Antlions
The contrast between the larval stage of insects and their mature adult form is something that we seem to take for granted. Without knowing it, who in their right mind … Continue reading Antlions
Funnel-webs of SEQ
In the shadowy depths of Australia’s forests and urban landscapes lurks a creature that strikes fear into the hearts of many – the notorious funnel-web spider. With its sleek, glossy … Continue reading Funnel-webs of SEQ
Golden Orb-Weaver Spiderlings
While visiting a Land for Wildlife property at Mount Mellum in May, we stumbled across an unusual sight while walking along a path. We were in the right spot at … Continue reading Golden Orb-Weaver Spiderlings
Christmas Beetles: Are they in decline?
This rainy, hot summer has resulted in huge emergences of beetles (order Coleoptera) and bugs (order Hemiptera). Beetles are generally either herbivores (feeding on leaves), predators (feeding on other invertebrates) … Continue reading Christmas Beetles: Are they in decline?
Bringing Back Brisbane’s Regent Skippers
One of the many reasons I love being a Land for Wildlife Officer, is the people I meet and the expertise they harbour and share. Dr Don Sands (OAM and … Continue reading Bringing Back Brisbane’s Regent Skippers
Dung Beetles
Mention dung beetles and most people will conjure up the image of industrious beetles rolling massive balls of dung away from a steaming pile of elephant excrement to the dulcet … Continue reading Dung Beetles
‘Notchy’ the Donovan’s Day Moth
It is only when a Donovan’s Day Moth settles in a downward position on a tree trunk, with its tail and wing tip resting on the tree and head and … Continue reading ‘Notchy’ the Donovan’s Day Moth
Spider Wasps
“Blinding, fierce, shockingly electric. A running hair dryer has just been dropped into your bubble bath. A bolt out of the heavens. Lie down and scream”. Such is the evocative … Continue reading Spider Wasps
Muscleman Tree Ants and their Canthium Homes
On our block near Blackbutt, I encountered this amazing wood filled with tunnels, holes and beautiful patterns. I have called it ‘Fae Wood’ because of its fairy-like appearance, but the … Continue reading Muscleman Tree Ants and their Canthium Homes
Carronia and the Pink Underwing Moth
Tucked deep in the shady understorey of rainforest remnants scattered between Bellingen in NSW and Kin Kin in Qld, a remarkable moth lives out its secretive lifecycle. Work over the … Continue reading Carronia and the Pink Underwing Moth