First we had the ‘Recluse brun’ (brown recluse spider, fiddleback, or also known as the violin spider due to its shape and markings) spotted last year in the Gard and Herault departments, now it’s the ‘veuve noire’ or Black Widow, also known as the Mediterranean or European Black Widow!
It’s a balmy evening. The barbecue is lit, wine poured. Glass in one hand, fly swat in the other, you’re coated in Deet, surrounded by citronella candles; eyes peeled and ears pricked for attackers. The garden’s bad enough, but what about tomorrrow’s walk in the country? How to tell friend from foe, underfoot and in the air?
In our glorious Mediterranean waters you’ll never swim alone. From rainbow wrasse and damselfish to octopuses and sea cucumbers, there’s plenty going on beneath the waves – if you look.
You’ve lit the barbecue & poured the wine… or you’re bathing in the lovely warm sea… It’s a perfect summer’s day & your mood is mellow … until uninvited guests spoil your fun.
The mosquito, (‘little fly’ in Spanish) has been around for more than 30 million years.
What’s that bird? Pointers to help sort buzzards from the harriers and eagles that breed in the P-O.
Along the coast between Canet en Roussillon and Saint Cyprien, you will find the best walking, and picturesque fishermen’s “village” with ancient huts that have been refurbished with traditional materials, including reeds that are abundant here.
Most spiders are pretty harmless to humans. In fact, only four are known to be dangerous, one of these being ’la recluse brune’ (brown recluse spider, or fiddleback, also known as the violin spider due to its shape and markings.
If you’ve had the misfortune to accidentally step on a sea urchin (oursin), you will be very aware how painful it can be.
Nature quiz
