Pretty Grisette aka Vermillion Amanita – A Red Toadstool

Amanita xanthocephala aka Pretty Grisette, Vermillion Amanita

Amanita xanthocephala aka Pretty Grisette, Vermillion Amanita

Amanita xanthocephala aka Pretty Grisette, Vermillion Amanita (Juvenile form)

Amanita xanthocephala aka Pretty Grisette, Vermillion Amanita (Juvenile form)

Amanita xanthocephala aka Pretty Grisette, Vermillion Amanita, Vermillion Grisette, Amanitopsis pulchella
Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum/Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Agaricales
Family: Amanitaceae
Wottons Scrub, Kenneth Stirling Conservation Park, South Australia – June 14th, 2014 – soggy, wet, cool conditions

Photos & Text: Michal Dutkiewicz

Although poisonous, and closely related to the introduced species Amanita muscaria, this pretty, indigenous fungus emerges from the floor of Eucalypt forests like a sphere of yellow gelati while still covered in the juvenile down so characteristic of the family – This species has an ectomycorrhizal relationship with Eucalyptus. It occurs in south-west Western Australia, and in the forests of South Australia and around up into southern Queensland.

There is some radial grooving on the cap and that and its tendency to smaller size helps distinguish it from the introduced species Amanita muscaria  . It is quite common and may occur singly or in groups, although I have only seen it singly.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanita_xanthocephala
http://fungimap.org.au/index.php/fduonline-home/22/294/agarics/P-amanita-xanthocephala

Green Orb-Weaver Spider

Eriophora circulissparsus aka Araneus circulissparsus

Eriophora circulissparsus aka Araneus circulissparsus

Eriophora circulissparsus aka Araneus circulissparsus

Eriophora circulissparsus aka Araneus circulissparsus

Eriophora circulissparsus aka Araneus circulissparsus
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Suborder: Araneomorphae
Family: Araneidae
Mount Barker (Longleat Property) – December 15th, 2014

Photos & Text: Karin Dawson

Of the 30 spider genera in Australia, Eriphora is the largest with 110 recorded species. This genus comprises the Orb Weavers, which construct distinctive wheel-shaped webs at dusk. None of the Eriphora are venomous to humans.

Eriophora circulissparsus (formerly Araneus circulissparsus) is a pretty light green orb weaver with a yellow abdomen, beautifully patterned with red and green markings. This is a nocturnal species, and not often seen. I have encountered E. circulissparsus three times in my garden over the last several months. The first two sightings were during the day, and the spiders were resting amongst daisy flowers and leaves. The third sighting was at sunset, where the spider was hard at work constructing her web.

E. circulissparsus is a relatively small species, with the female averaging 5 – 7 mm in diameter, though each of my three individuals measured 8 – 10 mm.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eriophora

White-faced Heron

Egretta novaehollandiae aka White-faced Heron

Egretta novaehollandiae aka White-faced Heron
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Ardeidae
Findon, South Australia – April 20th, 2014

Photo: Aldo Trissi

This text is quoted from the excellent bird book “Fleurieu Birds” by Peter Gower:
“Size: 66-70cm. A common water bird seen on most wet areas. Becomes relaxed to human activities around towns and farms.`Feeds on crustaceans, small fish, frogs, tadpoles etc. Nests from September to November. Three to five eggs are laid in a shallow stick nest normally higher than 5 metres.”

I will add that the male breeding plumage, like most Egrets, is very elegant and consists of longer decorative feathers – There is a view of this on this Wikipedia Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-faced_heron

Peter Gower’s book is my go-to book for bird sightings – It is such an easy view and so fast to peruse – It is available from the South Australian Museum Shop, or you can see Peter’s work in the following Link:

http://gowerphotos.tripod.com/

The Scarlet Robin

Petroica boodang aka Scarlet Robin

Petroica boodang aka Scarlet Robin
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Petroicidae
Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park, South Australia – July 19th, 2014

Photo: Aldo Trissi

Thanks to Aldo Trissi for this great shot – The Scarlet Robin has more black on the throat, whereas the similar Flame Robin has a more vivid orangy colour and that colour goes up closer to the beak – This is a male.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet_robin

Juncus pallidus – The Pale Rush

Juncus pallidus aka Pale Rush

Juncus pallidus aka Pale Rush
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum (?): Angiosperms
Class (?): Monocots
Subclass (?): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Juncaceae
St PetersBillabong, South Australia – December 23rd, 2013 – sunny conditions after a severe windstorm

Photo: Michal Dutkiewicz

From Wikipedia:
“Juncus pallidus, commonly known as the Pale Rush, is a species of rush that is native to southern Australia. It is a vigorous, tufted, tussock-forming, rhizomatous perennial herb with culms growing to 70–135 cm in height. The inflorescence, which is 25–185 mm long, contains many straw coloured flowers, each with six floral segments. It is usually found in moist, nutrient-poor soils subject to periodic flooding, such as fresh and brackish waterways, including swamps, creek banks, lake edges and sand seeps.”
Thanks to Michael Starkey for the ID.

http://www.friendsofknocklofty.org/flora-g.html#g-4
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juncus_pallidus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juncus

Long-nosed Weevil – A Very Endearing Leaf-muncher!

Rhinotia hemistictus aka Long-nosed Weevil

Rhinotia hemistictus aka Long-nosed Weevil

Rhinotia hemistictus aka Long-nosed Weevil

Rhinotia hemistictus aka Long-nosed Weevil

Rhinotia hemistictus aka Long-nosed Weevil
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Superfamily: Curculionoidea
Family: Belidae
Montacute Conservation Park – November 15th, 2014 – mild to warm, overcast conditions

Photos & Text: Michal Dutkiewicz

These were found on what I believe were Acacia pycnantha trees, at least 200 yards apart on different tracks, and I think they were feeding, although in my excitement, I didn’t take much notice – All I could think was “Get the shot!”: – I had wanted to photograph a species like this for years – macro photography has finally given me the opportunity to explore the realm of the mini-marvels that reside all around us. I haven’t been able to find out much about this species yet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinotia_hemistictus

http://anic.ento.csiro.au/insectfamilies/biota_details.aspx?OrderID=25407&BiotaID=44456&PageID=families

Red Bull Ant – Scariest Ant I have Ever Seen!

Myrmecia gulosa aka Giant Red Bull Ant, Hoppy Joe

Myrmecia gulosa aka Giant Red Bull Ant, Hoppy Joe

Myrmecia gulosa aka Giant Red Bull Ant, Hoppy Joe
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae
Aldinga Scrub, South Australia – August 16th, 2014 – moving over sand and leaf litter carrying a larva (species unknown) in its jaws

Photos & Text: Michal Dutkiewicz

Respect this creature’s territory! – Its bite usually causes pain that lasts for two days, but it can be fatal, causing anaphylactic shock. It has good eyesight, and will eyeball intruders and come after them. It is regarded as a primitive Ant, and solitary individuals are usually seen wandering the ground or up tree trunks, but they live in colonies – They are one of the largest Ants in the World. The adults do not eat solid food, but feed their larvae such fare – It was interesting seeing this fierce-looking individual making its way over the sand amongst the leaf litter, not producing the usual hostile display, even though I was quite close – It was carrying the larva in its mandibles, but I am not sure if this was food for the not-so-little ones or was a young one being relocated. They don’t sense chemicals like most ants, apparently, but rely on their eyesight – Once more – Beware!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrmecia_gulosa

http://home.iprimus.com.au/foo7/jumperant.html

Small Pointed Snail

Prietocella barbara aka Small Pointed Snail

Prietocella barbara aka Small Pointed Snail, Cochlicella barbara
Introduced pest
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Superfamily: Helicoidea
Family: Cochlicellidae
Monarto Conservation Park, South Australia – November 8th, 2014 – overcast conditions and light rain

Photos & Text: Michal Dutkiewicz

Small Pointed Snails are considered an agricultural pest. They rarely invade grain crops, but they feed on Lucerne and other plants in the South East. They are a species from the Mediterranean area and were first reported from South Australia from Mt Gambier in 1921. They can be hard to get rid of, and fire is often used to eradicate snail species, but many of these survive in rocky terrain, because they may be resting under rocks. They are dormant for the hot, drier Summer months, when they tend to rest on the surface in leaf litter etc and breed in Winter. Thanks to Dennis Hopkins and the Department of Agriculture for this information.

http://www.biodiversitysnapshots.net.au/bdrs-core/public/speciesInfo.htm?spid=898&mode=fieldguide

http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au/pestsdiseases/publications/pestfacts/insect_and_damage_images/snails_in_agriculture

Caladenia tentaculata – A Sophisticated Mimic

Caladenia (Arachnorchis) tentaculata aka Mantis Orchid, or King Spider Orchid

Caladenia (Arachnorchis) tentaculata aka Mantis Orchid, or King Spider Orchid

Caladenia (Arachnorchis) tentaculata aka Mantis Orchid, King Spider Orchid and a host of other names
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiospermae
Class: Liliopsida (?) Monocots (?)
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Scott Creek Conservation Park – October 11th, 2014 – warm, dry conditions on Currawong Ridge Track

Photos & Text: Michal Dutkiewicz

I took these pictures on a warm, windy day and these Orchids are a striking sight – waving about. The Australian bush is full of spiky-looking critters, especially insects, and this Spider Orchid is designed to attract just such a critter, using its critter-like features, as well as its pheromones! – The tentacles have a wasp-like scent that draws the male Thynnine Wasp in to pollinate with the “apparent” flightless female it sees in the shape of the middle of the flower. The Orchid smears pollen on the Wasp when it attempts to mate, and the pollen is carried to the next Orchid flower by the unsatisfied Wasp, where the pollen is rubbed off, completing the transfer and enabling the fertilization of the flower – A complex, marvellous deception that demonstrates the interwoven evolution of these species by their mutual dependence.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caladenia
http://biology-assets.anu.edu.au/hosted_sites/orchid_pollination/

Austracantha minax – A Spiderly Seasons Greeting

Austracantha minax aka Christmas Spider or Jewel Spider

Austracantha minax aka Christmas Spider, Jewel Spider

Austracantha minax aka Christmas Spider, Jewel Spider, Six-spined Spider, Spiny Spider
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Suborder: Araneomorphae
Family: Araneidae
Mount Barker (Longleat Property), South Australia – December 9th, 2014 – in garden

Photos & Text: Karin Dawson
Austracantha minax (commonly known as the Christmas Spider – also Jewel Spider, Six-spined Spider or Spiny Spider) is a particularly colourful species of orb weaver endemic to Australia, and can be found all over the continent. Formerly Gasteracantha minax, this beautiful spider is most abundant during the summer months leading up to Christmas – hence its name.

These very timid spiders are relatively small – the females grow up to 12 mm, males only 5 mm. These heavily armoured spiders are a shiny black with variable white, yellow and orange patterns, and six distinctive spines protruding their abdomen.

These social spiders can be found in large communal aggregations of overlapping orb webs, and unlike other orb weavers, they do not destroy their webs at dawn.

Interestingly, any female Austracantha minax born later in the summer season is completely black (melanic) though they are the same shape are their colourful counterparts. The reason for this is unknown.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austracantha_minax