Arthropods are animals that possess Jointed limbs and body parts and an external Skeleton.
Domino Ground Beetle (Anthia duodecimguttata) 50 Fils
The domino ground beetle is a common insect of desert scrub- land and gravel plains around the edges of sandy deserts and mountains. The striking design of white spots on a black background accounts for both the scientific and popular names of this beetle. It usually remains hidden underground by day, but leaves its hide at night to feed on other insects or carrion. During the cooler months of the year, especially after rain, it is also active during the daytime and mating takes place on these occasions. In the U.A.E. there are several dozen other ground beetles, similar in shape, but smaller and less distinctively marked than the domino beetle.
Oleander Hawkmoth (Daphnis nerii) 150 Fils
The oleander hawkmoth is the prettiest of the six species of hawkmoths that are commonly found in the UAE. All six are , large, powerful moths with wingspans of 6 to 12cms and all are migratory insects. They often appear m substantial numbers m the U.A.E. where breeding takes place after rain has fallen. The normal larval food plant of the oleander hawkmoth is wild or cultivated oleander, but additional plants such as periwinkle, grapevine, jasmine and in the U.A.E., the medicinal plantRhazya sricta, are also used. The caterpillar is either green or brown and is well camouflaged, but it will arch the front of its body to reveal a pair of blue and white eyespots which are intended to frighten would-be predators.
Grasshopper(Acorypha glaucopsis) 250 Fils
With about 40 species, grasshoppers make up one of the most interesting groups of insects in the U.A.E. although several are serious pests of agriculture. This robust grasshopper is not a pest, but feeds on the sparse vegetation of rocky hillsides, where it may occasionally be quite common. Like many other grasshoppers in the UA.E. Acorypha while at rest blends in perfectly with the rocky ground. This disguise when the insect takes flight. Potential predators, attracted by the flash of colour, are completely baffled when the insect lands and immediately resumes its camouflaged status.
Scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda) 350 Fils.
This species, characterised by its fat metastoma or tail, is one of the largest of the scorpions found in the U.A.E. It generally frequents sandy places. Like the scorpions, it is a nocturnal predator and leaves its burrow or shelter at night to search for grasshoppers and other invertebrate prey.Androctonus is also occasionally found in buildings and should be treated caution, as it is potentially one of the more dangerous species. The sting, is very painful and victims often require hospitalisaton, but fatalities are rare.
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