Bush Companion Fauna Species of the Clarence Valley and Northern Rivers
Published January 13, 2016 | The newly published book “Bush Companion Fauna Species of the Clarence Valley and Northern Rivers, New South Wales” is available to purchase direct from the publisher.
This book contains over 310 “full colour plate” fauna species in 250 “perfect bound” pages with both common and scientific names.
Order by email at urimbirra7@gmail.com to reserve your copy.
Price $25 a copy plus postage from Sportsman Creek Press.
Leave a commentNectar-eating March Fly (Scaptia aurflua)
Published March 1, 2013 | The large but harmless Nectar-feeding March Fly (Scaptia aurflua) observed hovering near the ground probably looking for somewhere to lay it’s eggs.
I.D. courtesy of Martyn Robinson Naturalist Australian Museum.
Giant Yellow Robber Fly Blepharotes coriarius (Asilidae)
Published February 3, 2013 | Growing to 45mm with the upper side of the abdomen a bright yellow colour in flight.
Bristle Fly (Amphibolia vidua) Tachinidae
Published January 24, 2012 | One 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.
Nectar Feeding March Fly (Scaptia auriflua)
Published April 29, 2011 | Image of the Nectar Feeding March Fly (Scaptia auriflua). Unlike other March Fly which feed on blood this March Fly mimics Bees and feeds exclusively on nectar.
I.D. courtesy of Martyn Robinson. Naturalist. Australian Museum.
Further reading; http.www.brisbaneinsects. com/brisbane_flies/FlowerFeedingMarch.htm.
Snail Parasite Blowfly (subfamily; Ameniinae)
Published December 2, 2010 | 
These fly feed only on the nectar from plants and contribute to plant pollination. The larvae are parasitic on land snails.
Orange Tachinid Fly (Tachininae)
Published October 1, 2010 | 
Image of possibly ( Microtropesa sinuata) a nectar feeding fly which is parasitic to Lepidoptera.
Long-legged Tachinid Fly (Senostoma-genus) Tachinidae
Published September 27, 2010 | Image of a parasitoidal Tachinid fly.They lay their eggs in a host, usually a beetle. Adults are nectar feeders and endemic to Australasia. Most species prefer living above 600 metres, usually in dry eucalypt forests. First described by Macquart in 1847.
Further reference; Wikipedia. Senostoma.
Green-bottle Blowfly ( Chrysomya species ) Family : Calliphoridae.
Published June 24, 2010 | 
“Blowfly larvae feed on carrion and dung, which helps with decomposition. Adults feed on nectar and plant juices. Some are parasitic on earthworms and land snails. Some live in termite nests and ant nests”.
Further references and images : http.www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_flies/Calliphoridae.htm
Unknown Orange Fly
Published June 23, 2010 | 
This fly could possibly be an Orange and Black Vinegar Fly, however there is a lack of comprehensive reference available and remains unidentified. Found along the riparian zone at Sportsman Creek wildlife refuge on Red Ash (Alphitonia excelsia).