A male Australian jewel beetle thinks he has found the perfect mate. When the Western Australian beer industry unintentionally produced bottles that mimicked the shiny brown sheen of the female jewel beetle, the males found themselves in what researchers refer to as an `evolutionary trap’.
The Australian crab spider (Thomisus spectabilis), does not build webs, but instead lies in wait for its lunch from the safety of a flower. It advertises its presence by reflecting ultraviolet (UV) light.
For the introduced European honeybee, this UV light acts as an irresistible lure that attracts the bees towards the spiders.
Australian tongue orchids (Cryptostylis), for example, have evolved to mimic the scents and appearance of female wasps (Lissopimpla excelsa), in order to trick male wasps into spreading their pollen.
Home Topics Wildlife Gallery: Bugs mating with beer bottles
One of Australia’s smallest and most endangered bird species is needing help to survive its harsh environment.
For the first time clear links between fossils of the iconic Australian dingo, and dogs from East Asia and New Guinea have been discovered.
As humpback and southern right whales return to Antarctica at the tail end of their annual migration, east coast whale watchers may think the show will soon be over. But some whale species are still here, possibly year-round. And we need to find out more about them.
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From cuddly companions to realistic native Australian wildlife, the range also includes puppets that move and feel like real animals.