Dance?
Following a meeting with a friend regarding a renovation project, it being a nice day, I decided to progress though the sunshine the long way back to St. Céré, in order to call in at some intrepid Brits who have just opened their new business to the public… Insectopia.
Now don’t get the wrong idea here. I usually have far too much to do than meander through the Lot countryside in the glorious Spring sunshine (30 in the shade!) and most emphatically I am not a bug freak.
Indeed, bugs chez-moi, of any shape size and colour, usually see the underside of my shoe as their last view of this earth. But I had heard that Rob and Theresa had been working hard all winter, to ready Insectopia for the summer season and I was curious.
I was also very thirsty, a fact that nearly brought a tear to my eye when, at the very moment of a welcome handshake, Rob spoke those immortal words… fancy a cold beer!!!
Because, true to form, I had arrived just as they had locked up for the day. Forcing myself to show not one jot of remorse at missing their bug parade, I reluctantly and with good grace accepted the consolation prize of said cold beaded one… except, at the moment of capitulation, Rob second-thoughted and suggested a quick tour of Insectopia via the back door.
Now the last time I was there was when I helped the previous owners, who had decided to sell up and move back to England, clear out their stuff and, on that sad occasion, the place looked… well, sad, indeed. What a transformation! All is spic and span and renovated and the place is literally humming with life.
As I have said, I am not a bug freak, have never owned a butterfly net and prefer my bugs where they belong… out in the garden feeding the birds and rubbing their legs together looking for company. So, still very thirsty, I went at their displays with (only just polite) speed, oohed and aahed at the first two and then… I caught the bug. Not literally, of course, but when you are staring at an empty glass display unit, with Rob saying there are 12 something-or-others in there… and you cannot see even one, you can’t help but get involved trying to spot the little blighters. I always knew that proper camouflage was a very good aid to survival, but the training staff of a certain famous regiment, could learn a few things from these bugs, I assure you!
They flutter-by, looking for sex
The next display was no problem, as the bugs here are really in your face. The most wonderful giant butterflies from South America and warmer, more humid climes, happily doing what butterflies do best… flutter-by in such of sex! In their own, tropical temperature controlled water-feature room too, I might add.
I was hooked and spent a good time peering into specially created environments in search of the next bug surprise. I had absolutely no idea that stick insects grew to the size of logs! Oh, sorry, that was a log… the insect was the big branch growing off it!
Twice, Rob mentioned the cold beer and at least one more time I ignored the offer, so caught up was I.
In the end, of course, common sense prevailed and before long we were necking the cold Pilsner sitting at the café-type tables Rob and Theresa have thoughtfully provided for their customers.
They have worked hard all winter and the place is buzzing… put them on your must-visit list for this summer… you will not be disappointed.
Johnny in his praying mantis stance
Finally has anyone noticed that a praying mantis at rest, looks just like Johnny Wilkinson before he takes the kick? No?… have a better look.
Praying mantis in Johnny mode
Best place to see them (well, the praying mantis… not Johnny)?
Insectopia off course!
Hard to miss… it’s just opposite the Gouffre de Padirac.
Say hello from me… but don’t drink all their cold beer… I’ll be back!
