Introduction

Since this web site began in January 2001, we have been fortunate in gathering quite a lot of information about the invertebrates of Scott Creek Conservation Park.

There have been separate surveys of Water Beetles, Butterflies and Ants. Both the Water Beetle and Ant surveys started in 1999, while the Butterfly survey began in 2001.

Just over forty species of ants from twenty seven genera have been collected in the park. Collection is mainly done on an opportunistic basis when we are working in the field; however, formal surveys and collections have been conducted too. Whilst the butterflies of Scott Creek Con Park have been well surveyed, there are major gaps in our knowledge of most of the invertebrate life of the park, despite them being the foundation of most terrestrial ecosystems. It is noteworthy that in the State Governments 2006 No Species Loss Strategy for South Australia, no data was available as to the total number of invertebrates described in South Australia. Again no figures were available regarding the conservation status, ie Endangered, Threatened etc, for any invertebrates at all. The current decline of over fifty species of woodland birds in the Mt Lofty Ranges may also be linked to a decline in invertebrate numbers. Invertebrates have suffered exactly the same fate as the birds, habitat loss and fragmentation usually followed by degradation through exotic plant invasion and the “edge effect”. Widespread and ongoing herbicide and pesticide use can only contribute to these cumulative impacts.

To ensure the success of recovery plans, adequate resources need to be channelled into researching how many of these declines may be linked. Comprehensive data on invertebrates is essential if recovery plans are to be effective on a “whole of ecosystem” based recovery. As DEH has initiated “asset protection burns” in many of our parks, there is a clear need for baseline and ongoing surveys of flora, fauna and invertebrates to be conducted and built on over time. Both the beneficial and negative impacts of these fires on our park’s biodiversity can then be clearly demonstrated and appropriate management actions can follow. 

Ants -general information Ants have three parts to their body - the head, thorax and abdomen, or gaster. The thorax has three segments, each bearing a set of legs and a breathing spiracle on each side. All adult ants subsist on sweet carbohydrates and can't use protein. The young larvae require protein to develop. Their life goes through the normal insect cycle of egg,larva, pupa and adult.

Ants are social insects, with the new adult life spanning more than one generation. This means that mature adults are able to show new adults the best food sources. Ants have a caste system of queens, males, and various workers. There is a symbiotic relationship between some ants and butterflies. Ants tend the butterfly larvae, which climb trees and feed on mistletoe. During the day, the larvae descend to ground level and reside in the ants nest. The larvae benefit by protection from predator, whilst the ants obtain a sugary exudate from the larvae. Specific ant species tend specific butterflies, which are also dependent on specific mistletoe species.

A list of Ants of Scott Creek Conservation Park

Collected by Tom Hands, Identifications by Archie McArthur, S.A. Museum.

 GENUS                                                SPECIES

Camponotus scotti

Butterflies and Moths

Members of the Butterfly Conservation Group conducted a survey of the park and found the Philgalia skipper butterfly, which has a vulnerable rating and had not previously been recorded as far south as the park. Roger Grund sent us the results of the butterfly survey which includes links to his web site. For those interested in butterflies, an excellent and up to date website can be found at www.adelaide.net.au/~reid/

The site also has photographs of Jewel Beetles found in the park.

The beginning of a new life for a Cicada

Arachnids of Scott Creek CP

Collections by Tom Hands, determinations by David Hirst, SA Museum
 *denotes collection lodged at SA Museum,  # denotes observed only

ARANEAE - SPIDERS

Photo : Tom Hands

SCORPIONS

ACARINA- MITES

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Copyright 2001 Friends of Scott Creek