PLANNING AND ORGANIZING COMMITTEE 2009

President:

Vice President:

Treasurer:

Secretary:

Magazine:

Publicity & Library

Excursion Convenor:

Ross Kendall 07 3378 1187

John Moss 07 3245 2997

Rob MacSloy 07 3824 4348

Peter Hendry 07 3206 0048

Daphne Bowden (daphne.bowden1 @bigpond.com)07 3396 6334

Lois Hughes 07 3206 6229

Alisha Steward 07 3275 1186

PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION MEETINGS

A quarterly meeting is scheduled in order to plan club activities and the magazine.

See BOIC Programme.

CONTACT ADDRESS AND MEMBERSHIP DETAILS

PO Box 2113, Runcorn, Queensland 4113

Membership fees are $25 for individuals, schools and organizations.

AIMS OF ORGANIZATION

e To establish a network of people growing butterfly host plants;

e To hold information meetings about invertebrates;

e To organize excursions around the theme of invertebrates e.g. butterflies, native

bees, ants, dragonflies, beetles, freshwater habitats, and others;

e To promote the conservation of the invertebrate habitat;

e To promote the keeping of invertebrates as alternative pets;

e To promote research into invertebrates;

e To encourage the construction of invertebrate friendly habitats in urban areas.

MAGAZINE DEADLINES

If you want to submit an item for publication the following deadlines apply:

March issue — February 14" June issue — May 14"

September issue — August 14" December issue — November 14"

Joseph’s Coat Moth (Agarista agricola) - Painting by Lois Hughes. Prints of this

painting are available from the artist. Ph. 07 3206 6229

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 2

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Many members will recall that last September the BOIC had a brochure exchange

with “The Australian Entomologist” through inserts in our respective publications.

As a result of this exchange a good number of BOIC members have subscribed to this

high quality quarterly and we have welcomed several new members into the BOIC.

As each new edition of “Metamorphosis Australia” comes closer to printing, I am

always impressed by the quality and interest of the articles to be included. I am

further impressed by and appreciative of the very considerable time and effort taken

by the authors to make observations, accumulate data and images, write drafts,

consult others and revise those drafts. While thanking all contributors for their

“work,” I would especially like to thank Rob Whyte, Bill Graham and Glen

Cleminson for their first contributions to our Magazine.

Daphne Bowden volunteers a great deal of her time and talents to edit the Magazine

each quarter. This edition has proved no exception requiring lots of contact with the

various authors and our expert consultants, detailed proof reading of articles,

planning layout and assembling text, images and captions into the final product. This

is then followed by examination of a test print run and “tweaking” where necessary.

Next there is the processing and distribution of the magazine to members. Thank you

again Daphne. Best wishes Ross

Creature Feature - Joseph's Coat Moth (A gdrista AQricola) ....ccccccccccccccsssecccceeseeceeaeseeees 4

Plant Profile - Cissus opaca and Cayratia ClEMAtIACA ......cccccsccccccnssccccaeeccceanecceaaneceeaaees 6

Broody Bugs and [ten y COWS. ..cc.ccesesvscce seis vstensesonceesasencee dvsceadhsvebeavbtenciatesavecivessectaeerteaas 7

A survey of spider abundance and diversity Cte. ........ceccccsescccceseeccceesceceeseceeeneceeeeeeeees 9

Life History Notes on the Banded Grass-skipper (Toxidia PAarvulus) ......ccccccccceseeceeee 17

Life History Notes on the moth Coequosa tridngQula rs ....ccccccccccccsssccccseccccaseccceneceeees 19

Observations on Butterfly Host Plants ........ ec ecccccceseccceeeececeeeceeesececeeeeceseeeeeeees 20

Response to "Observations on Butterfly Host Plants! ........ i eeccccssecccnesececeseeeeeeees 22

The First Record of Tiracola plagiata feeding on Pararistolochia praevenosa......... 22

At the Light Trap - Records of daytime flying Moths 2.00.0... eec ce ceesecceeeeseeeeeeeeeeees 24

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CD Review - Northern Territory Insects ...........ccccccccsccccccsscccceseccceenececeeeeceeeececeeeeeeeees 28

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Photo Gallery - Images of Arctiidae Moths and Butterfly Larvae ............ eee 3]

Dodd collection on display at the Queensland MUSeCUM ...............ceeccccceesseeceeeeeeeeceeeees 33

BOG: PROCEAMIMNIG <a cisatinnatecctavesptorratiachacetsdrsucngsidsatetitenueadsdaiaraseteiiycesiceatetutea sb eesscey ods 33

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club 455 Z Page 3

CREATURE FEATURE

Joseph’s Coat Moth (Agarista agricola) - Lois Hughes

Anyone familiar with the Biblical account concerning Joseph will recall his coat of

many colours, given by Jacob, his father, as a sign of favour and an indication of his

potential to become significant, which did eventuate.

This common name given to the day-

flying moth is an appropriate one as

even the caterpillars are strikingly

patterned with encircling bands of

alternating black, white and orange. A

portent, perhaps, of the brightly

coloured and strikingly patterned moths

they will become. Could these bright

caterpillar colours also act as a warning

to predators that they may be distasteful, Agarista agricola larva — Photo Ross Kendall

but in this case 1s probably only a bluff?

Another interesting feature of the larvae oe . " =

is the multiple paddle shaped setae Ht ea. \ Vy , | 8S

(spines) that protrude from their bodies. ON Ae

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The female is usually the larger of the

two, with a wingspan between 65 and 70

mm and the male being between 55 to

65 mm. The male and female are

similarly coloured but differ slightly, but A. agricola female - taken, with permission,

significantly, in pattern and this 1s very from Australian Moths Online

apparent when viewed from above. http://www. ento.csiro.au/anic/moths. html

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A. agricola males — seen on right in a typical position with head down

Photos Cleft) John Hughes (right) Russel Denton

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 4

The female has extensive cream markings extending from the dorsum of the thorax to

cover the whole of the base of the upper-side forewings. The male, however, has

these markings reduced, interestingly, to the shape of the letter “M” when viewed,

resting, with its head up. Naturally this becomes a “W” when it is seen perched, as it

most often does, head down.

They are sometimes mistaken for butterflies when on the wing, but once they settle,

with wings flat, it is obvious they are moths. Very strong flyers, the male 1s

sometimes seen patrolling in the vicinity of an area where the host plants grow, often

returning to the same lookout post as he waits for a receptive female to appear.

Their host plants, vines, are Cissus opaca (illustrated), Cayratia clematidea and grape

vines (Vitis vinifera). I have observed moths feeding at Lantana flowers. The moth’s

hairy red legs are a distinguishing feature and quite comical, reminiscent of fluffy p.j.

pants!

They are fascinating to raise in

captivity. At maturity, the

caterpillar’s white bands turn orange

a and they begin wandering in search

) - REPYA RD ania WP == <; ofasuitable pupation site, becoming

ER Sele quite agitated. They have powerful

mandibles, one even chewing a hole

in the old metal fly-screen mesh top

of the coolite box in which they were

raised. At this stage they can travel

long distances away from their host

Final instar A. agricola larva — Photo Russel Denton plant. In captivity they will burrow

into the coolite box, crawl into the

tunnel created and cover the entrance with their chewings, pupating inside.

Generally, in the wild, they take advantage of a curled piece of bark and close each

end with finely masticated pieces of bark. This habit seems to be common amongst

many of the related agaristine moths (see Ross Kendall’s article on Cruria donowani,

pages 9 to 12 in Metamorphosis Australia magazine no. 52).

The original cover painting of the moths was commissioned by Frank Jordan and

Helen Schwencke for the back cover of their book “‘Create More Butterflies”’ and 1s

available from me as a print (31cm x 21.6 cm).

I thank John Moss for his helpful comments in the preparation of this article.

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 5

PLANT PROFILE

Native Grapes — Peter Hendry

Australia has several native grapes 1n the plant family Vitaceae. Though not known

for their taste some are used as bush foods and can be used to make grape jelly. Two

species are known to be hosts for our creature feature Agarista agricola.

Cissus opaca

Cissus (SISS-us) from the Greek kissos,

ivy; in allusion to its climbing habit

Opaca meaning, in the shade; shaded

C.opaca 1s a slender vine reaching

around six meters in length. It forms a

tuba underground. The compound leaf is

digital in shape, having five leaflets -

sometimes three or four. The margins of

the leaves are entire or serrate and a

paler green below. The flowers are small

yellowish-green and form in a compact Cissus opaca

inflorescence. The rounded fruit is purplish in colour to a diameter of 15mm.

C.opaca can be grown from seed or cuttings of older growth. It requires good

drainage and part shade, 1s moderately frost tolerant and will tolerate dry periods

when established.

N.B. In the latest Queensland Herbarium plant census Cissus opaca has been referred to the

new genus Clematocissus

Cayratia clematidea

Cayratia (cay-RAY-sha) from an

Indian name

Clematidea, from clematis- a climbing

vine

C’. clematidea 1s a slender vine with =

underground stems that form small >"

tubers. The compound leaves have soft s

hairs, the five leaflets having serrated

margins. A flower or tendril opposes

each leaf. The small greenish-white .

flowers with four petals are arranged in a Cayratia clematidea

cluster on a long stalk (peduncle), about equal to the length of the leaves. The fruit 1s

a berry about 6 mm in diameter. C. clematidea dies back 1n autumn and is capable of

regenerating itself in spring from its underground tubers.

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 6

C’.. clematidea can be grown from seed or cuttings of older growth and is probably

best grown in part shade.

Both Cissus opaca and Cayratia clematidea are hosts for several species of hawk

moths and also host leaf eating beetles.

Photos — Peter Hendry

ITEMS OF INTEREST

Broody Bugs and Itchy Cows — Densey Clyne

The Norfolk Island Hibiscus tree

(Lagunaria patersonii), planted in my

garden 6 years ago, 1s now well grown. It

regularly bears pretty pink flowers,

followed by rough-textured seed capsules.

I didn’t plant it for the flowers though; it

was meant to attract one of my favourite

insects and I had long given up hope of

this happening.

L. patersonii is commonly planted in Pp

seaside parks because it 1s a good-looking Flower of Norfolk Island Hibiscus tree

tree that doesn’t mind salt spray, but its

seed capsules contain irritant hairs that have given it the common name ‘cow-itch

tree’. Presumably the Norfolk Island cows that rub against them get itchy backsides!

I don’t really believe it though - don’t cows

rub against trees in order to relieve an itch?

Just the same, it’s best to avoid contact with

those prickly seeds - cows have tougher hides

than humans.

It was on one of those seaside trees that I’d

first photographed the gorgeously colourful

Harlequin Bugs, so I assumed that simply

planting a tree would bring them to my garden.

But years passed and no bugs came. Was my

present garden on the Mid North Coast of

NSW too far from the sea? Anyhow I simply

gave up looking for them.

But now success at last! On a walk around the

garden one day recently, I spotted a tiny patch

Female Harlequin Bug feeding at seed of bright orange high up in the foliage - a

capsule of Lagunaria patersonii

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 7

female Tectocoris diophthalmus with her haustellum or ‘drinking straw’ sunk into

one of the seed capsules. My bugs have arrived!

Encounter between brooding female and intrusive male

Cricking my neck - the tree is a big one - I

scanned the branches and yes, another

female, this one astride a batch of eggs. As

with many ‘true’ bugs, the female

Harlequins sit on their eggs like broody

hens, warning off predators - and the

occasional pushy male - with quick body

jerks.

Then, low down in the foliage, I spied a

tight cluster of brilliantly coloured little

buglets, their small sucking tubes pushed

through the rigid covering of a seed

capsule. On further inspection I found

individual young ones drinking from stems

and leaves, some showing the female

colouring, others obviously male. So my

long wait has not been in vain, though it’s possible the bugs might have found my

garden two or three years earlier.

Harlequin Bugs hatching from eggs

As the images show these are among the most colourful and easy to photograph

Australian insects. Females range in colour from bright orange to pale yellow with

varied green or blue markings. The males are very splendid with metallic green, blue

and red colour patterns. Eggs are pink and new hatchlings a glowing tangerine. As

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 8

these insects have no obvious weapon of defence, their vivid colours probably warn

predators that they’re distasteful or poisonous.

Harlequin bugs are members of the Jewel Bug family Scutelleridae. They belong in

the insect Order Hemiptera, called ‘true bugs’ to differentiate them from the blanket

name “bug’ so often used, especially in North America, for any insect. Sometimes

known as Cotton Harlequins, these insects are known to attack other plants of the

Malvaceae family, including commercial cotton crops. I have never found them on

my exotic hibiscus shrubs or any other garden plant.

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A female with juvenile males Harlequin Bugs mating

Harlequin bugs can light up a tree like miniature Christmas decorations, but in my

experience there are never enough to harm a full-grown Norfolk Island Hibiscus. So

I am happy to welcome this addition to the growing list of invertebrates sharing my

garden that was once part of a dairy farm. For me, itchy cows are not an issue!

Photos — Densey Clyne

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A survey of spider abundance and diversity comparing a Seaside

garden with a nearby rainforest remnant - Robert J. Whyte

Save our Waterways Now, www.sown.com.au

Introduction

In gardens, are locally native plants more biodiverse than exotic ones? Are natural

areas more biodiverse than gardens and if so, to what extent?

To investigate these questions surveys of spiders were undertaken in a garden and the

results compared with those from a nearby natural area. The spider data was a record

of the number of spiders and their species, genera and families. The plant data

consisted of values for plant diversity, plant origin and plant density.

It must be noted that these surveys were informal and not in any way ecologically or

scientifically rigorous. They are of the type that could be conducted by an amateur

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 9

naturalist with moderate skills. While the observations and discussions have been

mentored by professional collaborators, notably Dr Scott Carroll, Dr Robert Raven,

Dr Ron Atkinson and many others, this mentoring occurred after the fact of the

surveys themselves. A great many similar but more rigorous surveys would be

required to draw firm conclusions. Therefore the inferences obtained here remain

tentative.

Materials and methods

Brunswick Heads is a small, low-lying, holiday village at the mouth of the Brunswick

River, NSW. A large estuary 1s protected by a constructed breakwater. To the south

along the coastline to Byron Bay there 1s an open surf beach backed by dense coastal

heath. Along the north bank of the river some remnant littoral rainforest patches are

part of the fragmented Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve. To the west are Mt

Chincogan, Mt Warning and the small town of Mullumbimby.

In the garden sample (located at Brunswick Heads, NSW (28.542973 S, 153.548275

E) there were mostly exotic plant species, in a ratio of about two-thirds exotic to one

third native. It should be remembered that many gardens have a higher or lower

proportion of native plants. These may or may not yield significantly different results

and will be the subject of future investigations.

The area sampled was inside a fenced-off area along the front and right hand side of

the property, included a dense stand of Sacred Bamboo (Nandina domestica), a

Wheel-of-Fire Tree* (Stenocarpus sinuatus ), a red-leaved Grandmother Plant

(unidentified), a large Bangalow Palm, an Oleander-style vine with milky sap, a

Gardenia, 2 Mandarine (Citrus reticulata), a woody Abutilon sp. (or similar

Malvacea) with many resident harlequin bugs, a small Chilli Bush (Capsicum sp.), a

Wedding Bush (not identified) and a Wisteria Vine. Native species are denoted thus”.

This a fairly typical plant mix for a garden created in 1975-85 in this area of the

world.

For comparison a bush area was chosen nearby in the hope of, as closely as possible,

matching the conditions in the garden in terms of area, soil type, elevation, climate,

geography and human use. This chosen area was somewhat degraded littoral

rainforest in Pilgrim Park (28.547000 S, 153.546692 E). Similar fragments of the

discontinuous Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve occur elsewhere 1n the region. The

site featured medium plant density and diversity in the canopy, under-storey and

eround level plant communities, though quite weedy at the latter two levels. The

species included large paperbarks* (Melaleuca spp.), Casuarina sp.*, Brush and

Swamp Box” (Lophostemon spp. ), native ferns*, brackens* and reeds*, Persoonia*

spp, Xanthorrea*™ spp., Smilax australis*, Parsonsia straminea*, an Embelia-like

vine*, Easter Cassia, Small-leaved Privet, and Camphor Laurel. The site was the

fringe of the reserve along the old Pacific Highway.

The sampled areas were rated into the following categories of density and diversity:

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club 455 — Page 10

1 Very low diversity (monoculture)

2-3 Low diversity (2-4 plant types)

3-4 Medium diversity (5-8 plant types)

5 High Diversity (9 and above plant types)

1-2 Low density (sparse foliage)

3 Medium density

4-5 High density (thick foliage)

The foliage of shrubs, vines and small trees were lightly beaten by hand above a

white plastic tray 60mm x 40mm x 15mm deep so that dislodged spiders and other

invertebrates fell into the tray. The tray was then taken a short distance away and its

contents examined with the aid of a hand lens. Swiftly moving animals were able to

escape, adult insects by flight, others by foot, but these could be observed and

recorded doing so. Spiders in each sample were identified to family, genera and

species where possible either immediately, or put into specimen tubes for later

identification and photography. Notes were taken of the number of spiders in total

and the number of families, genera and species. Other invertebrates, e.g. ants, leaf

hoppers, ladybird beetles, etc. were recorded by common name. The animals were

released back to the environment upon identification. The sampling method yielded

both diurnal and nocturnal species.

It should be noted that the sample method, by avoiding killing specimens, 1s

somewhat deficient in terms of completeness and record keeping. To be sure of

counting all specimens one would have to seal the container immediately and

introduce some means of quickly immobilising the animals, e.g. Pyrethrum spray. It

would be necessary to store the labeled specimens and the plant material and any

other incidental debris if it were desirable to have the data verified by a third party.

As the verification of the results and their possible meanings would be more valuably

obtained by repeat experiments, the costs of recording and retaining the material in

this way outweighed the benefits of killing the specimens.

Garden data

The first sample was a stretch of Sacred Bamboo (Nandina domestica) along the

inside of the front fence line. Density medium-high, diversity very low

(monoculture). The sample area was about 2m long by 1m deep. It yielded 6 spiders

in three families, 3 Moneta australis (Therididae), 2 Salticid spiders (Salticidae) and

| Tmarus marmoreus (Thomisidea). The Salticids and the Thomisids are day-hunting

species (diurnal) and Moneta australis may well be day hunting as its web is only a

few strands. However it has small, probably insufficient, eyes for diurnal activity.

The second sample was an intermingling of Sacred Bamboo (Nandina domestica),

Indian Hawthorn (Rapohiolepsis indica), Red-leaved Grandmother plant, Wheel-of-

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club 455 7 Page 11

Fire* tree (Stenocarpus sinuatus) and a nearby Elkhorn fern*. Density medium,

diversity medium. The sample area was about 2m long by |m deep, adjacent to

sample one. It yielded 11 spiders in 5 families. The spiders identified included 4 of

the common, nearly ubiquitous garden spider Cheiracanthium gilvum (Miturgidae), 3

Sydmella sp. S. lobata type (Thomisidae), 2 Moneta australis (Theridiidae), |

Jumping Spider (Salticidae) and 1 Leucage granulata (Araneidae). Also in the sample

a few ants, 2 ladybird beetles and a flat, translucent Pentatomid bug. Compared with

Sample |, the increase in plant diversity of the sample area and the presence of a 7m

native tree can be assumed to have influenced the animal diversity and abundance.

Sidymella sp., (Thomisidae).

Body length about 4mm.

Moneta australis (Theridiidae) Australian Money

Spider. Body length 3.5mm

The third sample was a high shrub, a "Wedding Bush" with small, pale yellow leaves

(unidentified) in the right-hand corner of the garden, a mature Bangalow Palm above

and waste pile of dry plant debris below. Only the Wedding Bush was sampled (not

flowering but notable for profuse flowers in season). Diversity very low

(monoculture), density low. The sample yielded 3 spiders in 3 families; an Oxyopes

sp. (variabilis type), a Cheiracanthium gilvum (Miturgidae) and a Thomisus

spectabilis (White Crab Spider). Free ranging and agile Oxyopes spp. tend to live on

the fringes of flowering plants capturing insects attracted by the blooms, as does the

White Crab Spider, the latter relying on camouflage more than agility. These spiders

may stay on plants with diminished returns 1n non-flowering periods, rather than

travelling to other plants, especially in garden situations where plants are often

isolated rather than in communities. The small numbers and low diversity of animals

in this sample seems to correlate with the low plant diversity and density.

The fourth sample area was a mixture of plants and vines, being another Red

Grandmother Bush, an oleander-like vine with milky sap, and another nondescript

shrub (unidentified). The presence of the vine increased density (medium) more than

diversity (low), as it was intertwined through the other two plants. The sample

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 12

yielded a comparatively high number of animals across many invertebrate groups,

including 2 small green Mantids, many ants of 2 or 3 kinds, a weevil, 3 snails, a

silverfish and as for spiders, 6 in 4 families, being 3 Cheiracanthium gilvum

(Miturgidae), an Argyrodes sp. (Therididae), a Sidymella sp. (Thomisidae) and 1

Oxyopes sp. (variabilis type) (Oxyopidae).

Tmarus marmoreus (Thomisidae). Opisthoncus parcedentatus, Salticidae, or a related

Body length 4mm. species. Body length 9mm.

The fifth sample was a single Mandarine tree, about 3m tall by 2m wide at its centre.

This sample yielded a Yellow Shouldered Ladybird Beetle, many ants (more than 10)

all apparently of one type (perhaps tending scale insects), a Steel Blue Ladybird

Beetle (Halmus sp.) and 2 spiders, both Opisthoncus spp. (Salticidae), a juvenile and

an adult. In terms of spiders this sample yielded the lowest spider diversity. Plant

diversity very low (monoculture) density medium. The results of this sample were

surprisingly low in numbers and especially diversity of spiders. This may have been

collateral damage from pest control. Another Mandarine tree was sampled for

comparison.

Sample six was a single Lilly Pilly (Syzygium australe*) somewhat more dense but

not as tall or wide as the Mandarine. Diversity very low (monoculture) density

medium. The sample yielded 8 spiders in 4 families being a mature Opisthoncus sp.

(Salticidae), 4 Cheiracanthium gilvum (Miturgidae), an Argiope sp. (Araneidae), and

2 small Theridiid spiders (Theridiidae).

Sample 7 was Mandarine 2, smaller than Mandarine 1, but similar. This sample

yielded 3 spiders in 2 families being 2 Cheiracanthium gilvum (Miturgidae) and a

Theridion pyramidale (Theridiidae). There were also 2 ladybird beetles, one of them

being a Mealybug killer. Density medium, diversity very low (monoculture).

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 13

Sample 8 was Syzygium australe* 2, smaller than the Lilly Pilly in sample 6, yielded

7 spiders in 4 families, being a Thomisus spectabilis (Thomisidae), a mature

Opisthoncus sp. (Salticidae), 3 Cheiracanthium gilvum (Miturgidae), and 2 Theridiid

spiders (Theridiidae). The comparison in abundance of spiders in the Mandarine trees

vs the Lilly Pillies showed much greater abundance and diversity in the Australian

native species, all other variables being very similar.

Rainforest remnant data

Sample 9 along the edge of a fragment of remnant littoral rainforest as described

above yielded 25 spiders in 8 families being 2 orb weavers, 1 Araneus type and |

Arkys cornutus (Araneidae), 9 very small Theridiid spiders, | juvenile Thwaitesia sp..,

| Argyrodes/Conopistha sp. (Theridiidae), | Tetragnathid sp. (Tetragnathidae), 2

unidentified Jumping Spiders (Salticidae), 1 Cymbacha sp., 2 Sidymella sp.

(Thomisidae), 1 Badumna longinqua (Desidae), 3 Oxyopes sp. (Oxyopidae) and 2

Uloborid spiders (Uloboridae).

Detailed summary of findings

As the garden samples were smaller, sometimes a single plant, they were aggregated

to give areas equivalent to Sample 9 (the rainforest remnant). The rainforest fringe,

though a degraded habitat, yielded the most spiders (abundance) and the greatest

number of families (diversity) when compared to the aggregated garden samples.

Sample 9 also had the highest plant diversity, suggesting higher plant diversity tends

to result in higher faunal diversity. It was equal second highest in plant density.

In the garden, plant origins (native vs exotic) were found to play a larger role than

plant diversity or plant density. The greatest amount of diversity and abundance in the

garden occurred where greater plant diversity and native species combined (Sample

2). The next most diverse and abundant

sample was Sample 6, a single native Lilly

Pilly. Sample area 4, with medium plant

density and diversity of exotic plants

produced 15 spiders in 4 families, however

Sample 8, a single small Lilly Pilly also

produced 15 spiders in 4 families with

roughly similar plant density but much

lower plant diversity (a single plant).

Comparing the two Lilly Pillies showed

that the slightly denser foliage of Sample 6

produced more spiders than Sample 8,

otherwise they tested almost identically.

One of the insects collected in the survey.

The lowest spider diversity was produced by Sample 5, a single Mandarine tree,

despite medium density. The next lowest spider diversity was produced by a second

single Mandarine tree (Sample 7).

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 14

B Diversity

~6«&.piders

O® Families

1 i

tl | a . |

Sanmiple 1+2 Sample 3-5 Sample 6-6 Sarmple &

Comparing Sample 9 with similar sized samples by aggregation. Data: Plant density, plant

diversity, number of spiders, number of spider families. (8 garden samples aggregated into 3)

Theridiidae was the most common spider family in the natural area, while Miturgidae

was the most common family in the garden samples. This family was represented by

one spider, Cheiracanthium gilvum, absent from the samples in the bush. C. gilvum,

previously in Clubionidae, 1s a roving species that nevertheless has silken retreats.

This suggests, because it is likely they were residents not blow-ins, that the garden

habitat may be comparatively favourable for this spider, allowing it to produce

ereater numbers. It may also reduce the number of other spiders by eating them, or be

better at avoiding being eaten by other predators. It was interesting also to note that

for other invertebrates, ladybird beetles were common in the garden but not the bush.

1? +

~ ARANEIDAE

@ MITURGIDAE

~ OXYOPIDAE

®@ SALTICIDAE

@ THERIDIIDAE

@ DESIDAE

TETRAGNATHIDAE

dale | is la

Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 SampleS Sample 6 Sample’ Sample8 Sample 9

Relative abundance (numbers of spiders) by family and sample:

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 15

Discussion

Urbanisation is possibly the main cause of habitat loss and degradation and it 1s often

the most biodiverse habitats that are lost, as these have attractive features for human

habitation.

From this study we can see some signs of spider diversity being not only greater in

natural areas, but also greater in native plants than exotics in gardens. Assuming that

spiders are a reliable indicator for biodiversity (Downie et al 1998, Clough et al 2005,

Borges & Wunderlich 2008, and references therein) this corresponds to the widely-

held belief that natural plants and habitats are more biodiverse than managed

agricultural or garden habitats. The obvious inference is that we can improve

biodiversity by planting locally-native species in gardens.

However there are many variables in surveys like these and while one can draw some

tentative conclusions it would need to be repeated many times in many locations.

Future surveys may produce data to substantiate one practice or another in the pursuit

of biodiversity.

This brings up the question of what we hope to achieve with gardens, why we hope to

achieve it, and how we can go about creating the conditions we desire.

Conclusions

If the objective of sustainable urban design 1s to limit or slow the rate of habitat loss

and the consequent loss of biota and its diversity, knowing the impacts on

biodiversity of different types of vegetation will be useful. It seems that while plant

density and plant diversity are factors affecting faunal diversity, these are not as

important as the differences between native vs exotic plant species.

Density and complexity, moreover, may not be desired or realistically achievable in a

garden. The intention of gardens 1s not traditionally to be extremely dense and

complex, as they are human recreation spaces as well as habitats. As an example, any

natural area 1s likely to have significant diversity at the ground and canopy level,

something traditional gardens do not aspire to, as they require open space for free

movement. However, while retaining their garden function, they can be locally native

without sacrificing amenity.

References

Spider biodiversity on Scottish agricultural land, Downie et al, 1998, Proceedings of

the 17th European Colloquium of Arachnology, Edinburgh 1997.

Spider diversity in cereal fields: comparing factors at local, landscape and regional

scales, Clough et al, Journal of Biogeography (J. Biogeogr.) (2005) 32, 2007-2014.

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club 455 a Page 16

Spider biodiversity patterns and their conservation in the Azorean archipelago, with

descriptions of new species, Borges & Wunderlich, Systematics and Biodiversity 6

(2): 249-282, 2008, The Natural History Museum.

Acknowledgements

Queensland Museum Inquiry Centre and staff generally, and the Brisbane City

Council Habitat Brisbane and Creek Range programs.

Thanks

Dr Robert Raven, Qld Museum, for advice, materials, support and encouragement, Dr

Scott Carroll for extensive encouragement and advice including a detailed review of

the manuscript, Dr Ron Atkinson for spider identification, advice and encouragement,

Dr Greg Anderson, for spider identification, Dr Volker Framenau, WA Museum, for

spider identification, Farhan Bhokari for advice and encouragement, Dr David Hirst,

SA Museum spider identification, Dr Helen Smith for spider identification, Dr

Christine Lambkin, Qld Museum for advice and encouragement and Dr Marek Zabka,

Poland, for spider identification, advice and encouragement. Special thanks to Anne

Jones for support and forbearance. Photos Rob Whyte

TR KKK OK OK OK oo Oi Oi OO OR OK OK OK OK

Life History Notes on the Banded Grass-skipper, 7oxidia parvulus

(Plotz, 1884) Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae - Wesley Jenkinson

This hesperiid 1s one of many small species located throughout the eastern Australian

states. Even though the species is quite common locally, any published detail

regarding the life history appears to be lacking.

In South East Queensland the species 1s generally more restricted in its habitat range

than the common Dingy Grass-skipper (7oxidia peron) and usually avoids suburban

gardens (unless suitable habitat exists nearby). It is locally common in the foothills

and mountain slopes of the Great Divide, where it is chiefly established in a range of

moist and dry eucalypt open forests where suitable host grasses are growing.

The adults are slower and less robust in flight than 7. peron, and usually remain

closer to the ground than other species 1n the genus, unless searching for flowers.

Both sexes are readily attracted to a wide variety of small native and introduced

flowers. The average wingspan for the males 1s 23mm and 24mm for the females.

bee

‘

Banded Grass-skipper (7oxidia parvulus)

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 17

Ovipositing was observed during warm, sunny conditions around midday, during

March 2008 in South East Queensland. Females fluttered slowly amongst the host

erasses and settled on the stems, laying eggs singly on sheltered parts of the stem.

They appeared to have a preference for the softer grass established 1n semi-shaded

areas below large eucalypt trees. After an egg was laid, they flew several metres in

search of another suitable location to lay the next egg. While ovipositing, the wings

remain closed and the abdomen was curled onto the host plant.

I could not identify the host grass the eggs were collected from. The species is known

to use Poa spp. listed by Moss, 2005. The larvae were successfully raised on an

exotic species, Prairie Grass (Bromus catharticus) a host grass used by T. peron in

my area. It is doubtful whether 7. parvulus would use this grass as a natural host.

Previously, I had collected several eggs during December 2006

and raised them in captivity at Beaudesert in South East

Queensland. They were dome shaped, approximately 1mm wide

by Imm high with 13 or 14 coarse vertical ribs. Colour was

initially pale green when laid, changing to pale cream after one

day, with pinkish-red markings forming a horizontal band and

apical spot three days later.

Pictured 2 instar larva of T. peron with typical shelter and

feeding pattern similar to 7. parvulus.

Soon after emergence first instar larvae consumed the

eggshells and then commenced building their shelters.

During a brief observation at 9.45am, a larva was seen

outside the shelter stitching silk threads across its side

margin. The first shelter was approximately 10mm in length

and near the apex of a grass leaf. The early instars created a

fold and stitched the leaf edges together along the leaf outer

margin. Their shelters were later lined with silk. This is a similar style of shelter to

that created by the early instars of T. peron - (as pictured). In captivity, the later

instars stitched several leaves together 1n a parallel formation to create the larger

shelters. Feeding occurred normally around dusk when larvae consumed sections of

leaf from its outer edge near the shelter.

All larvae completed five instars and reached an average size of 20mm.

{ d-

1°’ and 3° instar larvae.

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 18

5" instar

larva

Pupa with 5" instar head capsule

In captivity the pupae were located in

the final silk lined shelter created on

the base of the container and were

attached by the cremaster. The white waxy powder covering the pupal surface found

in many hesperiuid genera was absent. The pupae averaged 15mm in length.

_ @ All eggs laid on 3 December hatched in 8 days but

= larval duration varied from 65 to 74 days. Pupal duration

was 10 days 1n all cases, with adults emerging (in late

February to early March) from 83 to 92 days since

Ov1position.

There are probably two or possibly three generations in

southeast Queensland. Within the new Scenic Rim

Regional Shire I have recorded adults from September

until April.

References:

Braby, M.F., 2000. Butterflies of Australia — Their Identification, Biology and

Distribution. vol 1. CSIRO Publishing.

Moss J.T. 2005 Butterfly Host Plants of south-east Queensland and northern New

South Wales. 2" rev. edition, BOIC.

Photos Wesley Jenkinson

Re i i i i i i i i i ie a

Life History Notes on the Moth Coequosa triangularis (Donovan) --

Glen Cleminson

I found a very large larva on my Macadamia nut tree in my garden at Ning, just north of

Brisbane on Tuesday, 28'" October 2008. It was yellow in colour, 12cm long and 3.5cm

wide.

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 19

I took the larva and raised it up. It

went into pupa on Saturday, 29"

November 2008.The adult emerged

on Thursday, 22 January 2009. It

turned out to be the very large moth

called Coequosa triangularis.

Coequosa triangularis 1s a member of the

Sphingidae family, subfamily Sphinginae.

It ranges from the coast and tablelands of

southern Queensland to southern coastal

New South Wales (Common, 1990).

Coequosa triangularis adult Larval food plants belong to the

Proteaceae and include Persoonia,

Banksia, Grevillea robusta, Macadamia

integrifolia and

Stenocarpus

sinuatus.

Coequosa triangularis larva (left) and pupa (right)

Reference:

Common, I.F.R. (1990) Moths of Australia. Pub. Melbourne University Press.

Photos Glen Cleminson

Editor’s note: See Issue 49, June 2008 for Peter Hendry’s article on the related moth

Coequosa australasiae.

KRHRAKEARARARRRRRBEBEKRKEKKEKEEE

I live in Malanda, a small town on the

Atherton Tableland in Queensland. I

observed a species of Eurema

Ovipositing amongst plantation grass on

a suburban street. I thought it might be

E. alitha and upon investigation found

several eggs and larvae on a species of

"bindi-eye". I'm not sure of the

scientific name of this plant, but it is a

Trifolium look-alike with yellow flowers

and a flattened round burr containing

four seeds. Perhaps another member can “Bindi-eye” showing burrs

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 20

identify the plant from the photos

and description. I then observed

several Eurema ovipositing

amongst grass on the Malanda

Showground. Investigation

revealed many eggs and larvae on

common white clover. I captured

several adults and identified the

| species to be E. hecabe. J also

Eurema hecabe feeding on “bindi-eye” raised larvae on both clover and

"bindi-eye" to confirm this

identification. Eurema host plants on the Atherton Tableland include Senna spp. and

Breynia spp. but searching many of these plants revealed no eggs, larvae or feeding.

It seems amazing that this observation hasn't already been noted given the abundance

of both plant and butterfly species.

I have many butterfly host plants on my property including Asclepias spp. There are

numerous Danaus plexippus (Wanderer) breeding on these plants and I find larvae

will wander once a pani has been defoliated. Many of these larvae have been found

feeding and completing their

development on Marsdenia spp., a

common rainforest vine often used

by Euploea core corinna on the

Tableland and growing commonly

on my property. I have never

found Danaus eggs on Marsdenia

but once a larva finds this plant it

Danaus plexippus feeding on Marsdenia appears content to remain.

Pantoporia consimilis (Orange Plane) is relatively common on the Atherton

Tableland. Michael F. Braby reported larvae will accept Senna retusa in captivity. I

have both S. retusa and S. auriculata growing on my property and both species are

extensively used by P. consimilis under natural conditions.

References:

Braby, Michael F. 2000 Butterflies of Australia: Their Identification, Biology and

Distribution. CSIRO Publishing.

Photos by Bill Graham

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 21

Response to “Observations on Butterfly Host Plants” — John Moss

The “Trifolium (clover) look-a-like” is an exotic Medicago species which includes

Lucerne (M. sativa) and Black Medic (M. lupulina). There are records of Common

Grass Blues utilizing these plants but Medicago (one of the soft burrs) 1s a first record

for Eurema hecabe. All Medicagos have yellow flowers except Lucerne which of

course has mauve and occasionally white flowers. I suspect the species in the photo

is M. laciniata or “Cut-leaf Medic” as the photo shows characteristic stipules with

long “teeth’’.

Eurema hecabe 1s polyphageous, with many hostplants among the legume families.

E. alitha 1s far more specific utilizing, as far as is known, only one species 1n one

genus (Glycine) of the Fabaceae family (see 2 articles in our December 2008 issue,

No. 51).

I have also found £. hecabe ovipositing on the exotic white-flowering clover

(Trifolium repens) here in the Redlands, but most larvae died in early instars. Only

one larva went through to pupate but it took far longer than if 1t had used a regular

hostplant (up to 5 weeks). The resultant adult was stunted.

The “wandering” Wanderer larvae mentioned are lucky there 1s an alternative

hostplant for them to complete development on. It is not indicated whether or not

they reach full size. It’s probably just as well this successful self-introduction

normally sticks to its exotic asclepiad hosts, rather than our native flora which could

be threatened.

I feel sure Michael Braby (also a member) will note the comments on Pantoporia

consimilis! Senna retusa, by the way, 1s now S. gaudichaudii, another confusing

name change!!

KREEKEERRRRRKRRKRKKEEEESE

The first record of the noctuid 7iracola plagiata feeding on

Pararistolochia praevenosa - Hilton Selvey

I have always thought that the toxins 1n the leaves of Pararistolochia praevenosa,

were toxic to all larvae with the exception of Ornithoptera richmondia. A recent

discovery revealed that such 1s not the

case.

On the 23rd. September 2008, while

examining some of the vines on our

property, a whole section of vine was

found with the leaves eaten and in some

cases skeletonised. The culprits were

easily found. They were moth larvae 10

mm in length. There were dozens of

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Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club 455 — Page 22

larvae, three of which were brought inside to raise through. The rest were destroyed.

There were so many that it took a week to make sure that none remained.

The eating pattern of the larvae is quite

different from that of the Birdwing

larvae, which generally eat across the

width of a leaf. The moth larvae eat

holes in the leaves as shown in the

photograph. Green grasshoppers shred

the leaves but I have never discovered

whether they died as a result.

The larvae grew very rapidly and by the

Ss 9"" October they were 45mm in length.

4 ,\. Se By the 12" they had formed a cocoon

Eating pattern of 7. plagiata below the paper on the bottom of their

individual containers. By the 16" the

pupae were fully formed and were removed

from their cocoons to be observed. The three

appeared identical and were 30mm in length.

They were similar in appearance to other

moth pupae, which I have found in soil

although they were larger, and had four

spines at the end of their abdomens, whereas

other pupae that I have seen had only one. I

hypothesize that these spines help the pupae

wriggle their way out of the soil. (Ed. note: Ted

Close up of the Edwards indicated that it is very unlikely pupae

four spines of the = move up the soil but the adult moth scrambles

T. plagiata pupa up.)

On the 6"" November, 45 days after the larvae

were discovered the moths emerged and were

photographed. All the data I had was sent to Mr.

E.D. Edwards who replied as follows:

"The moth 1s Tiracola plagiata in the family

Noctuidae. The larvae feed on 26 families of

plants. Amongst these there 1s no mention of

Aristolochiaceae, but other families noted for

their poisonous principles are included. In Australia it is known as the banana fruit

caterpillar reflecting one of its favoured food plants."

I have again been 1n touch with Mr. Edwards who said that the specific name of

plagiata probably refers to the pattern of the forewing.

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 23

Discussion —

The time it took for the larvae, when

discovered, to turn into moths was 45

days. Add say, 10 days for the time from

egg to 10mm larvae. The worst case

scenario would be that in a few months

there would be thousands of larvae, but

according to Mr. Edwards, the moth | i] id a re it PUALNG VADLI Aba? uD

presumably has a full range of predators Se :

and parasites which normally keep 180 190 200 210 220 2:

numbers in check.

Pinned adult specimen of 7. plagiata

One wonders if the larvae of 7iracola

plagiata, with their seemingly rapacious appetite, might possibly devour any eggs or

small larvae of the Richmond Birdwing they may find on the leaves of

Pararistolochia praevenosa.

Acknowledgements:

E.D. Edwards identified the moth and made a valuable comment on the derivation of

the moth’s name. J. Moss for helpful comments on an earlier draft and Murdoch De

Baar for those in the final article. My wife Enid extracted the photographs from my

camera and used her computer skills in their preparation for this document.

Photos Hilton Selvey

AT THE LIGHT TRAP

At the Light Trap: Records of daytime flying moths (Lepidoptera:

Noctuidae: Agaristinae) and the genus Donuca (Lepidoptera:

Noctuidae: Catocalinae) — Peter Hendry

The Noctuidae subfamily Agaristinae contains 45 named Australian species.

Common (1990) states that one or two species freely come to light and others do

occasionally. He notes /panica cornigera (Butler, 1886) as mainly nocturnal and

freely comes to light. He also notes that the whistling moths in the genus Hecatesia

(Boisduval 1828) have females that sometimes come to light.

I have had two other species come to light. On the 20/10/2008 some 27k N.W. of

Ingham, Mimeusemia centralis (Rothschild, 1896) and Argyrolepidia

aequalis (Walker, 1864) made an appearance. M. centralis also came to light on the

night of the 22/10/2008, 18k S.E. of Millaa Millaa. On the night of the 25/10/2008

A. aequalis came to light, some 77k N.W. of Mackay. It also made an appearance on

the night of the 5/11/2007 at Bellthorpe.

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 24

The genus Donuca (Walker 1865)

belongs to the subfamily

Catocalinae of the Noctuidae. Up

until I started writing this article,

I believed I had collected all the

six named species. What I

thought was a specimen of

D. xanthopyga (Turner, 1909)

I now believe to be a variation of

D. castalia (Fabricius, 1775) Mimeusemia centralis

{wingspan c. 40-60mm!}. My

initial assessment was based on images by Buck Richardson, 1n his book “Mothology:

Discover The Magic” and on his web site, but reading a description on Don

Herbison-Evans web site, Don clearly states that the last four segments of the

abdomen are yellow. My image of what I will refer to as D. castalia “white banded

form” does not show the tip of the abdomen, but is clearly seen in the close up of the

pinned specimen. This close up of the “white banded form” reveals there 1s no yellow

tip and the sides of the abdomen are red, as in all specimens of D. castalia in my

collection. If I am right in this assessment, I have doubts about the identity of the

moth in Buck Richardson’s work, as the tip of the abdomen 1s concealed 1n his

images. From a comparison of the images of my D. castalia “white banded form” and

Buck’s D. xanthopyga based on wing patterns alone, one cannot conclude that these

are different species.

Argyrolepidia

aequalis

Donuca castalia white banded form

The “‘white banded form” of D. castalia

was collected from my bush block west of

Bundaberg on the 27/10/2009. A “grey

banded form” had previously been

collected from this site, on the

21/03/2008. These are extremes of colour

variation -- all the others I have seen or

collected from this site, though varying

Donuca castalia grey banded form

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 25

slightly, have been more uniform in colour. D. castalia has been a frequent visitor to

my home at Sheldon, Redland City and all of these conform to the more uniform

pattern. D. castalia 1s by far the Donuca I see the most. As far as I know, nothing has

been published on its biology.

< *

> yy *

Abdomen of Donuca castalia Abdomen of Donuca castalia white

banded form

D. orbigera (Guenée, 1852){ wingspan c. 50mm} has come to light on several

occasions both at home and on my bush block. I have also recorded it at Bellthorpe,

5/11/2007, and at Cania, central Queensland 28/10/2009. Common (1990) gives its

distribution as the Northern Territory, Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Donuca orbigera Donuca rubropicta

D. rubropicta (Butler, 1874) ){wingspan c. 60-65mm} is also a frequent visitor to my

bush block and here at Sheldon. It also made an appearance on the night of the

5/11/2007 at Bellthorpe. D. rubropicta distribution 1s restricted to eastern Queensland

and north-eastern New South Wales, (Common 1990).

D. lanipes (Butler, 1877){wingspan c. 65mm} is an infrequent visitor to my bush

block. While I have seen it on three occasions I only have one recorded date

7/11/2007. On a recent trip around central Queensland and northern New South

Wales it came to light about 70k west of St George on the night of the 2/11/2009.

Common (1990) gives its distribution as the Northern Territory, Queensland and

northern New South Wales.

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 26

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Donuca lanipes Donuca spectabilis

D. spectabilis Walker, 1865 {wingspan c. 50-55mm} is widely distributed in Western

Australia, where its larvae feed on Acacia saligna Common (1990). It also occurs in

inland Queensland, New South Wales, central Australia and South Australia

(Common 1990). I have encountered D. spectabilis at Cania central Queensland

28/10/2009 and near the Thompson River just north of Longreach 31/10/2009.

Note: Common (1990) puts the number of Donucas as seven but only names and

deals with four. Don Herbison-Evans lists seven on his web site, with the seventh

being Donuca memorabilis, Walker 1865. However Neilsen, Edwards and Rangs1

(1996) list only six and note D. memorabilis as anew synonym of D. spectabilis.

References:

Common, I.F.B. 1990. Moths of Australia. Melbourne University Press

Don Herbison-Evans web site

http://linus.socs.uts.edu.au/~don/larvae/cato/catocalinae.html

Neilson, E.S., Edwards, E.D. and Ragnsi, T.V. 1996 Checklist of Lepidoptera of

Australia. CSIRO Publishing

Buck Richardson’s web site

http://www.leapfrogoz.com.au/LeapFrogOz/Moth Identification 4.html

Richardson, B. 2008. Mothology: Discover the Magic. Leapfrogoz, Kuranda

Photos Peter Hendry

KHER SE

Have you seen this moth? — Peter Hendry

Dr. Markus Riegler 1s conducting research on Pholodes sinistraria, a member of the

moth family Geometridae subfamily Ennominae. He is after eggs or larvae from

Southern Queensland or Northern New South Wales populations to compare with

populations from the Sydney region. Eggs are readily obtained by keeping the moth in a

small container. Eggs are light green and don't hatch for 7-10 days - so ideal for

transport. First instar larvae are very characteristic, being black with white stripes.

P. sinistraria 1s known to feed on Eucalypt, Angophora, Acacia, and Exocarpus.

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 27

Pholodes sinistraria female Pholodes sinistraria \arvae

If you are able to help please contact Markus, email: m.riegler@uws.edu.au

Photos Markus Riegler

NORTHERN TERRITORY INSECTS, A

COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE. AN INTERACTIVE

DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR THE IDENTIFICATION

OF THE INSECTS OF THE NORTHERN

TERRITORY by Graham Brown: reviewed by

Murdoch De Baar

This CD on Northern Territory Insects (NTI) gives: keys

and family (sometimes subfamily) separating characters for

—— §6insects and other invertebrates; lists of species present in

————————— the Northern Territory; common names lists; photographic

examples for each of the families; and many references. A lot of valuable family

characters are included. Some 8,000 species are listed.

Within the invertebrates, photographic examples and family characters are presented

for the non-insects such as the spiders, mites and ticks, centipedes, millipedes, snails,

slaters and, very briefly, the worms.

The NTI photographs are very crisp. When NTI 1s opened, the reader is confronted

with the choices: identifications; economic species; conspicuous species; biology;

geography; morphology; collecting; glossary etc., and a search engine which can be

useful. Under “economic species” for example, one 1s directed to: household pests;

backyard pests; plant pests; quarantine pests. There is an impressive collection of

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 28

quarantine pests illustrated as photographs. The Author has indicated that there are

4,000 to 5,000 photographs and I have not counted them.

There are a few mistakes that have sneaked in, but overall it is a very accurate work.

When ‘Pieridae’ is opened, the reader 1s directed to the ‘Pyralidae’. The second

Liphyra brassolis (Lycaenidae) 1s 1n fact a Zizula hylax. I feel more species could

have been illustrated in such important groups as the native cerambycids and

buprestids and few native scarabs (Scarabaeoidea) are identified to species. Also a

number of unidentified species are illustrated, for which I would have preferred to see

an identified species. I can understand that the Northern Territory butterflies are

already identifiable via other available publications. But having said the above, there

are photographic examples for all the families, so useful for, as an example, the small

Hymenoptera and Hemiptera. Within the various groups, immature examples (i.e.

moth larvae) are illustrated and ‘searching the termites’ will give the reader a good

cross section of termites and their mounds.

My first impression of NTI was that it seemed to be a little unfriendly to find species,

but once you navigated the CD, it was easier. The Author has crammed a lot of

headings to follow and this would not have been easy for Graham Brown to compile.

This is a valuable work for the student of invertebrates and anyone interested in

entomology. During his working life the Author has had a good all-round grounding

in Australian invertebrates and has obviously put in a huge amount of work in

compiling this interactive CD.

I would recommend this CD as a valuable invertebrate reference. #

Ed. Note : The CD is available from the CBIT online shop

http://shop.cbit.ug.edu.au/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=228 at a cost of $76.95 +

postage/handling, which varies.

WHAT INSECT IS THIS’?

Mystery Photographs — Ross Kendall

The first shot was taken at Easter near our favourite camping spot on Upper Thane

Creek west of Warwick, Qld. The “turret” of mud balls and small pebbles was about

30 mm high and 25 mm in diameter and was constructed over a hole on a flat area of

eround. This circular hole was about 5 mm in diameter.

I have no ready answer to this puzzle, just a few suggestions. It would appear that the

creature built the turret so that surface runoff from recent rains did not flood its

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club 55 a Page 29

underground chambers or tunnels. Mud balls would suggest a wasp, spider or ant of

some kind.

What is it?

The second shot was taken in late September on the edge of a clay pan at Bladensberg

National Park southwest of Winton, Qld. Careful probing with a twig established that

the vertical hole was about 20 cm deep. It had a diameter of approximately 12 mm

and what appears to be a discarded trapdoor lay on the grass.

The area experienced good rains earlier this year and clays would have remained wet

and malleable for many weeks. What creature built this?

Photos

Ross Kendall

.... and this?

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 30

PHOTO GALLERY

Images of Arctiidae moths in the subfamily Lithosiinae

: ,

Lyclene quadrilneata (Pagenstecher, Aug. 1886) Oenistis altica (Linneaus, 1768)

Termessa conographa (Meyrick, 1886) Termessa conographa (Meyrick, 1886) variation

;

Termessa nivosa (Walker, 1865) Tigrioides alterna (Walker, 1854)

Photos Peter Hendry

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 31

Images of Butterfly Larvae

Nymphalidae

Varied Egefly (Hypolimnas bolina) Leafwing (Doleschallia bisaltide)

Pieridae

Lemon Migrant (Catopsilia pomona) Common Migrant (Catopsilia pyranthe)

Papilionidae

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Ambrax Swallowtail (Papilio ambrax) Dainty Swallowtail (Papilio anactus)

Clearwing Swallowtail (Cressida cressida) Chequered Swallowtail (Papilio demoleus)

Photos Ross Kendall

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Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 32

OTHER GROUPS’ ACTIVITIES

DODD COLLECTION ON DISPLAY AT QUEENSLAND MUSEUM

SOUTH BANK

Opening 13" February at Queensland Museum South Bank is the spectacular and

historic F.P. & A.P. Dodd Collection of Tropical Insects from Australia and New

Guinea. This display will consist of 28 cases of beautifully arranged show cases

dating from 1917 through to the 1960s.

The display will continue for approximately six months at South Bank.

On 5" March at 12.30pm in Queensland Museum South Bank Theatre, Geoff

Monteith, former insect curator at Queensland Museum and author of the award-

winning book “The Butterfly Man of Kuranda — Frederick Parkhurst Dodd” will give

his lecture “The Butterfly Man of Kuranda - The Life and Times of an Early

Australian Naturalist’. Queensland Museum 1s currently preparing a smaller-format

edition of this book as well as a souvenir guide and other associated insect

publications.

As a 21-year-old bank clerk, Frederick Parkhurst Dodd was reluctantly transferred

from Victoria to the remote Queensland frontier town of Townsville in 1884. A

fascination with the wonderful tropical insects of the region led him to quit the bank

in 1895 to devote his life to their study. Settling later in Kuranda, he developed a

spectacular show collection of insects for public viewing. When he toured it around

Australia in 1918 and 1923 he became a national figure as ““The Butterfly Man of

Kuranda’. His son, Alan Dodd, brought the Cactoblastis moth from South America to

rid Australia of the scourge of prickly pear, an outstanding achievement rewarded by

both MBE and OBE. Towards the end of his busy career and in his retirement Alan

undertook several adventurous collecting trips to New Guinea. With the fruit of these

trips he produced beautifully arranged cases that complement the older collection of

his father.

In 1987 Dodd’s daughters, Elizabeth and Katherine, donated the remaining 42 cases

in near-perfect condition to the Queensland Museum. The collection toured all over

Queensland and New Zealand before it was rested. A generous injection of funds

from Queensland Office of Gaming Regulation matching funds raised by the

Queensland Museum Foundation has made this completely redesigned display

possible.

In the future Queensland Museum also hopes to display the collection at Cobb & Co.

Museum, Toowoomba and Museum of Tropical Queensland, Townsville.

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club 455 a Page 33

The featured species in this case is the Ulysses Butterfly (Papilio ulysses) which

occurs in New Guinea and North Queensland.

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“The Grand Parade”. F.P. Dodd arranged this case of 1350 showy North Queensland beetles

for his tour of the southern states in 1918. Photos Queensland Museum

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 34

BOIC ON FACEBOOK

BOIC is now on facebook!

Type http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall& gid=187619097411 into your

browser. View details of upcoming excursions, read posts on invertebrate

discussions, share invertebrate information, and more!

BUTTERFLY AND OTHER INVERTEBRATES CLUB PROGRAMME

Overnight excursion to the ''Peace Garden and Little Bird Haven"

property, Coominya

What: Overnight excursion to Ray and Delphine Archer's "Peace Garden

and Little Bird Haven" property, Coominya. In 3 years Ray and

Delphine have transformed their property into a wildlife haven. It

attracts many butterflies and other insects, as well as many bird

species and frogs. We will camp there overnight, or feel free to visit

for a day trip on either the Saturday or Sunday. There are walking

tracks on the property, an aviary, and a billabong. Insect light

trapping will be held at night.

When: Saturday 6" - Sunday 7" February 2010, though day-trips are also

possible. We aim to arrive at the property from 2pm on Saturday.

Where: Gatton-Esk Road, Coominya (west of Brisbane). RSVP for address.

Bring: Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat) if staying overnight,

all meals, insect repellent, hat, water, sunscreen, togs and towel.

RSVP: Alisha Steward a.steward@egriffith.edu.au or 0402 091 863 or

3275 1186. Phone Ray for directions - 0409 491 419.

Ed. If you plan to attend please either email or phone me for a map showing the

directions to the property. daphne.bowden!l@bigpond.com ph. 07 3396 6334.

Planning and Management Meeting

What: Our planning meetings are informative and interesting. As well as

planning our activities we share lots of information. All members are

welcome as this activity is also a general meeting of members.

When: Saturday, 13" February, 2010 from 1.30 pm

Where: Rob MacSloy’s home (directions supplied on R.S.V.P.)

R.S.V.P.Rob on 07 3824 4348 or Daphne on 07 3396 6334

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 35

DISCLAIMER

The magazine seeks to be as scientifically accurate as possible but the views, opinions and

observations expressed are those of the authors. The magazine is a platform for people to

express their views and observations. These are not necessarily those of the BOIC. If

inaccuracies have inadvertently occurred and are brought to our attention we will seek to

correct them in future editions. The Editor reserves the right to refuse to print any matter

which is unsuitable, inappropriate or objectionable and to make nomenclature changes as

appropriate.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Producing this magazine 1s done with the efforts of:

e Those members who have sent in letters and articles

e Lois Hughes who provides illustrations including the cover

e Daphne Bowden who works on layout, production and distribution

e John Moss, Murdoch De Baar, Ted Edwards and Robert Raven for scientific referencing

and proof reading of various articles in this issue of the magazine

e Printing of this publication is proudly supported by

Brisbane City Council

—_

We would like to thank all these people for their TEL ha T

contribution. BRISBANE CITY

Dedicated to a better Brishane

ARE YOU A MEMBER

Please check your mailing label for the date your membership is due for renewal. If your

membership is due, please renew as soon as possible. Membership fees are $25.00 for

individuals, schools and organizations. If you wish to pay electronically, the following

information will assist you: BSB: 484-799, Account No: 001227191, Account name: BOIC,

Bank: Suncorp, Reference: your membership no. and surname e.g. 234 Roberts.

Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club Inc.

PO Box 2113

RUNCORN Q. 4113

Next event — Overnight excursion to the ''Peace Garden and Little

Bird Haven" property, Coominya — 6" to 7" February, 2010

Magazine of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club #55 — Page 36