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

47 min ago
Looks like a Heoclisis species

Myrmeleontidae (family)
AlisonMilton wrote:
2 hrs ago
@AndyH Hi Andy, When I looked at the sighting there was no photo visible. This happens sometimes that the photos don't fully upload. Not sure why I couldn't see the photo earlier but can see it now. Beautiful lady beetle. One I haven't seen before. By the way, Wellington NSW is inland on the Newel Highway a bit south of Dubbo.

Australoneda bourgeoisi
WendyEM wrote:
3 hrs ago
Paracrama sp. ANIC1
https://bold-au.hobern.net/specimens.php?taxid=327829

Unverified Moth (Lepidoptera)
AndyH wrote:
3 hrs ago
Just realised it might be the map thats confusing things. It says Wellington-dont even know where that is. I live near Nimbin in Northern NSW where I photographed it.

Australoneda bourgeoisi
AndyH wrote:
3 hrs ago
Strange you posted that the media was missing or unclear as it appears at the top of this page. Maybe its unclear enough, the photo was taken in the shade not full sun but it is clear in the photo I provided. I have another photo of it on the arm of the chair that is in the sun but I cant find how to add this photo

Australoneda bourgeoisi
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