This small section thus proposes only an outline of forms as strange as wonderful met in Madagascar.
It is always useful to look below the stones and rotten logs (paying attention as well to scorpions and scolopandres), looking carefully in the leaves and stems, especially to look mimetic insects. Stick insects are confused with twigs and moss.
In the rainforests of the East, we can mention the presence of centipedes and millipedes, which are very colourful (yellow, red), character indicating that these invertebrates are toxic to potential predators. Scorpions are among the few dangerous to humans (rarely fatal) animals. They are active mainly at night while the day, they remain hidden under rocks and in crevices in the ground. The most common species belong to the genus Grosphus.
Madagascar possesses approximately 4000 species of nocturnal butterflies and 300 diurnal species.
On the other hand moths arrived in Madagascar by diffusion from the African and Asian masses.
By walking in rain forests, it is possible (not to say frequent) to be disturbed by leeches. They are small and do not live directly in the water, but take advantage of the very high humidity, by hanging on tree leaves. They wait for a warm-blooded victim. Even if their bite is unpleasant, there is no risk for the man.
To protect itself, it is necessary to be equipped with boots or well closed shoes. When a leech fed, she can reach four times her normal size. In mangrove swamps, it is frequent to observe it.
To protect itself, it is necessary to be equipped with boots or well closed shoes. When a leech fed, she can reach four times her normal size. In mangrove swamps, it is frequent to observe it.
