Wilderness Exploration
Posted on 11th February 2008 by Graham
Wow, my first stint ever at solo occupying and wilderness exploration. I lived like a prince in what is arguably now New Zealand’s most famous alpine wetland. The post-anniversary weather was great and I had the yurt all to myself.
Over the course of my four days in the valley I encountered a veritable plethora of bizarre animals and plants. Several of which are perhaps new to New Zealand taxonomic science. Highlights included an abandoned golden spider hawk wasp nest, which was filled up with many brightly colored ord web spiders of species I have never before seen. These animals had been captured by the wasp, stung and paralyzed, and then injected with eggs… like living larders!
Myself and Jonah undertook a survey of some of the scree slopes surrounding the valley in search of the elusive Happy Valley Vagrant Spider (see photo in my previous entry). Though these animals were at the end of their lifecycle, we found numerous nests indicating that many hatchlings were produced in the early summer. Hopefully classification of this animal will be pending in the next few months.
I also encountered the largest parasitoid wasp I have ever seen. This beast was bright red, yellow, black and white and was perhaps 12cm long, with a 5cm long oviposter spike. Unfortunately I was unable to document this animal before it escaped.
As per usual, my return to civilization began with the discovery that my car engine was dead. Happy times ensued, alleviated by some helpful passers by… who were keen to assist the man labelled by New Zealand Herald as SHVC’s enthusistic and well-spoken science geek. Cars suck… support Walk the Walk!
