Slender Ringtail Damselfly (Austrolestes analis, Fam: Lestidae)

Slender Ringtail Damselfly (Austrolestes analis, Fam: Lestidae)

The Slender Ringtail Damselfly, scientifically known as Austrolestes analis, is a beautiful and fascinating insect belonging to the damselfly family Lestidae. It is characterized by its slender body structure with a length of approximately 3.5 to 4.5 centimeters, making it one of the smaller damselflies.

This species is renowned for its striking and vibrant coloration. Their bodies are predominantly metallic black, accompanied by delicate patterns of vibrant blue or purple on the thorax and abdomen. Adult males of the Slender Ringtail Damselfly generally display more intense colors and may possess bright turquoise or indigo hues, while females exhibit a paler and less vibrant color palette.

The damselfly's compound eyes are large and noticeable, providing excellent vision, aiding in hunting as well as identifying potential predators or mates. They have transparent, elongated wings, giving them the ability to glide effortlessly through the air with incredible agility and precision. Their delicate wings are adorned with intricate, iridescent patterns that sparkles when hit by sunlight.

Found across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria in Australia, the Slender Ringtail Damselfly prefers habitats near slow-flowing streams, marshes, and still waters such as ponds or wetlands. They can be seen gracefully perching on vegetation or branches, waiting patiently for their prey to venture within striking distance.

As carnivorous insects, the Slender Ringtail Damselfly feeds on small invertebrates, including tiny insects, smaller damselflies, mosquitoes, and flies. They employ their remarkable agility and superb flying abilities to capture prey mid-air with their strong, grasping forelegs. They are an essential part of the ecosystem, helping to control insect populations.

Breeding behavior in the Slender Ringtail Damselfly is intriguing. Males will establish territories near water bodies and engage in vibrant aerial displays to attract females. During mating, males clasp the females behind their heads using specialized appendages called claspers. Afterward, females lay their eggs underwater, attaching them to plant stems or leaves.

With their captivating appearance and graceful flight, the Slender Ringtail Damselfly has become a favorite subject for insect enthusiasts and photographers alike. However, their populations have experienced decline due to habitat loss and degradation, making them a species of conservation concern. Efforts aimed at protecting their habitats and raising awareness about their significance in the ecosystem are critical for their survival.

1/250 - f/11 - ISO200 - 135mm + 31mm, 21mm, 13mm extension tubes + diffused flash.

 

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
 

Common Garden Snail (Cornu aspersa)

Close up of a Common Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum), which was introduced to Australia from Europe. They are edible and commercially raised in Australia and exported to countries such as France where it is eaten as 'escargot'.

1/200 - f/9 - ISO200 - 55mm macro
 

Marbled Gecko, Christinus marmoratus

Found this little beauty, Marbled Gecko, Christinus marmoratus, under the portable heater this morning. We don't usually see any reptiles this time of year, but it was only 2°C, may be he thought being warm was better than hybernating.

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

 

Badge Huntsman (Neosparassus diana)

The Badge Huntsman, (Neosparassus diana), is fawn to orange or pinkish brown in color and 16-20 mm in length, males and females are similar although males are slightly smaller. There is a dark triangular patch on the underside of the abdomen. The Badge Huntsman hunts for prey on trunks of trees and in foliage and hides under bark during the day.
 

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

Grass Dart Butterfly (Ocybadistes walkeri)

 

A Grass Dart Butterfly (Ocybadistes walkeri), feeding on a clover flower in the last day's of summer.

1/200 - f/9 - ISO100 - macro

Flies as Pollinators

 

This Green Blow fly (Lucilia cuprina), is feeding on the flower of Garlic Chives. Flies are second only to bees when it comes to pollination and are the main pollinators of Cacao trees from which chocolate is made. Unlike honeybees, flies don’t need to carry pollen and nectar back to a hive, they visit flowers to sip on the nectar themselves.

1/500 - f/7.1 - ISO200 - macro

Golden-tailed Spiny Ant (Polyrhachis spp.)

 

Golden-tailed Spiny Ant (Polyrhachis spp.)

The Golden-tailed Spiny Ant is a fascinating insect native to Southeast Asia. It is part of the ant family, Formicidae, and is known for its striking appearance and unique features.

This ant species gets its name from the golden-colored tip of its abdomen, which is highly visible and distinguishes it from other ant species. The ant's body is covered in dense spines, giving it a spiky and intimidating appearance.

Measuring around 7-12 millimeters in length, the Golden-tailed Spiny Ant is relatively small compared to other ant species. It has a slender and elongated body with a distinctive narrowing waist, known as the petiole. The ant's head is large and equipped with powerful mandibles for both feeding and defense.

Colony life is a key aspect of the Golden-tailed Spiny Ant's behavior. These ants are social insects and live in organized communities led by a queen. They construct intricate subterranean nests consisting of interconnected chambers, tunnels, and galleries. This species prefers nesting in soil or rotten wood, providing them with protection and an ideal environment for raising their young.

The Golden-tailed Spiny Ant is an omnivorous species, feeding on a variety of food sources. Their diet includes small insects, nectar, plant sap, and even honeydew produced by aphids. They are known to be highly efficient predators and have been observed working together as a team to capture larger prey.

Despite its intimidating appearance, the Golden-tailed Spiny Ant is generally not aggressive towards humans unless provoked. However, when threatened, it can deliver a painful sting using its venom-filled stinger. The venom is not dangerous to humans, but it can cause discomfort and a localized reaction.

In nature, these ants play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. They contribute to the decomposition of organic matter, controlling populations of small insects, and aiding in the dispersal of plant seeds.

The Golden-tailed Spiny Ant is a captivating creature with its spiky exterior and unique behavior. Its distinctive appearance, social structure, and ecological importance make it a fascinating subject of study for entomologists and nature enthusiasts alike.

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

False garden Mantis underside

 

One thing about photographing a False garden Mantis (Pseudomantis albofimbriata), is they always seem to be upside down. So here's a shot, taken from above, showing the underside of the Mantis. This specimen is a male.

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

Black Field Cricket (Teleogryllus commodus)

 

The Black Field Cricket, (Teleogryllus commodus) is a cricket species native to Australia.They are significant pests to most plants in Australia and New Zealand. The species originated in Australia but with time they were introduced to New Zealand. They are known to cause significant damage to pastures and gardens. They inhabit rocky surfaces or ground with large amounts of cracks as it gives them shelter from the sun, and are most active at night.

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

Eucalyptus Tip Bug (Amorbus alternatus) Nymph

 

Eucalyptus Tip-wilter Bug (Amorbus alternatus)

Nymph stage of a Eucalyptus Tip-wilter Bug (Amorbus alternatus), aka Gumtree Tip Bug, in the family Coreidae. The adults are typically dark brown in colour with light brown to orange on the legs and antennae, and alternated brown and yellow along the edges of the abdomen. Males have stouter hind femora and spiny hind legs. Body length about 20mm, plus antennae. They are relatively slow moving, but both adults and nymphs will release strong repellent odours when disturbed.

1/100 - f/7.1 - ISO400

Rose Aphid (Macrosiphum rosae)

 

Macrosiphum rosae, the rose aphid, is a species of sap-sucking insect in the family Aphididae. It infests rosebushes as its main host in spring and early summer, congregating on the tips of shoots and around new buds.

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

Grass Dart (Ocybadistes walkeri) or Skipper

A Grass Dart, (Ocybadistes walkeri) or Skipper butterfly resting on a fallen Rose petal just after a short rain shower.  This species of small butterfly is found in eastern and southern Australia, with one sub-species found in the Northern Territory. 

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

Rufus Net-Caster (Deinopis subrufa)

 

The Rufus Net-Caster, (Deinopis subrufa), is a species of net-casting spiders. It occurs in Australia and in New Zealand. It is a nocturnal hunter, having excellent eyesight, and hunts using a silken net to capture its prey. They feed on a variety of insects, eg; ants, beetles, crickets and other spiders.

1/200 - f/9 - ISO200 - 55mm + 13mm macro extension - diffused flash

Uloboris congregabilis Spider

 

The Uloboris congregabilis spider, of the family Uloboridae, is widely common through out Australia, yet has no known common name. They are quite a small spider with a body length of about 6mm, and are distinct in appearance by their humped abdomen. Uloboridae spiders do not have poison glands.

1/200 - f/8 - ISO200 - reversed 55mm - diffused flash

Zebra Cactus Flower Macro

 

Here's a macro shot of a Zebra Cactus flower, (Haworthia fasciata), isolated from the background using a telephoto lens and macro extension tube.

1/250 - f/8 - ISO200 - 135mm + 31mm macro extension

Shaggy Jumping Spider (Hypoblemum griseum)

 

This Shaggy Jumping Spider, (Hypoblemum griseum), was photographed on the side of a house. The spider appears to be protecting a nursery web, which probably contains the eggs and/or hatchlings.

1/200 - f/11 - ISO200 - 55mm + 31mm macro extension - diffused flash

Geometrid moth (Crypsiphona ocultaria)

 

The Geometrid moth, (Crypsiphona ocultaria), of the family Geometridae, is one of the most common moths found in Australia. As larvae they are green and feed on eucalypt leaves. When threatened the grub stands still, pretending to be a stick.

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

Passionvine hopper (Scolypopa australis)

 

Passionvine hopper, (Scolypopa australis), is native to Australia and has been introduced to New Zealand. Despite its name, they are found not only on passion vines, but on many plant species, including kiwifruit and the lantana. They are brown with partly transparent wings, about 5–6 mm long as adults and 4-5 mm as nymphs.

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