Pobblebonks and Fluffy Bums

Summer so far has been a mix of weather from very hot to cool and rainy. Some days have been like a delightful warm spring day which suits me fine. The nights are definitely also warmer and there is much more insect activity both day and night.  I notice lots of moths fluttering around when I go out in the garden once it's dark and the frogs are calling in our backyard ponds most nights and sometimes during the day. I watched one night as a pair of frogs made ripples as they desperately tried to mate but didn't succeed. However there are tiny tadpoles in the main pond. I've also seen a frog out hunting one night and I guess there are plenty of invertebrates available for an stealthy hunter in my garden!

An Eastern Banjo frog ~ Limnodynastes dumerilii, commonly known as a Pobblebonk due to the sound they make when they call, out hunting in the garden.To hear their call see my Google+ post: Eastern Banjo Frog calling  

Among the butterflies I see in my garden at this time of year, a clear favourite despite its small size and muted tones in some light, is the Common Grass Blue ~ Zizina labradus, with a wingspan of  20mm (male) and 23mm (female) it is a delicate looking creature that flutters from one clover flower to the next. It is only occasionally that I get to see its iridescent blue highlights on the top of the wings.  Just beautiful! 

Common Grass Blue butterfly on Clover flower

In the front garden where the citrus trees and Hydrangea bushes grow, I have not seen a praying mantid for a long while. I am suspicious that the large number of spiders have devoured them all! The Spined Citrus bugs appear to be doing OK on the Cumquat tree although I think many of them may have been preyed upon also. 

Spined Citrus bug nymph - look how the green speckled abdomen blends in with the back of the leaves.

Meanwhile the Hydrangea bushes are flowering now and many plant hoppers and other sap sucking bugs are taking advantage of the new lush growth. One that is quite peculiar looking as a nymph but quite attractive as a winged adult is the Passion Vine Hopper ~ Scolypopa australis The nymphs are often known as "Fluffy Bums" and you will see why in the photo below. The adults, however have pretty lacy wings and are a nice shape. 

Scolypopa australis

Scolypopa australis

Scolypopa au

Fluffy Bum - Passionvine Hopper ~ Scolypopa australis nymph .

Lacy-winged adult Passionvine Hopper ~ Scolypopa australis.

Next time I want to share some cool predators I have discovered out in the Mantid Microcosm. See you then!