Insects in your backyard.

In your backyard you will find many wonderful mini beasts. You will see the ferocious carnivorous insects such as the spiders and the mantids and hear the deafening sounds of the cicada.

You will find many different types of beetles. Observe their habitat and if possible, their food source. What time of the year do you see these insects?

During the summer months you may find trees infested with the insect pictured on the right. What is the food source for this insect?
What is it called?

Caterpillars are usually larvae that transform into different forms. This process is called metamorphosis. Before collecting caterpillars always note the plant they are on, is is probably their food source. You must supply them with the right food source otherwise the caterpillar will die.
What is a larva?
Describe the features of the adult?

Cockroaches are scavengers and eat scraps.

Where do you find these insects?

Are they more abundant in summer or winter?

If you catch a cockroach draw its body structure.

Lawn mowers, weed killer and general cleaning of long grass has meant that grasshoppers are rare in the suburbs.
If you find one, draw its features.

Always keep with plenty of food (grass).

The larva of the rhinoceros beetle is pictured on the right. The function of the larva is to eat as much as it possibly can. It feeds on dead and rotting wood. It is an important contributor to the recycling of organic matter.

Click to see a magnified view.

The rhinoceros beetle is active during the night. During the day it hides under logs where it is safe from predators such as lizards and birds. The rhinoceros beetle feeds on sap and rotting fruit. Despite its size it does no eat much. The larva, on the other hand, eats a great deal.
Click to see the underside of the beetle. Some beetles have amazing colours

A praying mantis is a carnivorous insect. It will swoop and capture small insects. A praying mantis is not shy and will feast on its prey while you are watching. Note how it devours its prey.

Click

Spiders use a web to trap small insects. They inject poison into their prey through very sharp fangs. They then suck the liquid contents out of their prey leaving a dry empty shell, as seen in the picture on the right.

Some creatures live underground and show unique adaptation to their environment. Notice the front legs of this mole beetle, they are adapted for digging. Does these creature have wings? If so are they functional?

Click to see the claws for digging.

 

White tail spider.

How many body segments can you see on spiders?

Cephalo is Greek for head while thorax means chest. What part is the cephalothorax?

 
Click to see the skin discarded by the larva.
You will find many cocoons such as the one seen on the right. They are well camouflaged in amongst the vegetation.
The larva living inside the cocoon above.

The crucifix spider shown on the right is found in tropical regions of Australia. This one was taken in Arnhem Land NT.

 

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