Insect Hotel Update

Resin Bee (Megachile ferox)

 

Update from the insect hotel, a Resin Bee (Megachile ferox), had layed her eggs deep in one of drilled holes and was in the process of sealing the entrance when I took this shot.

1/250 - f/7.1 - ISO200 - 50mm + 31mm extension tube.

Beefly, Erstalis tenax

A Beefly, (Erstalis tenax), feeding on nectar from a rose flower.

1/200 - f/5 - ISO64 - macro
 

Green Shield Bug, Chinavia hilaris

Green Shield Bug (Palomena prasina)

The Green Shield Bug, also known as the Green Stink Bug (Palomena prasina), is a vibrant and distinctive insect belonging to the family Pentatomidae. As its name suggests, it exhibits a vibrant green coloration on its body, which serves as an effective camouflage among vegetation, especially leaves.

These bugs are typically small to medium-sized, measuring around 1.5 centimeters in length, with a shield-shaped, broad body. Their bodies are oval in shape and have a hardened, textured exoskeleton that acts as protection from predators.

One of the most notable features of the Green Shield Bug is its visually striking antennae, consisting of alternating dark and light segments. Additionally, it possesses a pair of large, dark eyes located on either side of its head, enabling it to have a good field of vision.

Green Shield Bugs are commonly found in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa, where they have adapted to a variety of habitats, including gardens, woodlands, meadows, and agricultural lands. They are known to be particularly attracted to plants such as nettle, ivy, and hawthorn.

These bugs are herbivorous and primarily feed on plant sap by piercing the tissues with their long, needle-like mouthparts. While they are not considered harmful to humans, they can occasionally cause damage to crops and garden plants. However, they also contribute positively to the ecosystem by preying on other insects, such as aphids, caterpillars, and beetle larvae.

Mating occurs during late spring or early summer, and the female Green Shield Bug lays eggs on leaves of host plants, usually in clusters. The eggs are small, barrel-shaped, and have a greenish color, blending well with the surrounding vegetation. Once hatched, the young nymphs resemble the adults but are smaller and lack wings.

Throughout their lifecycle, Green Shield Bugs undergo several molting stages, shedding their exoskeleton and growing larger with each phase. The length of their lifecycle can vary depending on environmental conditions, typically ranging from two to three months.

Overall, the Green Shield Bug is an intriguing insect known for its vibrant green coloration, distinct shield-shaped body, and beneficial role in ecological balance. Its ability to adapt to various habitats and diet preferences makes it an essential component of the natural world around us.

1/550 - f/3 - ISO64 - macro
 

Painted Lady Butterfly, Vanessa kershawi

Painted Lady (Vanessa kershawi), resting on the lawn in the mid-morning sun.

The Australian Painted Lady butterfly, scientifically known as Vanessa kershawi, is a stunning and vibrant butterfly species native to Australia. Its striking appearance and distinctive wing patterns make it a beloved and recognizable species among entomologists and nature enthusiasts alike.

The wings of the Australian Painted Lady feature a beautiful combination of bright orange, black, and white markings. The forewings exhibit a pattern of black spots on an orange background, which extends into a white bar near the tips. The hindwings, on the other hand, boast intricate black and white patterns that create an eye-catching contrast against the vibrant orange color.

With a wingspan reaching approximately 5-7 centimeters, the Australian Painted Lady is a medium-sized butterfly. When in flight, it gracefully flutters from flower to flower, seeking nectar as its main source of nutrition. The butterfly has a preference for a variety of flowering plants, including native wildflowers, asters, and thistles.

A unique aspect of this butterfly species is its migratory behavior. Australian Painted Lady butterflies undertake impressive annual migrations across vast distances, often traveling from their breeding grounds in the inland areas to the coastal regions. These migrations are thought to be influenced by favorable climate conditions and the availability of food sources.

The Australian Painted Lady butterfly undergoes a complete metamorphosis, starting from an egg that hatches into a caterpillar. The caterpillar exhibits a black body covered in fine spines and feeds on host plants such as Gnaphalium and Helichrysum. After undergoing several molts, the caterpillar forms a pupa or chrysalis, within which the transformation into a fully grown butterfly takes place. The entire life cycle of this butterfly lasts for several weeks.

In addition to its exquisitely beautiful appearance, the Australian Painted Lady butterfly also plays an important ecological role as a pollinator. As it flits from flower to flower sipping nectar, it inadvertently transfers pollen, aiding in the reproduction of various plant species.

Overall, the Australian Painted Lady butterfly is an enchanting and dynamic species that showcases the remarkable wonders of nature. Its vibrant colors, migratory behavior, and ecological significance make it a true treasure of the Australian insect world.

1/2500 - f/5.6 - ISO400 - 135mm macro
 

Barred Skipper (Dispar compacta) Butterfly

 

The Barred Skipper, (Dispar compacta), butterfly is a small type of "skipper". The adult butterfly is brown, with a few white and yellow markings on the wings. It has a wingspan of about 45 - 50 mm. The Barred Skipper is found mainly along the eastern side of mainland Australia.

1/100 - f/7.1 - ISO400 - macro