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Jumping Spider, one of the many
insects you will see in the bush if
you take time to look. |
INSECTS
OF THE BUSH!
Insects play an important role in our bushland.
98% of insects can be considered
beneficial.
One of the most important roles insects play in the natural world is
the pollination of flower plants. Over time, the evolution of
flower plants and the related insects proceeded in parallel. As a
result, various tools for collecting and transporting pollen have
been developed, such as ventral brushes, pollen-baskets on legs or
tufts of hair on other parts of the body. Some species, for
instance, have unusually long tongues which help them reach the
bottom of elongated flower tubes in search of nectar. Some insects
pollinate flowers blooming in the daytime while others prefer
flowers that open at twilight. The most important pollinators of
flower plants are hymenopterans, especially wild bees, as well as
lepidopterans, dipterans and coleopterans.
Another group of insects which plays a crucial role in different
types of forest environment is ants (Formicidae). Large mound ants
belonging to the Formica genus act as ”orderlies” by regulating the
number of other insects. In the case of the mass appearance of
Lepidoptera or Diptera caterpillars feeding on plants, ants switch
to these species thereby significantly reducing their number. By
building their nests, ants improve the quality of the soil. Numerous
chambers and corridors in the underground part of the nest have a
beneficial impact on the air and water regime in the soil.
Insects actively accelerate the circulation of the organic matter
in the environment. The larvae of many Diptera species (e.g.
bluebottle flies Caliphora and flesh-flies Sarcophaga) feed on dead
plants and animals as well as on animal dung. This significant
contribution leads to a faster decomposition. Carrion is a source of
nourishment for numerous beetle species (e.g. burying beetles (Necrophorus)
and carrion beetles Silpha). Because eggs are deposited in the
carrion, the larvae feed on the animal remains. The dor beetles (Geotrupes)
remove immense quantities of dung from the environment. They build
deep burrows ending with chambers under an accumulation of dung
where females deposit their eggs. The beetles then fill the chambers
with lumps of dung providing food reserves for the developing
larvae.
"END OF THE ROAD"
Thornleigh, NSW 2006
I found this beetle crawling to the end of a fishbone fern, trying
to get to the softest morsel of the plant!
"DRAGONFLY 1"
Thornleigh, NSW 2006
At the end of all the Sydney rain, the sun came out and the humidity
went up! A perfect combination for the dragonfly.
"DRAGONFLY 2"
Thornleigh, NSW 2006
It's not easy to catch a dragonfly in full flight but this one just
happened to hover long enough for me to snap him!
"EYE TO EYE!"
Thornleigh, NSW 2006
Now, when you get this close to a dragonfly you start to se the
humour in creation!
"LADYBIRD, FLY WAY HOME"
Thornleigh, NSW 2006
You all know the rhyme, Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home. Your
house is on fire and your children are alone!"
Well this little common spotted Ladybird Beetle was just about to do
that. She was launching as I snapped!
"MADAM BUTTERFLY"
Thornleigh, NSW 2006
The beauty and the grace of these magnificent insects never ceases
to amaze me. This is a female and I just didn't get my camera quick
enough to snap her mating with her mate. Oh well, maybe privacy is a
premium here!
"MADAM MOTH"
Thornleigh, NSW 2006
Again, the beauty of these small insects is tremendous. In fact this
little moth reminded me of an American fighter jet with its wing
formation.
"THE MAGIC OF LIGHT"
Thornleigh, NSW 2006
I know, this isn't an insect, however, I had to add it for you to
enjoy as I did. After the heavy rains on Sydney in January 2006, the
sap ran down the trunks of the gum trees. Late in the afternoon, I
caught sight of this as I walked past. The sun was shining
through it and made it look as if it were on fire. A cobweb floats
off the top making a trail like smoke ascending into the air.
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