Millipedes.

Our shower is of simple construction. It consists of a spout and nozzle fastened to a concrete walled cubicle with a door. A quick turn of the nozzle and lukewarm water sprinkles out, washing the day’s dirt away.

It’s nice --especially compared to the alternative (aka: the bucket bath).

One of the fun parts about showering here is you never know who’s going to be showering with you. Some days it’s the flying termites. Other days it’s the frogs.

Yesterday it happened to be a 7 inch millipede!

I washed the soap from my eyes, turned around... then jumped! I had almost stepped on him.

I confess he startled me, but not much more. Frankly, I’m confused when someone expresses a fear of the mini legg-ed beast.

He doesn’t move fast. He doesn’t bite. In fact, other than curl up in a ball when prodded, I have had little luck getting him to do anything noteworthy.

Let’s face it, he’s a boring bug.

So why write a post about him? Why, indeed!

I think it has to do with the fact, that I came across a fancy yellow stripped one the other day. His features were more exotic than his chocolate-brown brothers, so I took a picture.

He looks pretty good, doesn’t he? I wonder what he’d taste like?

Katydid.

Can you spot him? He's hiding very well....

He looked wildly out of place in our observation room. His bright Spring-green wings positively shimmered in the dim light and caught my eye. He was beautiful.

So after checking on my patient, I reached up on the pole used to keep the mosquito nets in place and cupped him in my hands. This made the women in the room titter in nervous laughter; but I’m used to that.

Fighting and flaying he tried to get away but his exoskeleton wasn’t designed for speed. Although he flew a few feet I was able to catch him again with ease.

Beautiful. Intricate.

Walking toward the compound with him in hand, I looked for a better home for my new friend --something with leaves. The vine covered wall of our dining hall seemed perfect and I let him free.

But not before I got a picture.

This guy is easily 2 inches long. When his wings opened for his escape it reminded me of a para-glider diving off a cliff.

Smooth. Steady. Strong.

Not sure what to call him, I looked him up on the internet. The pictures I compared with him say he’s a Katydid.

Any entomologists out there that would disagree?

When I admire his fine markings and his exact coloring for camouflage, I’m impressed. Truly God made everything perfect and good!

The heavens declare His glory... but so do the Katydids!