Invasive giant African snail. A real pest... but is said to be edible if properly cooked (whatever properly cooked means).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lissachatina_fulica

Orb weaver. Probably Argiope aetheroides (could not find a common name). Apparently not dangerous from what I could find on various internet sites.

http://portugal.inaturalist.org/taxa/349001-Argiope-aetheroides

Hi, Keith

I've had well over a year to get my head around what a lockdown would be like, which helps. If the virus had arrived here six months ago, it would have made cycling easier. It's been too hot here again today, but hopefully some rain will fall in the next few days to dampen things down slightly. Staying home is not my idea of fun. I miss sitting in coffee shops.

Hopefully life in France is getting back to some form of normality. Stay safe.

Hi Graham,

Your lockdown seems to have been far more enjoyable than ours. The photos are superb as usual for your work. Thanks for posting.

Cheers,
Keith

Agreed. Maybe one day we can have a pint.

Appeals more than that prawn and avocado sub sandwich.

Good question, Scott... I'm slightly disoriented.

I've added a map with a viewpoint icon on to my other journal and this photo was taken looking northeast-ish, towards Taipei. On a good day you can spot Taipei 101... it would be just to the right of my shot.

I can't figure out how an expanse of ocean is visible. Weird!

I can’t quite get the orientation here. What is the high ground in the center?

I should have said impatience gets the better of me - and a lack of natural talent.

Hi, Greg

I wish my writing was better - my patience tends to get the better of me and being more descriptive and witty is something that always impresses me in journals, and writing in general. My snaps help give my journals an evocation of the ride and you're kind words are much appreciated.

Hi, Scott

My speed up that climb was pedestrian, which allowed me to spot them and it was nice to pause for a breather - and it seemed odd that two had got squashed together. Who knows what they were up to in their final moments. The iridescent green is very special and I can't recall seeing any on the road before.

You’ve got an interesting eye, Graham. Most folks wouldn’t take note of a couple of squashed scarabs on the pavement, much less return the next day to see if they were still there.

Hi Graham,
I am a big fan of words. I'm a big fan of detailed descriptions. Your words are great. But, man, your pictures are really all the description anybody could need.

Thanks - that's the one... Torynorrhina flammea chicheryi. I just knew they were some kind of scarab.

Their iridescence caught my eye as I cycled up a hill.

Scarab beetles. Possibly this one.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torynorrhina_flammea