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I'll start with the first question:
These ants are often seen in the northern part of Kruger, although distributed throughout Africa. They move as a unit when food sources dwindle, sometimes up to 20 million ants at one time!
What is their common name in South Africa, and why did they get this name?

You often come across these ants when on a sunset drive. They are amazing to watch, as they display co-ordinated discipline and role-knowledge second to none.
Their name begins with an African tribe description.

went once on a night drive in punda maria and the guide stopped the truck so quickly we could have fallen off. but he showed us that he did not want to drive over a river of ants (he called it that). anyway I remember it as matabille ants (is that right spelling)

Ahhh, Leaping Leopard is brand new and is making the first effort to answer on this quiz! Well done Sir / Madam!

Yes, you are entirely correct, LL: Matabele Ants it is!

But now, what about the second part of the question: how did they get their name?

I'm not sure but I think they were named after the matabele warriors who swept through southern and central Africa in the 1850's wiping out whole villages. They also have set patterns for their raids with large soldier ants on the flanks of their column. They make sound stridulations as they march, similar to the matabele warriors?

Well Done Skillie! Exactly correct!

Since LeapingLeopard got the first part, and you the second, the first one of you two to post is IT!

OK, here goes
A 'sporting' insect?????

A cricket!?

A very good choice Anthony but not the one I am thinking of.

This one is of the Megachale species and has inconvenienced greatly the soccer fans in Mopani.
In the 1980's they also appeard in Shingwedzi camp and near Red Rocks. Apparently they are fairly uncommon.

Ahhh... the Soil-nesting bee! They took over the soccer field at Mopani for something like 2 weeks and used it as their nesting ground!

WOW! You guys are on a roll! Great question and answer. I haven't a clue, truly, so will wait for the answer with intrepidation!

Excellent! Well done. Apparently all soccer was at a standstill until the bees had completed their cycle. What one does for nature!! Great Alan , You are it!


It was interesting that the green stink bug, pieodorus purus, took the limelight off the bees by their phenomenal plague over Mooiplaas, the poor staff!

Anthony, YOU'RE IT!

Hi Anthony; until you get back, I'm going to keep the quiz moving ...

Examples of insect-eating is found in many different cultures throughout the world. Insect-eating is especially important in northern South Africa. Name 5 insects that are regularly eaten by people living there.