Observations over April
In April, we have taken time to observe some interesting invertebrates in the Park.
To observe can be described as to notice or perceive something and register it as being significant. To observe, one need only look or listen carefully and attentively.
In April, we have taken time to observe some interesting invertebrates in the Park, despite many often being overlooked due to their size, stillness, or quietness. We would like to share these observations with you!
As tiny as an ant hill
Although tiny, have you noticed ant hills are taller than usual this April?
With the downpours of rain received in March, some colonies are looking to future-fit their homes.
Walls of ant hills appear to have risen to combat potential future flooding of their homes in April.
Please watch your step when walking outdoors so as not to destroy these tiny architects busy at work.
Ant hills serve as the visible front door to the underground nest of an ant colony, leading to various chambers connected by a system of tunnels. Some species of ants even use small rocks or sticks to help strengthen the hill from weather disturbances.
As still as a spider
Motionless, a Net-casting Spider awaits its next meal.
Assuming a head-down position and holding its net with its front four legs, it watches below for unsuspecting insects wandering into the target zone.
Then SNAP! The net made from silk, with coiled lines designed to stretch and entangle prey is cast in a flash. The trapped meal is then wrapped, paralysed and eaten.
Net-casting Spiders have excellent eyesitght, with a huge pair of forward facing eyes focused on its downward target zone. Their compound lenses concentrate available light more efficiently than a cat or owl, focusing the image onto a light-receptive retinal membrane which is destroyed at dawn and renewed again each night.
As quiet as a caterpillar
Painted Vine Moth caterpillars are quietly feeding on various vines from the Vitaceae family, including the Australian Native Grape, Pepper Vine and cultivated grape varieties.
With many vines growing in abundance following rainy weather, these caterpillars will continue to feed until they reach about 7cm in length, before undergoing pupation and emerging an adult moth.
Although these caterpillars are quiet, their loud colours can catch your eye! Painted Vine Moths are active during the day and often mistaken for butterflies © Perry Goord
When you next visit the Park, take some time to observe.
You might also be interested in...

Do you want salt with that? Believe it or not, combining salt with frogs is a recipe for success.

This week is Parks Week - a time of celebrating the incredible role parks and open space.

If you look closely, you may spot beautiful terrestrial orchids flowering at Sydney Olympic Park.