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A Subaru it is not

December 27, 2012
Satin-Green Forester

Satin-Green Forester

December is the month that the Honey-myrtles flower. The blossoming of our Cross-leaf Honey-myrtle or Totem Poles (Melaleuca decussata) has caused an insect feeding frenzy in the trees along our driveway.

Imagine my surprise when I found in the driveway a bright, shiny Satin-Green Forester. Unfortunately it was not a funky-hued Subaru but an iridescent moth of the Zygaenidae family, Pollanisus viridipulverulenta. This Forester is a daytime moth that after mating lays its eggs on plants of the Hibbertia genus.

Also present were the tiny Sedge Moth (Glyphipterix chrysoplanetis), only 3 mm long, and the Nectar Scarab Beetle (Phyllotocus apicalis). Scarab beetles are important pollinators of native flora and are presently living in great numbers on the honey-myrtles and nearby Burgan (Kunzea ericoides). Despite their numbers they do no damage to the trees.

Sedge Moth

Sedge Moth

Nectar Scarab

Nectar Scarab

One Comment leave one →
  1. Susan and Joel King permalink
    December 27, 2012 10:25 am

    The insect life is amazing at this time of year. We have a lemon scented gum with a large covering of blossom which is hard to discern because of the yellow and black beetles who get drunk on the necter, drop, only to rising again at dusk. We found bright red (jewel?) bettles in the hop bushes as well. (can see I do not know the names!!!).

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