This page features some of the slippery creepy crawly things, that live in our country, some which bite and some that don't. I will talk about the 4 & 6 legged varieties but there are a lot of 2 legged ones around too.

This is a Freshwater Crocodile is slightly less dangerous than his cousin the Saltwater Croc but both should be given a very wide berth. The above reptile lives in the Far North of Australia in rivers, lakes and some billabongs, the 'Salty' lives in estuaries and does venture out into the ocean. Tourists and other of the uninformed or disbelievers are killed or attacked on a regular basis. When the signs say "NO SWIMMING" that's exactly what it means.

  This 'Taipan' is one of the worlds most poisonous snakes found mostly in tropical areas. He contains enough venom to kill approx. 300 sheep. His fangs are almost a centimetre long. If in doubt, run like hell.

This 'Red-Bellied Black' snake is also venomous but as yet no adult deaths have been recorded. The name given to him is quite evident by his underside colouring.

This 'King Brown' can grow to well in excess of 2 metres in length. He can give a very nasty bite and immediate medical attention should be sought. These snakes are fairly common. These are just a few of the many snakes here. Other critters like the "Frill Necked" lizard (below right) look ferocious when encountered but it is all bluff and show. They quite small in size and when disturbed they will run like the wind on just their back legs, its very comical to see.

Below is the ugly, horrible 'Cane Toad' with looks that only a mother could love. It was introduced into Queensland to combat the Sugar Cane Beetle which was threatening to wipe out the Sugar Cane crops. It has only been partly successful and is now in plague proportions and is eating anything that moves that he can get into his mouth. It has moved into NSW and the NT in just a few short years and no doubt will infest all of the mainland in due time.

Finally, one of my favourite pictures of the Frog deity is shown below.

In the the heat of high summer and in times of severe drought, frogs will use all kinds of ways to stay moist. This is a common sight in the country and around town also, the dripping tap and the wet surrounds helps this little guy keep his cool. Frogs know when the hot weather is imminent and and will dig down into the earth and dig a chamber to hibernate in. The frog then is covered by a membrane similar to plastic, and is only connected to the outside by 2 small tubes that go from his nose to the outside of the membrane. This enables him to retain his moisture for a very long time. When the drought breaks he breaks the sack and eats it, then emerges to the surface to eat and mate. Just another of natures wonders, I guess. 

                                       Well that about rounds up our creepy crawly section, I hope you enjoyed it.