They moan, hum, whistle and click, and can be found almost everywhere, from the neighbourhood pond to the most remote outback dunny. From Friday to 17 November, people across the country are encouraged to take part in FrogID week, Australia‘s biggest frog count. The annual event, now in its seventh year, aims to collect thousands […]
Tag: insects
Would you trust an ant to amputate your limb? Science is showing they are skilled surgeons
An insect bites off another insect’s leg. Is this predatory behaviour, aggression, defence, competition or something else? In the case of carpenter ants, it’s for the good of the amputee and to the benefit of the colony. A July 2024 study found carpenter ants carry out lifesaving amputations on their colony siblings. Image © Waffa/Shutterstock […]
Why Fly Fishing Is a Great Way to Connect with Nature
Fly fishing is more than just a recreational activity; it’s an immersive experience that allows individuals to forge a deeper connection with the natural world. Unlike conventional fishing, fly fishing requires a nuanced understanding of ecosystems, patience, and a meditative approach to the outdoors. This article explores why fly fishing is an exceptional way to […]
What to Do if You Find a Wasp Nest
Warm weather drives many people to step outside to soak up some sun. But as you enjoy your summer barbecue with friends and family, suddenly, a striped little visitor buzzes by. That buzzing intruder means one thing—you’ve got a wasp nest in your backyard. By late summer, wasp nests can house up to 10,000 busy […]
Why Microscopic Organisms Rule Evolutionary History
It’s easy to be captivated by the giants—the towering dinosaurs, massive mammals, and colossal pterosaurs. Yet, if we zoom in, quite literally, we’ll find that the true champions of evolution are the tiny organisms, often overlooked but incredibly resilient and ancient. Picture this: the Earth, freshly cooled, about 3.8 billion years ago. It’s a world […]
7 Ways to Attract Beneficial Insects & Animals to the Garden
An important part of creating a healthy, organic garden space is supporting a well-balanced ecosystem. That can’t be done with the use of pesticides and other biocides because they, by design, create imbalance. There are insects and small animals that feed on unwelcomed garden visitors like aphids and slugs, so if there are no aphids […]
New Species of Fluffy Beetle Discovered in Australia
Entomologists have discovered a remarkable new genus and species of longhorn beetle living in the subtropical rainforests of southeastern Queensland, Australia. Longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) are one of the most diverse animal families on the planet with over 36,000 recognized living species and 5,100 genera. The Australian fauna contains approximately 1,400 recognized species distributed amongst more […]
Mastering Pest Defense: Expert Strategies for a Pest-Free Nature
The tranquility of natural settings, whether in gardens, parks, or wild landscapes, can be disrupted by the presence of pests. As custodians of these environments, it is crucial to cultivate a pest-free nature to preserve the beauty and balance of ecosystems. In this blog, we will explore expert strategies for mastering pest defense, encompassing eco-friendly […]