The butterfly family Hesperiidae contains a large group of butterflies referred to as 'Skippers'. In the Green Triangle region of south-east South Australia and western Victoria we have many butterflies in this family, occurring from inland mallee and low rainfall sandy heathlands to the...
Ecologists, much like toddlers, are always asking 'but why?". The complexity of the natural world is fascinating and the questions are endless. Hence, I found myself driving through the Cobboboonee forest looking at the many the delightful Cherry Ballart trees (Exocarpus cupressiformus) and wondering why...
I was lucky enough to spend a couple of days at Lake Hattah over the June long weekend and it got me thinking about our view of the landscape and what it tells us. As ecologists, reading the landscape and interpreting what's going on is...
Sounds like a riddle perhaps? But no, the answer is kelp - specifically in this case, bull kelp. Bull kelp (Durvillaea potatorum) is relatively abundant off the southern coast of Australia and the evidence washes up along our coastline in clumps and strands after big...
This month our 'species of the month' is Carex iynx, which - to be honest - is not a plant that any of us knew too much about until very recently. Generally it is observed as an occasional occurrence in grasslands and moist woodlands in...
In the dark of night, they announce their arrival with the leathery snap of their wings. Their wings span up to one metre! If you startle them accidentally, visions of Dracula may briefly flit through your head as they wheel through the sky. It’s that time...
Maiko and Nick have been busy undertaking Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) listing assessments as part of Species Expert Assessment Plans (SEAPs) for Australian freshwater fish and spiny crayfish. Prior to these SEAPs, only 40 freshwater fish and just three spiny crayfish were listed...
Winter is a great time for getting outdoors and exploring the different types of fungi in your region. Whether it’s in pine plantation, native bush, open paddocks, or even in your own backyard, you'll see mushrooms popping up everywhere. On a recent fungi photography hunt, I...
You've probably heard of the Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) and might be familiar with some or even a lot of this species' story. Over the past few years we've written several posts about the OBP, but I thought it was time to refresh your memory...
Rose and Jess’ exciting find of a Southern Blue-Ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena maculosa) at Cape Douglas with families from the local home-school network is our Species of the Month for April. (For those that are interested, the Limestone Coast Homeschool Group contact is Nicole: .)There are...
