Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is known for its diverse range of insects, from the beautiful to the dangerous. However, not all insects call this country home. While it is challenging to determine which insects are not found in Australia due to their ability to adapt and disperse across regions, it is safe to say that some species are more commonly associated with other parts of the world. This paragraph aims to delve into the insects that are notably absent from Australia's vast landscapes, providing insight into the unique ecology of this megadiverse nation.
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What You'll Learn
Butterflies
Australia is home to nearly 450 species of butterflies, with the greatest diversity found on the east coast. The majority of these species are continental, and more than a dozen are endemic to remote islands. The largest butterflies in the world, the birdwings, are native to the Australasian realm. These include the Ornithoptera and other genera of the tribe Troidini of the swallowtail butterfly family, Papilionidae.
Some notable Australian butterflies include the Australian Painted Lady, the Cairns Birdwing, and the Ulysses Swallowtail. The Macleay's Swallowtail, a large and colourful butterfly, can be found in the wet rainforests of eastern Victoria, including the high country. The Orchard Swallowtail and Dainty Swallowtail have also increased their range in Victoria due to the planting of citrus trees.
The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda Village is the largest butterfly exhibit in the country and is an excellent place to see these beautiful creatures. Other places to observe butterflies in Australia include the Butterfly House in the Melbourne Zoo, East Gippsland in Southern Australia, and Bribie Island Butterfly House in Brisbane.
Collections of Australian butterflies can be found in various museums worldwide, including the Jean Louis Rodolphe Agassiz Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University, the Hope Entomology Collections at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, and the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris. These collections feature specimens collected by renowned naturalists such as Hans Fruhstorfer, RG Wind, and Harry Kendon Clench.
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Beetles
One notable beetle species in Australia is the Christmas beetle, which is often seen between November and January. These beetles exhibit a range of colours, typically with a metallic green or golden sheen on their bodies. The adults feed on gum tree foliage, while the larvae remain underground, feeding on organic matter and plant roots. Another interesting species is the Botany Bay or Diamond Weevil, Chrysolopus spectabilis, which was the first insect to be scientifically described and named from Australia. It is commonly found on wattles in coastal woodlands and forests, where the adults feed on the foliage.
The Australian Dung Beetle Project, which ran from 1965 to 1985, imported 55 species of dung beetles from Hawaii, Africa, and Southern Europe to Australia. This initiative had a significant impact on agriculture, land management, and the control of buffalo and bush flies. The introduction of these exotic dung beetles proved highly successful, leading to a 90% reduction in bush fly numbers and improvements in soil health.
Despite the vast number of beetle species in Australia, there are still discoveries to be made. For example, a strange beetle larva brought to the Australian Museum was identified as a new species, highlighting the ongoing exploration and discovery within the field of entomology.
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Psocids
In addition to stored grain, psocids can also be found on or around vegetation and litter, under hard surfaces, in caves, nests, and human habitations. They are particularly attracted to humid environments and are often an issue in homes with mould or moisture problems. To prevent or control psocid infestations, it is important to remove their food sources, reduce humidity, and use airtight containers for pantry items.
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Flies
Australia is home to a large number of flies, with estimates ranging from 7,500 to 30,000 species. Flies have been described as "probably asking, 'Why did humans evolve?'" by Dr David Yeates, director of the CSIRO's National Insect Collection.
Despite their reputation as pests, flies are excellent pollinators, just like bees. They also serve as remedies in their role as biological controls. For example, the 10,000-odd species of tachinid are parasitoids of other insects, laying their eggs inside and killing the developing young of pests such as caterpillars, flies, and bugs. Flies have also proven invaluable in forensics, medicine, scientific research, and environmental monitoring.
Some common fly species found in Australia include:
- Bush fly (Musca vetustissima)
- House fly (Musca domestica)
- Blow fly (Calliphora spp.)
- Stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans)
- Hover fly
- Flesh fly
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Moths
Australia is home to a wide variety of moths, with around 22,000 species, almost half of which have been scientifically named. Moths are the dominant night-active insect group in Australia, and they are important pollinators, recyclers, and pests. While some people may find them frightening, adult moths are harmless to humans. However, their caterpillars can cause significant damage to crops, stored food, and fabrics.
One of the most well-known Australian moth species is the mallee moth, which belongs to the family Oecophoridae and is closely associated with eucalypt forests and woodlands. There are about 5,500 known species of mallee moths, and they have diverse wing patterns and coloration, ranging from dull browns and greys to vibrant metallics and pastels. Mallee moths have evolved to feed on the abundant but challenging food source of dead eucalypt leaves, playing a crucial role in recycling plant nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Another notable Australian moth is the giant wood moth, which is rarely seen by humans due to its short lifespan and preference for rural areas. Females of this species can weigh up to 30 grams and have a wingspan of up to 25 cm, while males are half that size. The Creatonotos gangis is another fascinating Australian moth species known for its unique mating ritual. Males of this species waft a potent cocktail of chemicals, known as pheromones, to attract females and repel other males.
To manage moth infestations, Australians often seek the help of professional pest managers, who can identify the species, determine the source of the infestation, and recommend appropriate treatments. Some common pest species in Australia include the Fall Armyworm, which feeds on a wide range of plants, and the Greater Wax Moth, which is considered a pest by beekeepers due to its larvae's preference for beeswax.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are insects that are not native to Australia, such as certain species of beetles, psocids (booklice), flies, butterflies, and moths.
The Australian Museum has an extensive collection of beetles, but some species that are not native to Australia include the Christmas Beetle, which is found in New South Wales.
The Common Brown Butterfly is found in south-eastern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and Tasmania, but it is not clear if it is the only butterfly species that is not found in other parts of Australia.
It is possible that some insects found in other countries, such as the United States or Europe, may not be present in Australia due to geographical differences and ecological factors.
Insects like the Goliath stick insect, orb-weaving spiders, and the Common Garden Katydid are found in Australia but may be considered pests or dangerous creatures in other parts of the world.
