Vol 1 - The Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists' Club

Page 14 THE FIELD NATURALIST Issue No. 1/2013bloodiest encounters recorded between theAmerindians and the Spaniards in 1699.”As we made our way into the forest onsome very fine and well kept trails, we encounteredthe fineleaf tree (Pentaclethra macroloba),which was the predominant treehere. Dan Jaggernauth showed us the “seacoconut” palm (Manicaria saccifera) with itsping pong ball-sized seeds, which, when cutopen, have the taste of miniature coconuts.We also came upon the large wooden thimbleseed caps under the guatecare tree(pronounced “water-care”) (Eschweilera subglandulosa).Another tree we encounteredwas the matchwood (Shefflera morototoni).It wasn’t long into the forest that we encounteredbugs. Christopher Starr pointedout (but not too close) one of Trinidad’s onlyarboreal ant, Anochetus emarginatus, whichmakes its home out of shredded leaf litter,and is related to the infamous tock-tock antwith its mighty sting. A large tarantula hawkwasp (Pepsis sp.) stopped close by to checkthe area for potential prey. Starr and Hooklist 13 species of Pepsis in T&T. It paralyzeslarge spiders with one of the world’s mostpowerful stings, lays its eggs on its prey, andwhen its young hatch on the still-living spider,the larva will feast on fresh meat.Christopher pointed out 3 types of termitesalong the way; Microcerotermes arboreus,Nasutitermes corniger, and Termes hispaniolae.All three of these species build a nest whichDan Jaggernauth shows us thefruit of the “Sea Coconut” Palm(Manicaria saccifera)Termites nestat base of tree(Continued on page 18)