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

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Harlequin Bugs That Crossed Our Path – Literally!

Choerocoris paganus aka Red Jewel Bug
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthopoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Family: Scutelleridae
Montacute Conservation Park, South Australia – November 15th, 2014 – on ground, mating, overcast conditions

Photos: Michal Dutkiewicz

I didn’t recognize them from the ID shots on the net – Most people pump the colours and brightness to make them psychedelic and bright, but they are quite deep in colours in real life – I have tried to represent them as authentically as I can. They are a type of Stink Bug or Shield Bug and they use their rostrum, an extended, segmented mouth structure, to suck the sap of plant species, including Dodonaea.

The Chocolate Lily – Arthropodium strictum

Arthropodium strictum aka Dichopogon strictus, Chocolate Lily

Arthropodium strictum aka Dichopogon strictus, Chocolate Lily

Arthropodium strictum aka Dichopogon strictus, Chocolate Lily
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Lomandroideae
Montacute Conservation Park – November 15th, 2014 – mild to warm, overcast conditions

This common species has a sweet, vanilla-chocolatey scent – Very pleasing – Before European settlement, this species was widespread and abundant in open areas. See also my entry on Arthropodium fimbriatum aka Dichopogon fimbriatus.

https://sanatureteers.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/the-nodding-chocolate-lily-arthropodium-fimbriatum/

http://bie.ala.org.au/species/Arthropodium+strictum

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

Liverwort – Like a Space Alien

Asterella drummondii, a Liverwort that looks like a sci fi alien
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Marchantiophyta
Class: Marchantiopsida
Order: Marchantiales
Family: Aytoniaceae
Dry-looking specimens: Montacute Conservation Park – November 15th, 2014 – mild to warm, overcast conditions
Wet-looking “Green Brain” specimens: Morialta – September, 2013 – wet conditions

http://bie.ala.org.au/species/urn:lsid:biodiversity.org.au:apni.taxon:466784

http://www.cpbr.gov.au/cpbr/summer-scholarship/2002-projects/medek-danielle-report.html

Native Bee-Mimic Fly

Eumerus peltatus aka Native-bee-mimic Fly (?)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Syrphidae
Subfamily: Eristalinae
Tribe: Eumerini
Montacute Conservation Park – November 15th, 2014 – mild to warm, overcast conditions