially dangerous and you would certainly know about it, definitely something to get your spine tingling as it whips about in indignation.

However the star attraction was probably a mighty arachnid, Europe's largest spider as it happens, a black silky beauty with fangs to die for! The Gibraltar Funnel Web Macrothele calpeiana. The stuff of nightmares for arachnophobes. Confined to the southern reaches of Spain this is an absolute beast of a spider and this trip provided me with my first encounter with this seriously impressive invertebrate. A real highlight of the trip and worth turning over dozens of rocks to secure such a prize! Luckily these things stay hidden during the day and don't enter buildings, so you can sleep easily.

We will be announcing our 2013 tours in September 2012.

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