Federation of Tasmanian Field Naturalists weekend,
14~16 Mar 2008 |
On the shore of Lake Augusta. GF |
James making an important find. GF |
A rare find. This is the Miena jewel beetle, Castiarina insculpta! This species was believed to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 2004. This is the fifth known specimen, and we have sent it to the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery. JW |
Wolf spider, Geolycosa godeffroyi, resting on a patch of moss. GF |
Rosettes of Pterygopappus lawrencei (Sage cushionplant). This is a tiny little herb and the grains of sand at the edge of the individual rosettes give an idea of size. JW |
Golden cockroach, a Polyzosteria species, possibly
P. viridissima, or even an undescribed species? JW |
The very bizarre Acripeza reticulata (Mountain Katydid) was found wandering through the alpine dunes. An impressive animal, about 22mm body-length. It is a member of the bush cricket family. This one is a female and is flightless. By way of defence, the female can lift her wing cases to expose her abdomen which is brightly striped red and blue. JW |
An Ichneumonidae wasp. This individual is being troubled by a small black ant
tenaciously gripping its antenna. GF |
A pretty gentian, Gentianella diemensis. GF |
Mountain rocket, Bellendena montana - abundant in this alpine habitat, and brightening the landscape with their red seed cases. GF |
Photos by James Wood, Geoff Fenton |