26th October, 2019

Hidden Valley, Mimosa Rocks National Park

A local group of young people keen to involve themselves in a science project. Camping out on a farm property with easy access to Hidden Valley. Two Atlas of Life members willing to volunteer their time and share their knowledge.

It all made for a successful scan of insect biodiversity. Plus a special spider and two snakes. And even some rock pools thrown in for good measure!

All insects were photographed and recorded on the NatureMapr database. Collected insects were examined (with the aid of a digital microscope and monitor), photographed and released.

The gallery below shows just a few of the sightings (click on any image to view the NatureMapr record).

Not to forget the snakes! Neither of them dangerous, but treated with caution – and respect! –nonetheless.

Midway through the walk the group reached a secluded beach. It was low tide – rock pool exploration a must!

Two of the resources used on the day are available here for download: 1) Insect orders poster, 2) Insect orders characteristic table

Also, here is a link to some how-to information for interested people new to the NatureMapr database.

One insect was not released. This tiny stick insect (Phasmida) is a nymph, impossible to identify until it reaches the adult stage. Stick insects are usually easy to raise in captivity, so the science leaders* took it into care.

3rd November update: a week later and it is doing well. Still missing a leg, but hopefully that will change at the next moult. It will undergo 4 or 5 more moults before reaching the adult stage. Currently just 28mm from head to tail, it will probably be several times that long in a few months time. Once it has matured it will be photographed – for species level identification – and then released.

*Note: Science leaders Dr Paul Whitington and Dr Kerri-Lee Harris hold a permit for insect collection in NSW National Parks. Licence no. SL 102206.

Finally, a few ‘people shots’ …

A beautiful location, at the northern end of Mimosa Rocks National Park.