Brown Paper Wasps (Ropalidia species)
Published January 26, 2012 | This species of wasp can deliver a painful sting but are less aggressive than European Wasps. Around 15mm in length, red-brown in colour with an identifying white ring around abdomen.
I.D. courtesy of Ella Minton. Interpretive Officer, Australian Museum.
Bristle Fly (Amphibolia vidua) Tachinidae
Published January 24, 2012 | Ono of perhaps 3-4,ooo species of this family occuring in Australia. Its larvae feed as a parasite internally on other insects. On sunny days in summer the adults often rest on smooth Eucalyptus trunks and similar structures such as pipes and poles.
I.D. courtesy of Yvette Simpson. Interpretive Officer, Australian Museum.
Ornate Burrowing Frog (Limnodynastes ornatus)
Published January 20, 2012 | Although previously described, these images show how variable frog colouration can be ranging from dark brown to paler grey with dark blotches. Note the butterfly shaped patch on the back of the head.
I.D. Courtesy of Martyn Robinson. Naturalist, Australian Museum.
Wolf Spider (Family – Lycosidae)
Published December 26, 2011 | Wolf spiders are described as vagrant hunters who forage on the ground for prey. Although not aggressive their bite is painful and can cause local pain and swelling.
Reference; Honan P. Wild Australia Guide – Spiders
Further reference available - http://www.wolfspiders.org/
Parepisparis virgatus Moth (Oenochrominae)
Published December 1, 2011 |
Found on Red Ironbark (Euc. fibrosa) in the Conservation Area. Distributed across New South Wales and Victoria. Described in 1990 by Scoble and Edwards. A new sighting with no common name.
I.D. courtesy of Don Herbison-Evans.
Further reference; http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/chro/virgatus.html
What is the Difference between Moths and Butterflies?
Although the rules for distinguishing between moths and butterflies are not hard and fast, one very good guiding principle is that butterflies have thin antennae and (with one exception) have small balls or clubs at the end of each antennae. Moth antennae can be quite varied in appearance, but in particular lack the club end. The divisions are named by this principle “club antennae” (Rhopalocera) or “varied antennae” (Heterocera).
Peron’s Tree Frog (Litoria peronii)
Published November 30, 2011 | 
An attractive frog which can change colour almost instantly from grey to dark brown with irregular mottling and scatterings of emerald green flecks. Found in most forested habitats from Victoria, New South Wales and southern Queensland.
Reference; Robinson, M. A Field Guide to Frogs of Australia.
White-necked Heron (Ardea pacifica)
Published November 30, 2011 | Large; widespread and common Heron seen drying wings on the Conservation Area.
Jumping Spider Family: Salticidae
Published November 26, 2011 | A member of the largest family of spiders in the world. With over 380 species in Australia alone these spiders are active during the day where they leap onto their prey from up to 10 cm away. They are not aggressive and do not bite.
Reference; Honan, P. A Wild Australia Guide – Spiders.
Australian King Parrot (Alisterus scapularis)
Published November 24, 2011 | Welcome visitor to the Conservation Area today.