Insects


A guide to Australian insect families (from CSIRO) can be found at:
http://anic.ento.csiro.au/insectfamilies/

Daley, A. & Ellingsen, K., 2012. Insects of Tasmania: An online field guide

A useful introduction to Insects, visit:
http://australianmuseum.net.au/uploads/documents/9362/invertebrate_guide.pdf

A diagram of Insect morphology illustrating terminology with legend of body parts:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insect_morphology#/media/File:Insect_anatomy_diagram.svg

A diagram of an insect illustrating terminology based on a worker ant, see:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaster_(insect_anatomy)#/media/File:Scheme_ant_worker_anatomy-en.svg

Photographing insects

There are two main ways to photograph insects with a camera: using a macro close-up lens or a zoom lens. If the insect tolerates your getting very close, then you can use the macro lens. For example, some moths will remain quite still when approached, believing they are camouflaged and invisible. However, many insects, especially those that can fly, will move away when you approach. This is especially true for insects like butterflies and dragonflies. So a good zoom lens is very useful for photographing many insects. If you are using a smartphone, then use a macro lens or a macro attachment. E.g. OlloClip for iPhone. If you want to have an insect identified to species then clear photographs are usually needed because minute parts of the anatomy may need to be checked. It is valuable to take several photos from various angles so that these anatomical details can be seen. Many insects are have particular plants that they feed on, and they can be identified more easily when the associated plant is known. So if the insect is resting or feeding on a plant, take note of what the plant is or ensure that a photo shows the plant clearly.

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Discussion

Yesterday
This species is widespread along Queensland coastal areas

Lagria cyanea
HelenCross wrote:
Yesterday
Well done John!

Paralucia crosbyi
Jennybach wrote:
Yesterday
I’ll try that if it’s still there next time I get down . I noticed a fresher cocoon nearby too. Thanks

Metura elongatus
donhe wrote:
Yesterday
Probably parasitised, or a female. The female stays in the cocoon, and is fertised by a male pushing the prehensile tip of his abdomen through the anal hole in the case. Try cutting the case open, carefully with say nail scissors, and see if there is an inmate. Could be remains of parasitic wasp cocoons in there, or empty pupal skin of a male, or live or mummified female.

Metura elongatus
donhe wrote:
Yesterday
The thoraxes all look similar to me, and variable, with 1 or 2 or 3 white lines. I think you have to dissect the genitalia to distinguish the species.

Leistarcha (genus)
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