In between showers and heavy downpours I nipped out to check the mail box and found this bright creature held fast to the front of it by a small spider web. After taking a photo, I freed its legs and sent it on its way.
Next step of course was to find out what it was.
Turns out it is quite historic, being the first insect to be described from Australia, after Cook’s first visit.
It is Chrysopolus spectabilis, or far less appropriately called Botany Bay Weevil.
‘Diamond’ and ‘sapphire’ feature in other less used names, but ‘weevil’ persists. For me that is unfortunate, as it carries baggage of unpleasant connotations of bulk flour ruined by weevils. But they never looked like this!
In fact, this insect feeds on wattles, on acacias, and I have several varieties planted nearby.
My front verandah is partly protected from the rain by the Ornamental Grape vine. It seems it offers protection to certain wildlife as well, for the amount of dark pellets dotting the railing and decking has grown very large.
Naturally any creatures are sheltering on the undersides of the large leaves, so shaded and not great for photos.
The culprit is the Hungry Green Caterpillar, common enough, with ‘horns’ and a faint yellow stripe, and after wading through hundreds of Caterpillar I.D. shots, I am no longer sure just what sort of moth or butterfly it will be. Any suggestions?
The older ones have turned brown and seem stiffened and bent… perhaps no longer eating or depositing small balls!
Also sheltering from the weather was this charming Green Tree Frog. They are also a widespread and common type, but this one is the first I have seen here, and very welcome!
I see this one has chosen a spot with a view out from beneath the leaf roof! Handsome and clever…