Acanthococcus coriaceus (tentative) - could also be Erriococcus sp.
Family: Eriococcidae
Order: Hemiptera

Iridomyrmex sp.
Subfamily: Dolichoderinae (Odorous Ants)
Family: Formicidae
Order: Hymenoptera


A year ago, I observed some adult gumleaf hoppers, Eurymela distincta, on a couple of young Eucalyptus shrubs. The hoppers were being tended by Iridomyremex ants. The ants were apparently protecting the hoppers and were milking them for honeydew.

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Today, on one of the same two shrubs, I observed Iridomyremex ants very actively tending to and protecting these orange objects, which I think are gumtree scale insects, in the family Eriococcidae Fascinating that the ants have more than one species of "farm animals" to tend on the same tree!


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Tags:   Cicadellidae Hemiptera gumleaf hopper Iridomyrmex Dolichoderinae Formicidae Hymenoptera Eriococcus

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Cyclochila australasiae
Subfamily: Cicadinae
Family: Cicadidae
Order: Hemiptera


The Greengrocer is one of the most common of The Australian cicadas and is found throughout south eastern Australia. It is said to be one of the loudest insects in the world. It comes in several colour morphs including green, yellow and less commonly in red tan, turquoise and red-orange.

The median life cycle is 6 to 7 years but there are emergings of some individuals of these cicadas every year. 2024 has proved to be one of the largest emergings in recent years.

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Tags:   Cyclochila australasiae Cicadinae Cicadidae Hemiptera Greengrocer Cicada

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Psaltoda harrisii
Family: Cicadidae
Order: Hemiptera


This species is a little smaller than the black prince, Psaltoda plaga, but similar in appearance. However, the wing venation on P. plaga incorporates a Z-shaped infuscation which is absent in the case of P. harrisii. A characteristic yellow ventral area is present on the on the abdomen.

The location is a relatively dry sandy peninsula with no standing fresh water.

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Tags:   Psaltoda harrisii Cicadidae Hemiptera

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Varanus varius
Family: Varanidae
Order: Squamata
Class Reptilia

This goanna was unphased by a series of bushwalkers passing near its tree. It stayed motionless relying on its camouflage to go un-noticed. Indeed it would have stayed unnoticed-noticed were it not for the eagle-eyed 10 year old in our party!

Tags:   Varanus varius Varanidae Squamata Reptilia Goanna Lace Monitor

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Anoplognathus viriditarsis
Subfamily: Rutelinae ( Shining Leaf Chafers )
Family: Scarabaeidae
Order: Coleoptera

One of the 35 species this genus that are often referred to as "Christmas Beetles".

Adult members of Rutelinae feed on leaves and flowers. The larvae feed on decaying wood, leaf litter or roots.


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Tags:   Anoplognathus viriditarsis Rutelinae Shining Leaf Chafers Scarabaeidae Coleoptera Christmas Beetle

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