creatures. The unique status of its wildlife is not only evident
amongst its vertebrate creatures but, also in its myriad lower
life forms as well.
Insects are certainly a big part of that ecosytem as a whole and
some of the more uncommon or even rare ones are going to be
mentioned here in this discussion. These are but, a few of the
mysterious wonders of that land which I have run across (over the
years) amongst private collections here.
Because of their relative scarcity/rarity (here) in collections they
tend to be coveted, kept for long periods, and when parted with
they don't come cheaply !
This thread only really scratches the surface of the insect wonders
to be had in the land "down under".
Australian Bladder Cicada
This large and unusual looking species was collected by an
acquaintance collector I met who spent a year in Australia
teaching there.
Hoop Pine Weevil (Eurhamphus fasciculatus) (female)
This is Australia's biggest weevil species which is only found in
northern NSW and Southeastern Queensland. The host plants are
hoop pine and bunya pine and the adults are said to be not easy
to come across !
* Thankyou to (Lucanidae) from the ICF forum for his knowledge/insights !
Regent Skipper (Euschemon rafflesia)
At around 55mm in wing expanse this large and colorful
skipper species is bold enough to attract anyones attention
and is thus a "highlight" of the Hesperiid fauna there.
Bent-wing Ghost Moth (Zelotypia stayci) (male)
Australia is home to the largest species of the moth family
(Hepialidae). It is known from 2 rather localized regions in
New South Wales. Only 1 or 2 species of Eucalyptus tree
serve as its food source. It is seldom seen or encountered
and females (which are larger) typically have a 10 to 10.5
inch wingspan (tip to tip). Fantastic species....
Metallic Wood-boring Beetle (Temognatha bonvouloiri)
The Buprestidae of Australia are truly outstanding in their
diversity, awesome looks, and life histories. This particular
species hails from western Australia where the land is very
arid with only sporatic rains. They only feed on flowers so
all (proper) conditions have to line-up perfect before they
will emerge and that may be only every 5 to 10 years. However,
when out they are common.
*Thankyou to (Lucanidae) from the ICF forum for his knowledge/insights !
The Giant Petaltail (Petalura ingentissima)
This GIANT amongst dragonflies has bee described as the world's
largest (although there are contrary opinions). At some 160mm+
in wingspan it is found in Queensland Australia.
Australian King Cricket (Anostostoma australasiae)
These rarely encountered "monsters" of the forest floor inhabit
damp forests on the east coast in Queensland and New South Wales.
They belong to the family Stenopelmatoidae. Major males are armed
with these huge "crushing" mandibles and females can reach sizes
up to 80mm. It is said that they only come out on warm, rainy nights.
They are considered the "holy grail" amongst Orthoptera collectors !
*Thankyou to (francisento) from the ICF forum for his knowledge/insights !
So, there you have just a few of the natural insect wonders which are part
and parsel of that unique continent we know as Australia.
