Last week we experienced a 'nuptial flight' of termites in the bay. Thousands appeared after the rain, landed on the boat, shed their wings and looked for a partner! I spent a hectic hour trying to keep them on the outside of the boat as it was obviously a mating behaviour - only afterwards got the chance to find out what they were. I now know more about the relative wing construction of flying ants, flying termites and thrips (thunderflies etc.) than I thought I would ever need. Luckily no real risk of a new colony taking up residence, just an indication of one nearby expanding or trying to relocate. No rotting wood on a white, plastic boat!
Today we have many of these little beetles on board. They are about 1cm long and look like ladybirds - if only I knew someone who could identify beetles......................................
