tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75715229099495215412024-02-20T22:52:03.264+11:00Minibeast Wildlife - Rainforest EncountersWildlife encounters around our home in the rainforest.Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-23080306600894984922015-09-25T17:17:00.001+10:002015-09-27T15:53:23.045+10:00How about a quickie at four?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdbRYK7Gkac/VgTw_ROf7eI/AAAAAAAABfk/h3eNwvQvLaQ/s1600/Four%2Bo%2527clock%2Bmoths%2Bmating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdbRYK7Gkac/VgTw_ROf7eI/AAAAAAAABfk/h3eNwvQvLaQ/s320/Four%2Bo%2527clock%2Bmoths%2Bmating.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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True to their name, these Four o'clock moths (<i>Dysphania numana)) </i>are usually active late in the afternoon, and it is uncanny how many times we have observed them around 4pm. In this case these couple turned up mating at our home at about 4.30pm.<br />
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The host plant for these moths is Corky Bark (<i>Carallia brachiata</i>), and the caterpillars are just as spectacular as the moths. <a href="http://minibeastwildlife.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/magical-moths.html" target="_blank">See one in this previous post.</a>Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-9549424671233525812015-05-31T12:57:00.002+10:002015-05-31T13:05:53.861+10:00Fantastic PhylliumHere are some of the Phyllium monteithi Leaf Insects we have been breeding. One of our populations originated from a single female specimen that Gerhard Hillmann and myself happened across after Cylone Ita last year here in Kuranda. Gerhard spotted the adult female sitting upon Golden Penda (<i>Xanthostemon chrysanthus</i>). A rare find as she was only the second female specimen ever found at that point. The first was also found in Kuranda in 2012 on Cape Ironwood (<i>Gossia floribunda</i>). The offspring from the Cyclone Ita female have been kept on Golden Penda and are exhibiting an array of colours. The other main food plant we use is Brush Cherry (<i>Syzygium australe</i>), which is also likely to be a wild food host plant for this species.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1w4Bvirtjxc/VWpuuW4K0KI/AAAAAAAABeI/D39oPOfxK5Y/s1600/New%2BPhyllium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1w4Bvirtjxc/VWpuuW4K0KI/AAAAAAAABeI/D39oPOfxK5Y/s320/New%2BPhyllium.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wild female in the position she was found on Golden Penda.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A red-morph adult female</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red colouration makes the insect obvious in this image, but would provide good camourflage on some of the rusty red coloured Penda leaves.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A female offspring from the wild female above with more red flecks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An large female nymph with some 1st instar nymphs on her back.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tnwwgAUiKk/VWpv7vou0UI/AAAAAAAABe4/wEgYS-2YFKM/s1600/Phyllium%2Badult%2Bon%2BPenda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tnwwgAUiKk/VWpv7vou0UI/AAAAAAAABe4/wEgYS-2YFKM/s320/Phyllium%2Badult%2Bon%2BPenda.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An adult female on Golden Penda.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An all green female raised on Syzygium australe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A brilliant green juvenile female.</td></tr>
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Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-33712503732018001562015-01-17T12:40:00.002+11:002018-01-22T09:47:47.068+11:00Amazing antennae<span 14px="" 20px="" arial="" font-family:="" font-size:="" grande="" helvetica="" line-height:="" lucida="" sans-serif="" tahoma="" verdana="">This is <i>Callirhipis cardwellensis </i>(Callirhipidae)</span><span 14px="" 20px="" arial="" font-family:="" font-size:="" grande="" helvetica="" line-height:="" lucida="" sans-serif="" tahoma="" verdana="">, a beetle with spectacular antennae. This little guy is one of many species on the move here in north QLD with the onset of the wet season here in Kuranda</span><br />
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<span class="userContent">While 'carnivorous' and 'snail' are two words that most people wouldn't expect to find next to one another, these slow moving predators are actually quite common in some regions of the wet-tropics. </span></div>
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<span class="userContent">This is one of our local carnivorous snails, <em>Strangesta sp.</em> (Rhytididae). Here is a series of photos showing it attacking and consuming a young <em>Hadra webbi</em>. <em>Strangesta spp</em>. have an extendible mouth part known as the buccal mass. It is a long, cylindrical muscular organ - the white tissue visible in the last image. This is extended inside the shell of the prey to enable the radular to access the soft tissue.</span></div>
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<br />Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-6153737949418879272013-08-19T09:44:00.001+10:002013-08-21T15:41:53.834+10:00Colour variation in captive Onchestus rentziFor a while now we have been captive breeding a genetic population of 'lichen-form' Crowned Stick Insects (<em>Onchestus rentzi</em>). Although these insects are somewhat variable in colour, the most common colour form is brown. Over recent years we have noticed some individuals within our main breeding colony exhibiting a lichen-like trait. Last year we decided to experiment with a few of those to see if the trait was genetic or the result of environmental influences including lighting and food plant. <br />
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We separated three young lichen-form females and let them mature in isolation, but kept them under the same conditions as our main group. The three females matured and began to lay eggs without being mated. The species is believed to be parthenogenetic but we had never tested it, so we were quite interested to see if the eggs they laid were even fertile. Those eggs are now hatching and the resultant offspring are indeed the same colouration as the females that produced them. <br />
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Two or the original three females are still alive and laying eggs on a daily basis. Recently though, the eggs that they are producing are different in appearance than previously. Normally the eggs are uniform brown, ranging from tan through to a chocolate colour - exactly what these individuals have been producing until now. These recent eggs are two-tone like the insects themselves, with a splash of white across the posterior end. We are not sure why this is occurring but will continue to observe and document these insects with interest.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the original 'lichen-form' females.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The eggs laid recently exhibiting an unusual colour trait.</td></tr>
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Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-28652777357701928502013-06-02T19:24:00.000+10:002013-06-02T19:24:15.627+10:00Paralysed and waiting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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We accidentally broke open a mud-dauber wasp nest under our house while moving some equipment. The mud cells were packed with paralysed jumping spiders of multiple species. The culprit was a slender orange wasp belonging to the genus <em>Sceliphron</em> obviously specialising in spiders from the family Salticidae.<em> </em><br />
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The adult female wasp captures and paralyses the spiders and then packs them into the mud cells. She then lays an egg before closing the cell over with mud. The spiders are paralysed, but not killed so that they do not rot and the wasp larva can consume them over time. I rearranged the contents of one cell for this photograph. A wasp larva is in the centre in the process of consuming a spider.<br />
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Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-15088073106316837612013-06-01T15:04:00.000+10:002013-06-01T15:04:06.000+10:00Break the drought!It has been quite a while between posts, time flies! We've been busy running our Minibeast Wildlife operation and working on a book...or two! We are currently working on the first of a series on the husbandry of Australian phasmids. <br />
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To get things rolling again here are some images taken over the past few months around around our region.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6IydUu_yiEQ/Ual9SWh5AzI/AAAAAAAABWM/nWJ_LGRNeHE/s1600/Heteropoda+jugulans+HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6IydUu_yiEQ/Ual9SWh5AzI/AAAAAAAABWM/nWJ_LGRNeHE/s320/Heteropoda+jugulans+HDR.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jungle huntsman, <em>Heteropoda jugulans</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cotton Harlequin Bug, <em>Tectocoris diophthalmus.</em> This species can be found feeding on a variety of <em>Hibiscus spp.</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very cryptic crab spider, <em>Stephanopis sp</em>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hatchling Kirby's Stick Insect, <em>Xeroderus kirbii. </em>This specimen was found on <em>Melaleuca</em> just west of Kuranda.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6m00rW5UKk/Ual9gZOPceI/AAAAAAAABWs/XejRtmkai3o/s1600/MBW_10389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6m00rW5UKk/Ual9gZOPceI/AAAAAAAABWs/XejRtmkai3o/s320/MBW_10389.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Argyrodes sp. </em>These bizarre spiders are kleptoparasites found in and around the webs of the large orb-weavers <em>Nephila pilipes.</em></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4dQ546GpVg/Ual92OgHvGI/AAAAAAAABW0/ivaan_jN-G4/s1600/Assassin+bug+and+caterpillar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4dQ546GpVg/Ual92OgHvGI/AAAAAAAABW0/ivaan_jN-G4/s320/Assassin+bug+and+caterpillar.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An assassin bug <em>Gminatus sp</em>. feeding upon a caterpillar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-88275699955107256472013-02-18T14:25:00.000+11:002013-02-18T14:25:22.805+11:00Big eyes at Cape TribulationA couple of snaps from Cape Tribulation this week, featuring a couple of invertebrates with very impressive eyes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6t02Ayia5qw/USGdOedYNAI/AAAAAAAABUo/oPj1lQwu3io/s1600/_MG_0466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6t02Ayia5qw/USGdOedYNAI/AAAAAAAABUo/oPj1lQwu3io/s320/_MG_0466.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small Monkey Grasshopper (<em>Biroella sp</em>.). The large red compound eyes combined with the black pseudopupils give these grasshoppers a charasmatic appearance.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_qGJ79GTUY/USGdRT_IU9I/AAAAAAAABUw/c8diZ84xN2c/s1600/_MG_0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_qGJ79GTUY/USGdRT_IU9I/AAAAAAAABUw/c8diZ84xN2c/s320/_MG_0480.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Net-casting Spider (<em>Deinopis subrufa</em>) in the latter stages of producing an egg sac. The spider was continually turning the egg sac with her legs whilst adding silk in a dabbing motion with her spinnerets. Nest-casting Spiders are visual hunters. Two of their eyes are huge allowing them to accurately strike their prey with their net.</td></tr>
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Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-15013918827787409662013-02-12T21:29:00.001+11:002013-02-12T21:29:17.140+11:00Another impressive catch
We found this amazing scene in the foliage beside our
driveway. A small Ornate crab spider (<em>Poecilothomisus speciosus</em>) had captured
an adult male Jungle huntsman (<em>Heteropoda jugulans</em>). Crab spiders are renowned
for capturing prey larger than themselves, but taking down a predator of this
size is very impressive. Even more remarkable was that the crab spider was
operating on 5 legs - it had lost three some time prior on its right side.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMGcEJSzb4k/URoYom1uwdI/AAAAAAAABUM/Hy8Z4l3PrSU/s1600/Poecilothomisus+speciosus+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMGcEJSzb4k/URoYom1uwdI/AAAAAAAABUM/Hy8Z4l3PrSU/s320/Poecilothomisus+speciosus+.JPG" width="244" /></a></div>
Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-48670979033951224422013-01-03T14:34:00.002+11:002013-01-03T14:34:21.534+11:00Punching above their weight
Crab spiders (Thomisidae) are ambush hunters, spending most of their time
waiting motionless for invertebrate prey to come within reach. When they do
strike, they simply grasp their prey with their front two pairs of legs and
pull it toward their fangs. Their venom appears to be very fast acting as they
have the ability to subdue animals many times their own weight and do so
quickly with a minimum of fuss. While filming crab spiders in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Costa
Rica</st1:place></st1:country-region> in 2011 we shot multiple sequences with
of them capturing beetles. Each time the beetle were captured they would
shudder and die within seconds. Given that these spiders are often much smaller
than their prey, and do not use silk to assist them, having a venom which if
fast acting is a necessity. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RudEq7aT3K8/UOT7eLj3SFI/AAAAAAAABTs/l6uJXSv90VY/s1600/_MG_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RudEq7aT3K8/UOT7eLj3SFI/AAAAAAAABTs/l6uJXSv90VY/s320/_MG_0015.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This tiny crab spider (possibly a juvenile <em>Thomisus spectabilis</em>) was photographed last night in our yard. It has captured a much larger katydid (<em>Caedicia sp</em>.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miBVfVb5CYk/UOT7j98np4I/AAAAAAAABT0/NiePOqB7fdw/s1600/MBW_6065+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miBVfVb5CYk/UOT7j98np4I/AAAAAAAABT0/NiePOqB7fdw/s320/MBW_6065+copy.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cryptic crab spider (<em>Stephanopis sp</em>.) at Cape Tribulation with large prey – this time a <em>Phricta spinosa</em> nymph.</td></tr>
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<br />Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-25022321596002151772012-12-27T10:54:00.002+11:002012-12-27T10:54:29.986+11:00Amphibian parasitesThis Myola tree frog (<em>Litoria myola</em>) is a regular visitor into our house. We actually had to move the frog outside on two occasions in recent weeks. We were sure we were dealing with the same individual as we noticed it had a couple of parasitic fly larvae under its skin. We generally don't interfere with wildlife, preferring to observe what we see and let nature take its course, but in this case curiosity got the better of us, and decided to give the frog a hand and remove the parasites. The parasite is a fly in the genus <em>Batrachomyia </em>(Diptera: Chloropidae) and is apparently not life threatening to the frogs, however, having two large maggots feeding on body fluids beneath your skin cannot be comfortable. The larvae remain under the skin until they are sufficiently developed then crawl out in order to pupate underground.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8QubXor9L_M/UNuGSBnaS3I/AAAAAAAABTE/WR17l5IsLXM/s1600/_MG_9179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8QubXor9L_M/UNuGSBnaS3I/AAAAAAAABTE/WR17l5IsLXM/s320/_MG_9179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The larvae maintain a breathing hole to obtain oxygen (marked with arrows in the image below). We were able to extract them through these holes quite easily. The larvae were bright yellow and 10mm long. This frog now has at least two less worries to contend with, although last night I we found it sitting on the driveway right behind the car when we were about to back out. Now it owes us three favours!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJhJwZpfi8s/UNuGXIDPbXI/AAAAAAAABTM/3VwKHsiH0Bk/s1600/_MG_9193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJhJwZpfi8s/UNuGXIDPbXI/AAAAAAAABTM/3VwKHsiH0Bk/s320/_MG_9193.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The parasite free frog which should heal completely in a matter of weeks.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4A0Q7K11CY/UNuGgo2yZfI/AAAAAAAABTU/ci2kHH2V7d4/s1600/Batrachomyia+fly+larva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4A0Q7K11CY/UNuGgo2yZfI/AAAAAAAABTU/ci2kHH2V7d4/s320/Batrachomyia+fly+larva.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the two <em>Batrachomyia sp.</em> larvae which were removed from beneath the frog's skin. The head has two hook-like appendages while the forked tail end remains close to the hole in the skin in order to breath.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Each larva remains under the skin until it is sufficiently developed then crawls out in order to pupate underground. Suprisingly, <span class="person_name">Hoskin, CJ</span> and <span class="person_name">McCallum, HI</span> (2007) found no evidence that <em>Batrachomyia </em>parasitism impacts on the body condition of these particular frogs, however, another study on several smaller species of frogs did show measurable impact on smaller specimens. <br />
<br />Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-33014105667807725182012-12-08T01:29:00.000+11:002012-12-08T01:29:15.005+11:00Christmas beetles arriveChristmas beetles have made a welcome appearance to our lights over recent nights, the photos below are beetles that appeared tonight.<br />
<br />
This attractive beetles belong to the Scarabaeidae family and are in the genus <em>Anoplognathus.</em> We
have over thirty species of Christmas beetles in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Australia, m</st1:place></st1:country-region>any are found along the east coast. In some regions they have become more
abundant where land clearing has provided additional grasslands which host the beetles' larvae.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The life cycle of these beetles is the same basic cycle as
most beetles. In this case, eggs are laid underground in grasslands adjacent to
eucalypt trees or forests. The larvae feed upon grass roots and their
growth is dependant on soil temperature. Those in warmer climates may emerge a
year later, whilst those in cooler regions may spend two years underground. The
larvae are crescent-shaped with a pale, reddish-brown head and three pairs of
legs, but can be quite difficult to distinguish from other beetle larvae.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4dsvr6l8BWg/UMH145NUJxI/AAAAAAAABSE/m85dcnaIxjA/s1600/_MG_9025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4dsvr6l8BWg/UMH145NUJxI/AAAAAAAABSE/m85dcnaIxjA/s320/_MG_9025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A green Christmas beetle, <i>Anoplognathus</i> <i>smaragdinus</i> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPQPC9de9MI/UMH1-tiu_4I/AAAAAAAABSM/5C22ZV4mHIA/s1600/_MG_9028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPQPC9de9MI/UMH1-tiu_4I/AAAAAAAABSM/5C22ZV4mHIA/s320/_MG_9028.JPG" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The face of <i>Anoplognathus</i> <i>smaragdinus</i> </td></tr>
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After pupating, the adults time their emergence with warmer
conditions and are also stimulated by rainfall. Different species will emerge
at different times throughout the summer; perhaps to avoid direct competition.
Other factors can influence the exact timing of their emergence, such as
seasonal variations in weather patterns. Most Christmas beetles emerge from
November to February, but as we know, many appear in late December. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ArcpR0JRIYw/UMH2CjSDVlI/AAAAAAAABSU/CTKqdYXBicA/s1600/_MG_9030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ArcpR0JRIYw/UMH2CjSDVlI/AAAAAAAABSU/CTKqdYXBicA/s320/_MG_9030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Anoplognathus porosus</i> <i></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Christmas beetles are good flyers and can cover distances of
several kilometres. Many fly at dusk, but they are often attracted to lights
after dark and can end up buzzing around the front porch.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-IroSnhIAY/UMH2E90wZuI/AAAAAAAABSc/aZ-rpHi6o50/s1600/_MG_9051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-IroSnhIAY/UMH2E90wZuI/AAAAAAAABSc/aZ-rpHi6o50/s320/_MG_9051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Anoplognathus porosus</em> about to take off</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cPMQGtKK8fs/UMH2KpOmWXI/AAAAAAAABSk/JuxH3YWbyG0/s1600/_MG_9057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cPMQGtKK8fs/UMH2KpOmWXI/AAAAAAAABSk/JuxH3YWbyG0/s320/_MG_9057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Anoplognathus porosus</em> in flight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-64454441313627721332012-12-05T00:23:00.001+11:002012-12-05T07:05:55.949+11:00Colourful katydid nymph<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86AeJeiMytQ/UL34t7COKcI/AAAAAAAABRo/7awUKaBHy1s/s1600/_MG_9002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86AeJeiMytQ/UL34t7COKcI/AAAAAAAABRo/7awUKaBHy1s/s320/_MG_9002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is <em>Kurandoptera purpura, </em><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and older nymph of the katydid featured as a <a href="http://minibeastwildlife.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/ant-mimicking-katydid.html"><span style="color: blue;">hatchling</span></a>
recently. This individual was found locally upon citrus, and although it has
outgrown the ant mimicking phase of its lifecycle it still behaves quite
unusually for a katydid. It vibrates its antennae in a rapid tapping-like
motion, similar to the way many wasps do. Rather than moving in a 'swaying'
leaf-like manner, it moves in faster erratic bursts, which is quite wasp-like
also. This nymph was not hesitant at all about moving around during the day.
Again this is relatively unusual for katydids. Nymphs of most species are quite
inactive during the day, relying on their camouflage to protect them from
visual predators such as birds.</span></em><o:p></o:p><br />
Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-89673392225213696182012-11-23T22:25:00.001+11:002012-11-23T22:25:25.459+11:00Bug season is starting!Although we still have not had any decent rain this season, there has been a noticeable increase in the abundance and diversity of invertebrates around Kuranda. Here is a selection of species photographed around our house recently.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2sS-w_LyK8/UK9Gt5EE3QI/AAAAAAAABP0/QP4_Douly8A/s1600/_MG_3817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2sS-w_LyK8/UK9Gt5EE3QI/AAAAAAAABP0/QP4_Douly8A/s320/_MG_3817.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moth numbers are really on the increase. This one caught my eye, but I am yet to identify it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rppqkvwqElc/UK9GzS_44YI/AAAAAAAABP8/damRPLUoLaU/s1600/_MG_3828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rppqkvwqElc/UK9GzS_44YI/AAAAAAAABP8/damRPLUoLaU/s320/_MG_3828.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of a multitude of green rainforest moths that have been visiting our light sheet (<em>Comostola sp.)</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Df04NvTxlI/UK9G3YxuJ3I/AAAAAAAABQE/lalzUfL8Inw/s1600/_MG_3842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Df04NvTxlI/UK9G3YxuJ3I/AAAAAAAABQE/lalzUfL8Inw/s320/_MG_3842.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metallic darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae), feeding upon the trunk of a tree.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rlBGjAo0_VQ/UK9G74Eq_iI/AAAAAAAABQM/2eaRYnBp8I4/s1600/_MG_3765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rlBGjAo0_VQ/UK9G74Eq_iI/AAAAAAAABQM/2eaRYnBp8I4/s320/_MG_3765.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small Raspy cricket (Gryllacrididae). The spines on the first two pairs of legs help the cricket to grasp small invertebrate prey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lA4-FnkvnuY/UK9HCwCxOHI/AAAAAAAABQU/rUo8yPuXUwY/s1600/_MG_3877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lA4-FnkvnuY/UK9HCwCxOHI/AAAAAAAABQU/rUo8yPuXUwY/s320/_MG_3877.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lacewing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysopidae" title="Chrysopidae">Chrysopidae</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvoH7YA5vZE/UK9M-0uFznI/AAAAAAAABQo/Q0KEP2F5qWQ/s1600/_MG_3397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvoH7YA5vZE/UK9M-0uFznI/AAAAAAAABQo/Q0KEP2F5qWQ/s320/_MG_3397.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The face of the Serrated-legged katydid, <em>Paracaedicia serrata.</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_eAQiquhLZc/UK9NI33p2eI/AAAAAAAABQw/yCHEm-62jow/s1600/_MG_3855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_eAQiquhLZc/UK9NI33p2eI/AAAAAAAABQw/yCHEm-62jow/s320/_MG_3855.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Lynx spider, <em>Oxyopes sp</em>.. A nocturnal ambush hunter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9rIiavxGYN8/UK9NUuiM8pI/AAAAAAAABQ4/Oam-c_jr9PE/s1600/_MG_3875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9rIiavxGYN8/UK9NUuiM8pI/AAAAAAAABQ4/Oam-c_jr9PE/s320/_MG_3875.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irridescent Tachinid fly (Tachinidae).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRhohnT65GA/UK9NapNTcGI/AAAAAAAABRA/1CMbCHoWTK8/s1600/_MG_3502B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRhohnT65GA/UK9NapNTcGI/AAAAAAAABRA/1CMbCHoWTK8/s320/_MG_3502B.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four-spined jewel spider, <em>Gasteracantha quadrispinosa</em>. </td></tr>
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<br />Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-75685632379385805212012-10-31T20:54:00.001+11:002012-10-31T20:54:43.711+11:00Ant-mimicking katydidThis small katydid nymph turned up in our yard earlier this month. It was on a plant frequented by Black rattle ants (<em>Polyrhachis australis</em>) which are about the same size as the nymph.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZvB5qtWdrE/UJD0nbixdfI/AAAAAAAABPU/qbfjvn0NDSI/s1600/_MG_3361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZvB5qtWdrE/UJD0nbixdfI/AAAAAAAABPU/qbfjvn0NDSI/s320/_MG_3361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5dS-ygOKlcI/UJD0qtJxqrI/AAAAAAAABPc/zxKs2G_72mk/s1600/_MG_3365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5dS-ygOKlcI/UJD0qtJxqrI/AAAAAAAABPc/zxKs2G_72mk/s320/_MG_3365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not only does the nymph resemble the ants at a glance, its movements were very ant-like. Katydid specialist David Rentz thinks the nymph may be <em>Kurandoptera purpura. </em>Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-59990131025651100892012-10-17T02:04:00.000+11:002014-05-14T08:37:05.644+10:00Peppermint twist<div style="text-align: left;">
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<em>Megacrania batesii</em><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> is known as the <a href="http://minibeastwildlife.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/would-you-like-peppermint-with-that.html" target="_blank">Peppermint stick insect </a>for a very good reason. As a defence it sprays a dual-streamed blast of peppermint scented liquid at its predators. The defensive chemical is produced by glands in the thorax and liquid is stored in sacs which lead to ducts just behind the insect's head. </span> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9DiIJgpsZ_M/UH1xh-5_4DI/AAAAAAAABO4/MMlAUMq6L0Q/s1600/_MG_3552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9DiIJgpsZ_M/UH1xh-5_4DI/AAAAAAAABO4/MMlAUMq6L0Q/s320/_MG_3552.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megacrania batesii discharging the defensive chemical from ducts just behind the head.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Like all phasmids, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Megacrania batesii</i> sheds its exoskeleton in order to grow. The process is practically the same at the sequence pictured in the previous post featuring <em><a href="http://minibeastwildlife.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/moulting-phyllium-monteithi.html" target="_blank">Phyllium monteithi</a></em>. The exuvia left behind is typical with one exception; it contains the sacs in which the peppermint scented defensive fluid is found. The result is that the insect is not only soft and vulnerable immediately after moulting, but has to replenish the chemical before being able to defend itself fully. This period is obviously one of hightened risk for this species, and perhaps there are some behavioural modifications during this period to reduce the risk of predation. Species such as the Peruvian stick insect <em>Oreophoetes peruana</em> have a similar defence yet do not shed the lining to the sacs, hence retaining their defensive ability post moult.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VofZ1ryPd78/UH0yym39-iI/AAAAAAAABOU/HZQt7TEW31s/s1600/_MG_2805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VofZ1ryPd78/UH0yym39-iI/AAAAAAAABOU/HZQt7TEW31s/s320/_MG_2805.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entire exuvia with the two white sacs present at the left near the head.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-X6r9jghfs/UH0y2eZsgKI/AAAAAAAABOc/vwoi00Cxpgc/s1600/_MG_2807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-X6r9jghfs/UH0y2eZsgKI/AAAAAAAABOc/vwoi00Cxpgc/s320/_MG_2807.JPG" height="223" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sacs can be clearly seen filled with the white peppermint scented chemical.<br />
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If you are interested in keeping these or other fascinating stick and leaf insects visit <a href="http://shop.minibeastwildlife.com.au/" target="_blank">Minibeast Wildlife's site.</a></td></tr>
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Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-17001092216036019542012-09-07T19:18:00.000+10:002014-05-14T08:36:34.739+10:00Moulting Phyllium monteithi Last February an adult pair of <em>Phyllium monteithi</em> (Leaf insects) were found in Kuranda by an invertebrate enthusiast from Cairns. They were found upon Cape Ironwood (Gossia floribunda). Females of this species have proved to be extremely elusive until now, but it was only a matter of time before one turned up. The many eggs laid by the female were collected and incubated. By mid-year some had hatched. <br />
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We acquired some 1st instar nymphs and some eggs about 3 weeks ago to begin our own captive population of these amazing insects.<br />
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Today the first of our hatchling (1st instar) nymphs has moulted. Here are some images of the moulting process.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQDA6vGHIZI/UEm46X7cmJI/AAAAAAAABN0/WJNpj6KfeKc/s1600/_MG_2809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQDA6vGHIZI/UEm46X7cmJI/AAAAAAAABN0/WJNpj6KfeKc/s320/_MG_2809.JPG" height="320" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several minutes into the moulting process and the insect is pumping itself steadily out of the old exoskeleton. The initial emergence point through a split that forms just behing the head</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrT_YJi7v-g/UEmnjbUqR6I/AAAAAAAABM0/A8fQcLWE_8Y/s1600/_MG_2818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrT_YJi7v-g/UEmnjbUqR6I/AAAAAAAABM0/A8fQcLWE_8Y/s320/_MG_2818.JPG" height="320" width="220" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mm9MKhVwytU/UEmnus4KOfI/AAAAAAAABM8/aGcJQ5W1M7w/s1600/_MG_2828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mm9MKhVwytU/UEmnus4KOfI/AAAAAAAABM8/aGcJQ5W1M7w/s320/_MG_2828.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the legs are now free.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-swTRoPPpH2o/UEmnyzdkSQI/AAAAAAAABNE/B4X2mw-p1es/s1600/_MG_2831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-swTRoPPpH2o/UEmnyzdkSQI/AAAAAAAABNE/B4X2mw-p1es/s320/_MG_2831.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0P_e5Om-5Y/UEmoEACz9kI/AAAAAAAABNU/2ojUgX00314/s1600/_MG_2837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0P_e5Om-5Y/UEmoEACz9kI/AAAAAAAABNU/2ojUgX00314/s320/_MG_2837.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The insect hanging by the end of its abdomen while the new exoskeleton hardens.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GnQKcUxvea0/UEmoGdF0UPI/AAAAAAAABNc/ITanuasGfZE/s1600/_MG_2851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GnQKcUxvea0/UEmoGdF0UPI/AAAAAAAABNc/ITanuasGfZE/s320/_MG_2851.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All complete, and now a 2nd instar nymph.</td></tr>
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The moulting process (ecdysis) is how arthropods achieve growth. Insects such as phasmids need to have a secure hold on a leaf or branch in order to extract themselves effectively from their old exoskeleton. If something goes wrong it can result in limb loss or even death. It is also a period where they are extremely vulnerable to predators. <br />
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This specimen moulted at 7am this morning. The temperature was 16.5°C and the process took around 20 minutes for the insect to completely free its limbs and the majority of its body. It then hung from the exuvia via the end of its abdomen for a further 20 minutes before pulling completely free and climbing back onto the leaf. Like most phasmids, it then proceeded to eat the exuvia.<br />
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If you are interested in keeping stick and leaf insects yourself, <a href="http://shop.minibeastwildlife.com.au/" target="_blank">visit our comprehensive site.</a>Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-24136775701918214462012-09-01T14:43:00.000+10:002012-09-01T14:43:23.629+10:00Mt BaldyA recent trip to Mt Baldy near Atherton on a cold night revealed very little, particularly within the foliage. On the ground, however, there was a bit of activity, and a few interesting species moving around. Here's a selection.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzGzB6E3GKg/UEFXdeDv_2I/AAAAAAAABLk/mD3QH12OOoc/s1600/_MG_2693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzGzB6E3GKg/UEFXdeDv_2I/AAAAAAAABLk/mD3QH12OOoc/s320/_MG_2693.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chrysomelid leaf beetles mating on acacia.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PgOsklFW5iM/UEFXg6PeIDI/AAAAAAAABLs/6oe3xCvOTzg/s1600/_MG_2695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PgOsklFW5iM/UEFXg6PeIDI/AAAAAAAABLs/6oe3xCvOTzg/s320/_MG_2695.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Chrysomelid beetles. Probably the same species as above and are obviously highly variable.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HkgYn8MSHus/UEFXozgV-vI/AAAAAAAABL0/50LUQJ9aZPE/s1600/_MG_2712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HkgYn8MSHus/UEFXozgV-vI/AAAAAAAABL0/50LUQJ9aZPE/s320/_MG_2712.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whistling frog, <em>Austrochaperina sp.</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7EpMMN-kTQ/UEFXsZrYHWI/AAAAAAAABL8/BbImcTdMxhU/s1600/_MG_2738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7EpMMN-kTQ/UEFXsZrYHWI/AAAAAAAABL8/BbImcTdMxhU/s320/_MG_2738.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stony creek frog, <em>Litoria jungguy</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBc-44GBycc/UEFXxNLbakI/AAAAAAAABME/SPcs29AGcH4/s1600/_MG_2725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBc-44GBycc/UEFXxNLbakI/AAAAAAAABME/SPcs29AGcH4/s320/_MG_2725.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leeches were very active. Many on the ground and some lurking in the lower foliage like this one.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6vgQue20HGc/UEFX8Y6oFEI/AAAAAAAABMM/YAPNx34dR_c/s1600/_MG_2732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6vgQue20HGc/UEFX8Y6oFEI/AAAAAAAABMM/YAPNx34dR_c/s320/_MG_2732.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-5I8lge_9s/UEFYGbVxJ3I/AAAAAAAABMU/ExEDBYiiReI/s1600/_MG_2740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-5I8lge_9s/UEFYGbVxJ3I/AAAAAAAABMU/ExEDBYiiReI/s320/_MG_2740.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Semi-slugs were very active. This is most likely <em>Fastosarion brazeri</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BHIRQAKOKFg/UEFYNlGsyzI/AAAAAAAABMc/cwCK-klrUG4/s1600/_MG_2707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BHIRQAKOKFg/UEFYNlGsyzI/AAAAAAAABMc/cwCK-klrUG4/s320/_MG_2707.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A semi-slug has a small shell which is concealed by a soft mantle.</td></tr>
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Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-54039708903051539642012-08-15T22:24:00.002+10:002012-08-17T15:34:58.188+10:00Hercules update<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We are currently raising some <a href="http://minibeastwildlife.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/female-hercules.html" target="_blank">Hercules Moth</a> caterpillars. They hatched out on the 26th of May and one has pupated today, a larval period of 81 days. The growth rate of the caterpillars has been relatively slow given the cooler conditions we have experienced over the recent months. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZyBV-j7GwQ/UCuT3FuDIzI/AAAAAAAABKo/wuWm8PXrd6E/s1600/_MG_1474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZyBV-j7GwQ/UCuT3FuDIzI/AAAAAAAABKo/wuWm8PXrd6E/s320/_MG_1474.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A caterpillar emerging from the egg on the 26th May.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QS49EevnZjM/UCuT9sY9ndI/AAAAAAAABKw/qDekjcRAq4o/s1600/_MG_1496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QS49EevnZjM/UCuT9sY9ndI/AAAAAAAABKw/qDekjcRAq4o/s320/_MG_1496.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">24 hours after hatching and the larvae are feeding voraciously and already filling out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2QCl-6W_t4/UCuUAYmSbwI/AAAAAAAABK4/23AWILrC7gk/s1600/_MG_2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2QCl-6W_t4/UCuUAYmSbwI/AAAAAAAABK4/23AWILrC7gk/s320/_MG_2017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At 24 days old the larvae are substantially larger, but still white in colour.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7Zod86e6Ss/UCuUEeXFPgI/AAAAAAAABLA/59cCgJ4kYvo/s1600/_MG_2217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7Zod86e6Ss/UCuUEeXFPgI/AAAAAAAABLA/59cCgJ4kYvo/s320/_MG_2217.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By 40 days they are pale green in colour and becoming very large caterpillars.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 74 – what a whopper!</td></tr>
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<br />Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-24993206170894144122012-07-26T16:05:00.001+10:002012-07-26T16:05:50.876+10:00Silken weaponryA drama unfolded on our ceiling recently which highlighted the power of silk that some spiders use. A Red House Spider (<em>Nesticodes rufipes</em>) capture and killed an Asian House Gecko (<em>Hemidactylus frenatus</em>) much larger than itself, and it did so using silk as its major tool.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Red House Spider (<em>Nesticodes rufipes</em>) in the process of capturing an Asian House Gecko (<em>Hemidactylus frenatus</em>) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several hours later and the gecko has seccumbed to the spider's venom and the spider has begun feeding.</td></tr>
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This spider belongs to the family Therididae, which also includes well known species such as the Redback and Black Widow. Many of the spiders in this family utilise a particular snare system that enables them to capture very large prey. One of the key parts of the snare is high tension trip lines that are beaded with blobs of liquid silk. When prey makes contact with these lines it is bound by the glue-like silk and becomes tethered. Any struggles often result in it making contact with more lines, and subsequently in more trouble. At this point the spider descends from the scaffold of silken threads which support the trip lines, and using its long rear legs begins to bind the prey with lines coated with the glue-like silk. For most animals, there is little chance of escape from here on. Only when the prey is safely manacled with dozens of silken lines does the spider venture close enough to bite its victim, which begins the chemical onslaught inside its body. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Os-nXuk6Cdk/UBCbea9zotI/AAAAAAAABKI/BM7ba_6tu3w/s1600/MBW_5670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Os-nXuk6Cdk/UBCbea9zotI/AAAAAAAABKI/BM7ba_6tu3w/s320/MBW_5670.JPG" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Redback (<em>Latrodectus hasselti</em>) in the process of binding a large Tenebrionid beetle.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />A Redback with a bound up huntsman, over 10 times its own body weight. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-5907061288730827312012-06-23T19:39:00.000+10:002012-06-23T19:39:07.844+10:00Evening...BrownThis is an Evening Brown Butterfly, <em>Melanitis leda,</em> a species most active in the early morning and late afternoon.<em> </em>We have seen many of these butterflies around, but this one ended up inside so I decided to take a few photos. I was quite taken by the comical appearance of the face in particular.<br />
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The species has excellent camouflage while sitting within dry leaf litter, usually spending periods of inactivity sitting motionless on the forest floor. It has a distinct wet-season and dry season colour form, this is obviously the dry-season form.</div>Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-45195343003725358712012-06-13T13:06:00.001+10:002012-06-13T13:06:19.552+10:00Two-spined SpiderThis is <em>Poecilopachys australasia, </em>a small orb-weaver aptly named
the Two-spined spider. This species builds a small orb-web at night and dismantles it at dawn each day, presumably to avoid diurnal predators. She has the
remnants of last night's web still in her chelicerae.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJEVThpGR_I/T9f8M15DOhI/AAAAAAAABJA/4PqyucgpYxE/s1600/_MG_1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJEVThpGR_I/T9f8M15DOhI/AAAAAAAABJA/4PqyucgpYxE/s320/_MG_1994.JPG" width="306" /></a></div>
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This is a young female, her colours will become more vivid as she matures and her abdomen will be less hirsute. She is currently in our backyard only metres away from me now as I type - hopefully she survives to adulthood and if so, I will post another blog about her then.Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-74038625148767682072012-06-10T17:49:00.003+10:002014-05-14T08:35:54.959+10:00Would you like peppermint with that?This is <em>Megacrania batesii</em>, the Peppermint Stick Insect. It is the only member of the genus in Australia, and has a specialist diet feeding; only on Pandanus tectorius in the wild. Despite the plant being relatively widespread in north Queensland, <em>M.batesii</em> is confined to only a few areas; Cape Tribulation, Mission Beach and Innisfail.<br />
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These insects spend almost their entire lives sitting longitudinally along the pandanus leaves, which they feed upon periodically. Their common name is derived from their characteristic chemical defence. They have glands behind the head that can direct a considerable jet of a peppermint scented chemical at anything harassing them. I have had it on my hands countless times without issue, but getting it your eyes is another matter entirely. For a small predator, a blast of this at close range is bound to make it hesitate. The major component of the chemical is Actinidine which oddly enough is very similar to nepetalactone, the active component of Catnip. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nShTkPC-G1M/T9B1C686xDI/AAAAAAAABIo/bFxCClFWCL4/s1600/Peppermint+stick+insect.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nShTkPC-G1M/T9B1C686xDI/AAAAAAAABIo/bFxCClFWCL4/s320/Peppermint+stick+insect.JPG" height="320" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" spellcheck="true" style="text-align: center;">The ducts to the chemical glands are located on the pronotum immediately behind the head. They seem to have an ability to direct the spray in the direction of the threat.<br />
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A close-up showing the turret-like openings that direct the chemical blast.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you are interesting in keeping these or other fascinating species of stick insects visit <a href="http://shop.minibeastwildlife.com.au/" target="_blank">Minibeast Wildlife's website.</a></span></div>
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Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-34109565495261231342012-05-31T23:59:00.002+10:002014-07-09T21:24:29.176+10:00Tiger, tiger, burning bright.This is a gravid female Tiger huntsman, the undescribed species we have maintained both at Melbourne Museum and at home since <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/and-along-came-another-spider/2007/03/18/1174152881573.html" target="_blank">finding a single gravid female in 2006</a>. Since then we have bred several generations of these superb spiders, but all are related as they originated from that one female. This individual presents the first opportunity to mix new genetics into the pool in six years. We found her near our home in Kuranda and had a male sent up from Melbourne to pair up with her. They mated on the 12th of January this year, and all appeared to go well. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fjHqnkaSjyg/T8d3_XH2JlI/AAAAAAAABIU/f04COUd4e30/s1600/_MG_1398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fjHqnkaSjyg/T8d3_XH2JlI/AAAAAAAABIU/f04COUd4e30/s320/_MG_1398.JPG" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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If she produces an egg sac it will take around 40 days for the young to emerge. We intend to send some spiderlings down to Melbourne Museum if everything goes to plan.<br />
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We have been lucky and have found two individuals within the last year. The
second actually fell out of a tree and landed beside me. It was bleeding from
the stubs of three missing legs and had obviously just escaped the clutches of
some sort of predator. She has now moulted twice and has regrown her missing
legs, but she has still two more moults to go until she matures. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Since 2006, we are only aware of seven recorded specimens of this species. Unfortunately
the specialist Australian Sparassid taxonomist that began work on them retired
recently, which is why the species remains undescribed. I have been discussing
this with other arachnologists in the hope that someone will pick it up.<br />
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For more information about Australian huntsman spiders visit <a href="http://www.minibeastwildlife.com.au/Huntsman-spiders.htm" target="_blank">Minibeast Wildlife's page.</a>Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7571522909949521541.post-42465346674882106832012-05-19T10:49:00.001+10:002012-05-19T10:50:55.680+10:00Female HerculesA little while ago we raised a Hercules Moth caterpillar until it pupated.
We suspended the cocoon in the kitchen (as you would), and a couple of day ago
we awoke to find a giant female moth hanging quietly from it. We allowed her to
hang undisturbed for 24 hours, and then took her out to the species' host plant
<em>Omalanthus populifolius</em> within the backyard<em>.</em> We were hoping
that she might attract a male, but she immediately began to lay eggs. We assume
these initial eggs will be infertile (unless a stealthy male managed to sneak
into the kitchen). By the following morning she had left the tree.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The face of the female Hercules Moth. The antennae are very impressive, yet those of the male are larger still.</td></tr>
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She will only have a life-span of less than two weeks; she will not feed but
instead survives only on the fat stores within her abdomen. Hopefully she can
attract a male if there are any around at present, as there is no shortage of
food plants locally for any resultant caterpillars.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AvnFHmcJ390/T7br8PATCyI/AAAAAAAABH4/KoxWSTrwPyg/s1600/_MG_1358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AvnFHmcJ390/T7br8PATCyI/AAAAAAAABH4/KoxWSTrwPyg/s320/_MG_1358.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The female Hercules Moth, <em>Coscinocera hercules</em> hanging in a Bleeding Heart tree in our yard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JWgAB2yMwU/T7bsAHiX7jI/AAAAAAAABIA/jAy959w9Nno/s1600/_MG_1380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JWgAB2yMwU/T7bsAHiX7jI/AAAAAAAABIA/jAy959w9Nno/s320/_MG_1380.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying eggs on the stem</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vlyiUtWAUg/T7bsEWGFbWI/AAAAAAAABII/G7eLvinPBtk/s1600/_MG_1382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vlyiUtWAUg/T7bsEWGFbWI/AAAAAAAABII/G7eLvinPBtk/s320/_MG_1382.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The sticky red substance binds the eggs together
and onto the plant.</span></td></tr>
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The Hercules Moth, <em>Coscinocera hercules</em> is the largest moth in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Australia</st1:place></st1:country-region>
with a wingspan of up to 270mm. <br />
<br />Alan and Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463950612278688016noreply@blogger.com0