Cypress aphid

Cinara cupressi

Cypress aphid is a blackish-brown, sap-sucking insect that infests the stems of some hedging conifers. It is on the list of the world's 100 most invasive species. It is reported to cause significant damage and to have been recently introduced to parts of Europe, Africa, South Americaandthe Middle East. It is commonly seen in colonies along the twigs of infested trees.


Marron

Cherax tenuimanus

Marron are large, freshwater crayfish which can grow to more than 380mm in length. They are one of the largest freshwater crayfish species in the world, with specimens having been recorded in excess of 2kg. They have tufts of hair-like bristles on their carapace and other body surfaces.


Common snapping turtle

Chelydra serpentina

The common snapping turtle is a large freshwater turtle. Adult snapping turtles are large, 20-37cm in carapace length, and males are larger than females. They are omnivorous. In early spring, when limited aquatic vegetation exists in lakes and ponds, they may primarily eat animal matter, however, when aquatic vegetation becomes abundant, they become more herbivorous.


European greenfinch

Carduelis chloris

The European greenfinch is a smallpasserinebird. It uses its powerful beak to break open seeds, which it feeds on throughout the year. In winter, it may form groups with other finches and buntings, and as natural seed stocks dwindle at this time of year, it increasingly relies on artificial food sources, such as bird tables. It nests in small colonies in trees and bushes, and only defends a very small area around its nest.


Sweet potato whitefly

Bemisia tabaci

The sweet potato whitefly is a destructive pest of cotton and vegetable crops. It feeds on the leaves of an estimated 600 plant species, including many field and protected agricultural crops and ornamental plants.


Green basilisk

Basiliscus plumifrons

Green basilisks are semi-arboreal lizards found in Central America. They prefer to live near bodies of water and are excellent swimmers. They like spots shaded by trees and bushes, hidden from view. They eat mainly insects, such as crickets andgrasshoppers, but also mice, snails andfish.


Pacific barnacle

Balanus glandula

The Pacific barnacle is an acorn barnacle, occurring in the high-mid intertidal zone of rocky coastlines. Here it can be one of the most abundant solitary animals, reaching densities of more than 70 000 individuals per square metre.


Asian fruit fly

Bactrocera invadens

Asian fruit fly is the world's worst destructive pest of fruit and vegetables. Of major concern is the increase in trade and tourism as this increases the risk of infested fruit being carried across South African borders. It is an offence to import plants and plant material into South Africa without authorisation. Luggage is frequently scanned or sniffed by sniffer dogs to detect fruit and other plant products.


Softshell terrapin

Apalone spinifera

The softshell terrapin is an aquatic species that inhabits almost any type of permanent waterbody, including fast-flowing, large rivers, lakes, reservoirs, small, marshy creeks, farm ponds and desert springs. It is mainlycarnivorous, feeding oncrustaceanssuch as crayfish, as well as insects, small fish, worms, molluscs, tadpoles and frogs. It occasionally eats some plant material, although possibly by accident.


Crazy ant

Anoplolepis gracilipes

The crazy ant is among the 100 most pervasive and destructive invasive species in the world. It is called 'crazy' because of its erratic movements when disturbed. It is a relatively large, yellow to orange ant with long legs, large eyes and extremely long antennal scapes