Dragonflies are often observed in numbers on the wing in clear areas with bordering vegetation, eg. open glades in the bush, tracks etc. This is so at the moment along the disused old road that wends its way through the riverside reserve, where unusual numbers of several species are in flight. A couple of hours with the 200 micro lens on the dslr resulted in pictures of Tau Emerald, Hemicordulia tau, and Blue Skimmer, Orthetrum caledonicum, with a couple of bonuses for good measure. First a Tau Emerald perched on Chicory, a common naturalised exotic plant of the area.

Two shots of a Blue Skimmer that was very cooperative and perched happily for pictures.

Weeds can sometimes serve a useful purpose, eg. stabilising disturbed ground, or providing sustenance or shelter for native species….

Zizina labradus nectaring, Olbonoma triptycha sheltering.

The second bonus was a robberfly, in the genus Apothechyla, hanging from one leg, (often seen in these insects), while feeding on prey.

Back on home turf, an Australian Emerald, Hemicordulia australiae.

A Pintail Beetle, Hoshihananomia leucosticta.

Yet another robberfly….

And a tiny Chalcidoid wasp, Genus Brachymeria, note the elbowed antennae.

Some images will enlarge.

Not licorice, but invertebrate, and just as tasty, several different flavours from two locations. First is a Belid weevil, Rhinotia suturalis found apparently taking it easy on a on a wattle phyllode.

Second, another weevil found on the ground nearby. This is a Broad-nosed Weevil, going by the impressive name of Eurymetopus birabeni.

Third, always room for another spider, a nice orb weaver.

Fourth, found under loose bark on an Angophora costata, a beetle larva, one of two discovered. This is the larva of a Flat Bark Beetle, Family Cucujidae, Genus probably Platisus. Apparently the tail is an identification  feature.

Fifth, from the riverside reserve, a mating pair of robberflies, (Subfamily Asilinae), complete with wedding breakfast.

Sixth and final flavour, two dragonflies, Hemicordulia tau, the Tau Emerald,

And Austrogomphus guerini, the Yellow-striped Hunter.

Most images will enlarge.