Eudocima salaminia Moth Catocalinae Noctuidae
Published April 10, 2012 | “Adult moth has brown forewings with a dark green sheen, and with a sharply defined broad white border along the edges of the wings. The hindwings are orange, with a black border and black comma in the middle. The moth has a wingspan of about 8cm.” A new sighting for the Conservation Area with no common name.
I.D. and text reference courtesy of Don Herbison-Evans and Stella Crossley.
Further reference – http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/cato/salamin.html
Robust Velvet Gecko (Oedura robusta ).
Published June 15, 2010 | 
“The Robust Velvet Gecko will not hesitate to shed its tail if seized by an enemy, and although it is capable of regeneration, the original tail will lack the perfect proportion and markings of the original”. Image as found on the wildlife refuge.
Reference: Swanson, S. Lizards of Australia.
Carpet Python (Morelia spilota).
Published May 3, 2010 | 
The camoflage for a large Carpet Python observed in the riparian zone on the wildlife refuge. Although secretive and seldom encountered as they are mainly nocturnal, during winter they may be observed sunbaking in tree-tops or rock crevices and are known to enter homes and rural buildings in search of mice and rats.
Reference: Australian Reptile Park’s Guide to Snakes of South-East Australia.
Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis).
Published April 13, 2010 | 
Highly Venomous. “The second most toxic snake in the world. A nervous, ready biter it will defend itself if threatened. Diurnal, preys primarily on small mammals, lizards and frogs. If bitten seek medical attention immediately”. Found in the drier Open Woodlands on Sportsman Creek wildlife refuge, today. This is a very fast moving species of snake and if cornered or surprised will raise its body high in an “S” shaped loop and can bite repeatedly. This snake should be treated with “Extreme Caution“.
Image courtesy of Peter Robinson @ Museum Victoria
Further reading; Snake Catchers Brisbane.
Bagworm or Case Moth larva (Psychidae).
Published April 7, 2010 | 
An as yet unidentified Bagworm which has camoflaged its silken cocoon with leaves from the wattle (Acacia leiocalyx) on Sportsman Creek wildlife refuge.
Further reading; http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/psyc/psyc-cats.html.
Gumleaf Grasshopper (Goniaea australasiae)
Published March 21, 2010 | 
Image taken in riparian zone on Sportsman Creek wildlife refuge of a (juvenile) Nymph 3rd instar. Adults reach 50mm and resemble a dead dry leaf.
I.D. courtesy of Chris Hosking, Interpretive Officer Australian Museum.
Wrap-around Spider (poss;Dolophones conifera) Family – Araneidae.
Published March 10, 2010 | 
Found on Sportsman Cree wildlife refuge. Size about 10 mm in length. They have a concaved abdomen which enables them to wrap around twigs in camoflage mode. These spiders build a vertical nest at night.
Reference; www.brisbaneinsects.com.au
Camoflaged Common Green Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis punctulatus).
Published February 25, 2010 | 
Well camoflaged in a Black Wattle (Acacia leiocalyx), is the arboreal and diurnal Green Tree Snake living along the riparian zone on Sportsman Creek wildlife refuge.
Scroll image to enlarge and find snake.
Lace Monitor (Varanus varius)
Published February 21, 2010 | 
An adult Tree Goanna of 2 metres in length displaying perfect camoflage in the riparian zone on Sportsman Creek wildlife refuge today.” Very capable hunters of birds, mammals and any other reptile of suitable dimension and will also feed on carrion and eggs.”
Reference; Swanson, S. Lizards of Australia.
Tooth White Banded Noctuid (Donuca orbigera).
Published February 3, 2010 | 
Photographed today on the wildlife refuge. These moths have “eye spots and teeth pattern on the upper wing surface which resemble a big mouth predator. Their abdomen is bright orange and bottom of their wings are brownish yellow. In the air they resemble a bright orange flying insect”.
Reference; www.brisbaneinsects.com