Buggin with Bridgey – December 2020
With a little bit of rain we started to see a sudden arrival of some new grasshoppers and many crickets. There was one Jumping Spider that made a regular appearance as well. I think everyone is waiting for some good rain of course with the rain we are starting to see quite a few fungi species fruiting. The mushroom itself is like a fruit, and the rest of the lifeform lives in the ground or on plant matter. Let’s Go Shroomin Tours commencing 10th of January and every Sunday morning at 8.30am.
One of my favourite grasshoppers has made its return. The gorgeous Methiola picta grasshopper is quite striking with its bright red and green colours. They tend to be fairly chilled about having a camera stuck in their face as well.
Saptha Libonata this absolutely stunning little moth does not have a name, so I have taken the liberty to name it a Metallic Rainbow Moth. I saw 7 in 1 day and have now learned that they favour a particular plant.
We started to see these gorgeous White Tree Snail (Noctepuna cerea) slithering along plant leaves and as long as you don’t disturb them, they will keep their tentacles out and will look at the camera. While I did find one reference of the identification of this species online, I couldn’t find much information so I cannot be 100% sure on the identification. It’s very interesting to me that this species has eyes as part of it’s head, where most other snails have the eyes at the end of the tenticles. Does anyone know what the story is on this?
Bavia aericeps is a Jumping Spider species that I have seen once or twice throughout the year, but in late November and December I would usually see 1 or 2 on each walk. These magical spiders are super curious and I have had 3 individuals jump onto my flash diffuser, hand or mobile phone. Once there, I have found them to be quite reluctant to go back to the plant!
The beetle with arguably the best name was witnessed on a number of occasions. During some night walks, and also on our first Special Let’s Go Buggin to Goomboora Park. Longicorn Beetles or Longhorn Beetles… have… you guessed it… long horns! Wow! They also have some incredible eyes in a half donut shape the surrounds one side of the base of their antennae. (see cropped closeup)
I hope you have had a chance to check out the Midgey Bridgey Blog. This was such an exciting adventure for me and I’m really looking forward to learning more about this beautiful bug as the scientific studies evolve next year.
I’d like to invite you all down for the next Special Walk. On January 6th I have a special guest joining us for a Let’s Go Buggin Morning and Night Tour.
Brendon James from CygnusTech Melbourne has been an inspiration to many with his passion for macro photography of insects. His Instagram account is quite something to see. Check it out at @cygnustech and come along to see what amazing critters Brendan and I find in the gardens. Register your interest via Email.
I hope you all have a well-deserved holiday season. Next Blog January
Leave A Comment