Rufous Grasshopper

 

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The Rufous grasshopper or Gomphocerippus rufus (synonym Gomphocerus rufus and others), is a medium-sized, broad, brown, 'short-horned' grasshopper with clubbed antennae that are tipped with a conspicuous white or pale colour. It is fairly large, averaging 14 to 22 mm in length. It is of the subfamily Gomphocerinae in the family Acrididae, the predominant family of grasshoppers. This species is present in most of Europe, in the eastern Palearctic ecozone and in the Near East. It can be encountered from late July through mid-December, usually in dry or slightly moist habitats. The environments in which it typically resides include dry grassland on calcareous soils, sheltered valleys with scrub, and the open borders of forests. It feeds on grasses and various herbaceous plants. It is known for its distinctive courtship song and accompanying display.

1/200 - f/9 - ISO100 - 55mm + 31mm macro extension - diffused flash

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

Australian Bush Cockroach

 

Macrophotography close up of an Australian Bush Cockroach, (Periplaneta australasiae). Unlike other cockroaches, such as the more common brown American cockroach, (Periplaneta americana), the Australian bush cockroach isn't an "indoors" pest.

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1/200 - f/9 - ISO100 - macro - diffused flash

Wolf Spider (Lycosa sp.)

 

There are many different species of wolf spider, which are so named because they actively hunt and run down their prey. The most common species found in our area is (Lycosa sp.), which ranges from light to dark brown or in colour with black, grey or brown markings.

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1/200 - f/8 - ISO100 - diffused flash - macro

Pink Bellied Moth (Oenochroma vinaria)

 

Although moths are known to appear at night, attracted to bright lights, they can also be found resting during the day in various places. The Pink Bellied moth, (Oenochroma vinaria), is common all over Australia. This one was resting on a Hebe bush early morning.

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1/250 - f/8 - ISO400 - external flash and reflector

Common brown Butterfly (Heteronympha merope)

 

Common brown Butterfly, (Heteronympha merope), basking in the sun on the leaf of a eucalyptus tree.

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1/500 - f/8 - ISO400 - 135mm

Rufus Net-Caster (Deinopis subrufa)

 

The Rufus Net-Caster Spider, (Deinopis subrufa), forms a net web between it's front legs and uses this to scoop up unsuspecting prey as it passes below.

1/80 - f/8 - ISO200 - flash

False Garden Manits (Pseudomantis albofimbriata)

 

These False garden Manits, (Pseudomantis albofimbriata) both brown and green, are regular visitors to our garden in the summer months. This one stood motionless on top of a Crassula tetragona succulent plant.

1/200 - f/9 - ISO200 - diffused flash

Snail's Pace, Waiting in Patience

 

Getting a decent shot of a snail means lying on the ground. This common garden snail, (Helix aspersa), was crawling along concrete pavement, which made taking the photo a little easier.

1/60 - f/5.6 - ISO200 - diffused flash

A small Lynx spider, (Oxyopes elegans), lurking at the tip of a mint leaf, waiting for un-suspecting prey.

1/200 - f/10 - ISO200 - +4 closeup filter