Spring, especially in an area where the seasons are so pronounced, is a time to get into the act of reproduction while the food sources and climate support the raising offspring.
These pictures below are of Reproduction of two sorts.
The insects are male and female, requiring sperm from the male to fertilise eggs within the female.....whereas the snails are asexual (each being effectively male and female ).
This means that they supply 1/2 of the genetic material needed and both produce young (lay eggs).
The snail below is of the same species, though shows colour differences to those above.
It is redder in appearance and, if I had the time, would be interested to cross snails of both colours.
It would be interesting to see the ratio of light to dark snails, and mixed shells, through this method of reproduction.
...and if you have ever wondered what a bumble bee looks like compared to a regular bee....wonder no longer
....of course, all the regular predators are out taking advantage of the increased food sources.
...and even a little fungi.
This bracket fungi is similar to its Australian counterpart, though was very white and seemed of much denser composition. This is possibly due, in part, to differing climatic conditions from those I have observed in detail in places like Robertson Nature Reserve ( see previous posts).
I would like to wish Denis Wilson and his colleagues much success with their fungi exhibition being held at Robertson NSW Australia. Perhaps a few pics of the exhibition Denis?
Hi David
ReplyDeleteSorry to be so slow in commenting. I was hoping for an email, and hadn't checked your blog in two weeks. I was talking to Sally from Fitzroy Falls NPWS office, today, and she told me you had posted something recently. So, there, we haven't forgotten you (well, not completely!).
Lovely photos. The green flower Spider is almost identical to some here. Nice shot of the Bumble Bee and the Honey Bee together. You have not lost your touch for the "percentage shot". Well done.
Penny has printed my fungi shots as poster material with a range of info on the toxicity of various active ingredients in fungi. We are NOT encouraging experimentation.
"Vegetable Caterpillars" (Cordyceps) are still the weirdest of them all - where the fungus completely takes over the caterpillar, then the fruiting body grows out the top of the body of the dead (mummified) caterpillar. Very gruesome.
Photos of most of these things have already been up on the Blog - some new season ones, as it is Autumn here now, so lots of Fly Agaric (red "Toadstools" with the white spots) around.
I did put up a photo last week of our smallest "Biggest Morning Tea".
Penny L. is still faithfully battling on with the Fettlers Shed.
Pls give my regards to your German friend, if you are still there.
Missing you.
Denis
Are those mating insects dragon flies?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments guys.
ReplyDeleteI think the insects are a variety of mayfly...Any Ideas Denis?
Yep, In Germany still, and off to Austria next week to get a few mountain shots.
Petra says gidday to all, and we will be back in a few weeks.
Good luck with the exhibition Denis.
Cheers,
Dave
Hi David and Petra.
ReplyDeleteYes, David, they look like Mayflies, and it IS MAY, after all (only just). I have never seen them but the triple tail is distinctive.
Famous for their short but randy lives. "Ephemera" - take their name from that concept - here today, gone tomorrow - literally. So they spend all day looking for a mate, and doing what you photographed, when they find one.
Enjoy Austria. Remind me to tell you about my lovely Austrian friend (from years ago). Beautiful country.
Cheers
Denis