Our Monthly Challenge continues with another splendid effort, in the last month we all contributed a massive effort. The numbers will only go up as people may upload observations in the next few weeks. As of writing, we have contributed
Observations 5374
Species 1,627
Identifiers 374
Observers 36 (14 with more than 50 observations)

@gregtasney @natashataylor @stephen169 @leithallb @fairypossum @anthonypaul @pam275 @donnamareetomkinson @rwl @luis615 @timothyshields @bigpete @chrisseager @adel_plainsgirl

For more infromation check out the March Challenge-Updated Stats

For the latest results of the current Month check the
April Challenge-Updated Stats

Check out how this compares to

February Challenge-Updated Stats February summary
January Challenge-Updated Stats January summary
December Challenge-Updated Stats December summary

With the City Nature Challenge (CNC) occurring at the end of the month let's make April a big month!
We also have two long weekends this month so a great time to get some practice in!

City Nature Challenge 2021, 30th April to 3rd May

This while only 36 observers contributed this month down two on the previous month, together our observations accounted for around 8 % of all observations within Australia (66, 803) over the month of March (at time of writing). While the 36 observers constituted only <1% of all active observers iNaturalists within Australia. Some significant finds mentioned by members include some fantastic wading birds observed by @sandy_horne including the threatened Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis (below left) and the Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea (below right) at Bald Hill Beach, South Australia. This stretch of coast hosts numerous resident shorebirds, several of which are listed as endangered including Curlew sandpiper, Ruddy turnstone, Red knot and Eastern Curlew in addition to migratory species.

Here is something I have learned recently thanks to @insiderelic and @ellurasanctuary, have you ever wondered what the fluffy bits on the tips of Short-leaf Bluebush Maireana brevifolia are? have a look at the individual below.

I encourage you to have a look at some of the magnificent observations like this Agile Tyrant Ant Iridomyrmex agilis (below right) and Tau Emerald Hemicordulia tau (below left) made by Brett AKA @ellurasanctuary ©ElluraSanctuary

Some significant or interesting observations over the month

A dead Port Jackson Shark Heterodontus portusjacksoni was observed by @adel_plainsgirl a great observation by someone that seldom visits the beach

Everyone loves Blue-bandeds bees (Genus Amegilla) and this is a spectacular shot of one in flight by @natashataylor

Another great observation by@Natasha of a White-banded House Jumping Spider Maratus scutulatus feeding on an Ant.

first observation of the introduced Cochlicella barbara, reported in Brisbane according to @kevinbonham

Orchids Orchids Orchids

In Southern Australia, Midge Orchids are budding and flowering (see observations below by @rwl ). Indeed, some are producing capsules. we would like to encourage people to make observations and start photographing and recording these orchids on iNaturalist so that we get a record phenlology.

If you use Wild Orchid Watch, you can also include numerical and habitat data. If you enter from WOW, locations are automatically obscured, but not if you add to the project later; you need to do this manually.

There are plenty of orchid species around southern Australia, so you can all get involved! check out this Common Wasp Orchid Chiloglottis diphylla observed by @gregtasney and Identified by Lachlan Copeland.

Wild Orchid Watch Australia

There is amazing Biodiversity awaiting you, in the garden or in your nearby park so go for a walk this weekend and add to our knowledge of Adelaide's Biodiversity, and join for the CNC 2021 and the project!

Our Monthly Challenge continues with another splendid effort, in the last month of 2020 we all contributed a massive effort. The numbers will only go up as people may upload observations in the next few weeks. As of writing, we have contributed
Observations 5, 241
Species 1, 487
Identifiers 396
Observers 38 (14 with more than 50 observations)
@gregtasney @natashataylor @stephen169 @rich_fuller @leithallb @fairypossum
@nyoni-pete @sarinozi @luis615 @anthonypaul @streglystendec @donnamareetomkinson @carl_ramirez @littlellama

For the latest results check the February Challenge-Updated Stats
Check out how this compares to
January Challenge-Updated Stats January summary
December Challenge-Updated Stats December summary
This while only 38 observers contributed to observations over the month this was just 8.7 % of all observations within Australia (59, 956) over the month of Febuary. While the 38 observers constituted only 1% of all active observers iNaturalists within Australia. Some significant finds mentioned by members include the first record of Yoma algina in Australia, by new member of our project @rich_fuller who had a great trip to Iron Range National Park in early Feb.
Yoma algina from Iron Range National Park @rich_fuller, some rights reserved

Another fantastic find was the Zigzag White Banded Noctuid - Donuca lanipes from Karawatha Forest observed by @gregtasney . This is the first specimen I have observed. A quick check on the Atlas of Living Australia and there are only 57 sightings listed. So a seldom seen or uncommon species?


Zigzag White Banded Noctuid Donuca lanipes from Karawatha Forest © Greg Tasney, some rights reserved

Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia © littlellama
The City Nature Challenge is only days away and with the long weekend this weekend what a great time to get some practice in!

I encourage you to have a look at some of the magnificent observations like this Agile Tyrant Ant Iridomyrmex agilis (below right) and Tau Emerald Hemicordulia tau (below left) made by Brett AKA @ellurasanctuary ©ElluraSanctuary

There is amazing Biodiversity awaiting you, in the garden or in your nearby park so go for a walk this weekend and add to our knowledge of Adelaide's Biodiversity, and join for the CNC 2021 and the project!

Our second Monthly Challenge is complete, in the last month of 2020 we all contributed a massive effort. The numbers will only go up as people may upload observations in the next few weeks. As of writing, we have contributed
Observations 5, 084
Species 1, 507
Identifiers 402
Observers 40 (16 with 50 observations or more)

For the latest results check the January Challenge-Updated Stats
Check out how this compares to the December results here

This month Greg Tasney (AKA @gregtasney) shows us why he observes so much #biodiversity, he often takes a night walk through his tiny yard in inner metro Brisbane. While his wife thinks he is a bit of a weirdo but who would have thought Greg would find this Four-barred swordtail (Protographium leosthenes) roosting on one of our Richmond Birdwing vines (Pararistolochia prevents). Illustrated in the amazing photographers below © Greg Tasney, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA), the four-barred swordtail, is a medium-sized Australia butterfly similar to the more widespread five-barred (or chain) swordtail (Graphium aristeus)

Greg is an avid naturalist however he has only observed this butterfly once. while possibly not a rare species it defiantly has a low observation count on iNaturalist and the Atlas of Living Australia

The endangered Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus observed by @marionmackenzie on the Fleurieu Peninsula

A couple of observations this month that may be of interest:

This month also highlighted the potential role Citizen Science can play in monitoring introduced species with the first record of introduced species Phyllonorycter messaniella Oak (Leafminer) in S.A by Mike AKA @streglystendec, below left. There have been 2 other observations on iNaturalist in Victoria, and a third in Alas of living Australia in Tasmania

There was also the second record in S.A. (and first record of a winged specimen) of (Giant Willow Aphid, above right) by Mike AKA @streglystendec, . Its one of the largest aphids in the world and no males have been recorded in this species. Female aphids are able to reproduce without males and give birth to live young that are genetically identical. A handy skill to have.

For more information;
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/plant/insect-pests-and-plant-diseases/giant-willow-aphid
https://nzacfactsheets.landcareresearch.co.nz/factsheet/InterestingInsects/Giant-willow-aphid---Tuberolachnus-salignus.html
https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Tuberolachnus_salignus.htm

This month a spent quite some time on the St Kilda Mangroves project we had a great turn out and looks like we collected some great data. I have not had a chance to clean it up but will work on that in the next couple of weeks as I have time. In the meantime if you are up along the coast and want to do something different check out the plant health projects and make a contribution

Projects St Kilda Survey-Saltmarsh

St Kilda Survey-Mangrove Trees

So far this month we are doing well. It looks like the Mammals are interesting, with possums some of the most observed organisms.
1,994 observations
774 species
229 Identifiers
26 Observers
there is a huge diversity with a large number of species. If you have not made any observations, what are you waiting for?
let's see how many observers we can get with at least 25 observations!
It would be amazing to get at least 10 with over 50 as well!
January Challenge update

2021 monthly Challenge!
Due to the success of last months Challenge, I propose that we make this a monthly thing! I have listed the categories below (just for fun) Will I reach "The Greg" named after the amazing @gregtasney from Queensland.

25 Observations novice
50 Observations "The Challenge"
100 Observations "Expert Challenge'
1000 observations "The Greg"

I will attempt to do a short blog summary at the end of each month. You can help by sending me or taking me in any interesting observations or excellent pictures (they will be shared on the blog and social media NFP)
Check out our progress here
January 2021
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?d1=2021-01-01&place_id=any&project_id=activating-for-citizen-science-umbrella&subview=grid

Our First Monthly Challenge is complete, in the last month of 2020 we all contributed a massive effort. The numbers will only go up as people may upload observations in the next few weeks. As of writing, we have contributed
3,309 Observations
1,124 Species
293 Identifiers
29 Observers

For the latest results check the December Challenge-Updated Stats

The most observed species in December was the Ornate Burrowing Frog, Platyplectrum ornatum with 133 observations by two observers @gregtasney and @timothyshields all from Queensland.

Ornate Burrowing Frog, Platyplectrum ornatum observed by @gregtasney from Queensland.

One of the highlights has to be the observation of Mottled Treesnail , Papuexul bidwilli by @gregtasney. A rare airbreathing land snail species, which is on the IUCN red list as "Near Threatened", with only 50 records on the Atlas of Living Australia and the only observation on iNaturalist. This is a rainforest snail that appears to have a patchy distribution along Australia's east coast from Maryborough to Foster. The usual habitat is thought to be up in the canopy of the patchy rainforest, which makes this an especially tricky species to encounter. Greg said 'This specimen (picture below) was found in the rainforest on the edge of Mooloolah River. It’s a biodiversity hot spot'.

This certainly eclipses my exciting first observation on iNaturalist of (Euthera skusei) earlier this month during my walk through the Adelaide Botanical Gardens. some very helpful notes on the identification bye @tony_d who noted "Interesting find! In short, the yellow face and the sides of the wing black bands irregular in shape (ie not straight) agrees with E. skusei. E. reiki has also the yellow face but the sides of the wing bands are "nearly parallel" (Paramonov 1953). Other described Australian species have entirely dark heads (Cantrell 1983)."

Euthera skusei observerved in a tree by @stephen169 on the banks of the Torrens river Adelaide.
In another great example of citizen science one of our consistent and diligent observers @streglystendec, has noticed a strange species of Cicada frequenting his backyard, attracted lights on calm warm nights in December. It turns out it is an undescribed Yoyetta species (both male and female) with some amazzing images taken. The species will be described by David Emery (Cicadas specialist) for a paperin 2021.

Genus Yoyetta female left male right from Adelaide SA, Australia.

During the month all 6 observers below made at least 50 observations, and two with over 1,000.

@gregtasney

@natashataylor

@stephen169

@anthonypaul

@streglystendec

@fairypossum

While we another 23 observers contributed to our collections
@pam275 @sarinozi @leithallb @elfir @jeannie_bartram @melbo @adel_plainsgirl @rwl @nikonoid @heathwallum @strawberry15 @timothyshields @owen65 @dragonette @stekmer @fossil1513 @aavankampen @bigpete @ellurasanctuary @becstummer @littlellama @marionmackenzie @seamus-doherty

I would like to make this a monthly Challenge!
25 Observations novice
50 Observations "The Challenge"
100 Observations "Expert Challenge'
1000 observations "The Greg"

With only a few days to go in our December Challenge, This is the standing
2,456 observations
886 species
251 Identifiers
28 Observers
We have 6 observers with over 50 observations!
With @gregtasney making almost 1000 observations while @natashataylor is not far behind.
Otherwise, while we have had 22 observers which is fantastic.
Let's see if we can reach 3000 observations and post your best observations on our group Facebook or on instagram!

image Square-ended Crab Spiders Genus Sidymella ©anthonypaul
@marionmackenzie @ littlellama @becstummer @leithallb @aavankampen @fossil1513 @stekmer @timothyshields @owen65 @strawberry15 @adel_plainsgirl @nikonoid @elfir @pam275

On the weekend I needed to go into town to do some things in the lab, I thought as this would not take long I would do some urban ecology for a change. This would be a variation on my occasional walks in the Adelaide hills I knew there are some grey-headed flying foxes, and I may even see some nesting birds. I headed down to the River Torrens, which is a dammed stream just north of the city with a well-maintained garden on either side. The usual few waterbirds were present and a number of dragonflies and damselflies including Tau Emerald 'Hemicordulia tau' (left), Red and Blue Damsel 'Xanthagrion erythroneurum' (right) and Common Bluetail's 'Ischnura heterosticta'

The acrobatics were distracting for a while, but as I watched a large fly caught my eye, I had not seen this species before and unlike many flies, it was very co-operative allowing me to change to my macro lens and take some close-ups and take some lateral shots as well. the wing pattern reminded me of some bee flies that I had seen but this was clearly not a bee fly. I was to upload the image later and discovered this was the first time this species (Euthera skusei) has been recorded on iNaturalist (or at least identified)! a bit of a surprise as it is quite distinctive with its' yellow face and wing patterns while allowing me to take many photos. I must thank @tony_d for help with the identification and the reference.

My walkthrough Botanic park and the botanical gardens were equally productive with my first blue skimmers for the season, usually, I see many of these delightful dragonflies but have not managed to see any this season. This species is often around wetlands and small waterways. I also managed to observe eight species of butterfly in and around the Adelaide Botanical Gardens, including a Caper White which I had to track for a while before on finally settled.

On my way back to the car, I heard a lot of chatter and investigated. Of course, it a flock of Rainbow Lorikeets 'Trichoglossus moluccanus' crowding around the water feature by the western gate to the garden. Such charismatic birds, but interestingly an introduced pest in Pert, Western Australia Tasmania, and New Zealand. While there are is also observations in Europe and Puerto de la Cruz. This is a reminder that species out of range can be a problem no matter how cute they are.

I was just about to reach my car I saw a small bird enter a hollow in the tree by the car. I quickly pulled out my camera and was far too late to get a photo and see what species it was, so I set up on a nearby bench and waited. Fortunately, the wait was not long before one of these wonderful birds popped back into the hollow, so I waited until the visiter poked its head out, a Striated Pardalote 'Pardalotus striatus'! I have not seen one of these birds in the city, as they usually are found high in the canopy. To see one in the city was unexpected as although they have a vast range I thought they preferred woodland.

December Challenge
It's a bit late but we would like to challenge everyone to make 50 observations before the end of December.
so far we have
502 observations
301 species
100 Identifiers
20 Observers
leading the charge is @gregtasney
with over half the observations and 138 sp.
I'm sure with this lovely weather we can all do at least 50!
Share your best below!

It’s the middle of winter in the southern hemisphere, but where I am we still have the odd fine days. The garden is green and there are many flowers out in full bloom and a perfect day for a quick backyard Bioblitz. I had a little gardening to do, the weeds had gotten a little out of control and I wanted to do some planting as well.
While I was in the garden I noticed there were a lot of small flies, bees hoverflies and wasps about so I decided to take some time and make some observations on @inaturalist.au. I saw a couple of Ichneumonid wasps, one of most species’ rich families with around 25, 000 species described. With such a diverse group it is often hard to identify what species they are, however, this was a species that I have seen before they were a couple of Ctenochares bicolorus. This is a species native to Africa that is now found in New Zealand, Europe and Great Brittan and a frequent visitor to my garden.

I then saw some hoverfly’s and on closer inspection, they seemed to be some Common Halfband Melangyna viridiceps. Hoverflies are commonly mistaken for bees because they also feed on pollen and nectar but you can tell they are flies as they only have two flying wings. An interesting fact is the larvae of hoverflies are actually carnivores and feed on aphids.
In the nasturtium I found sitting on top of a leaf a Crusader Bug Mictis profana was sitting still so I could get a clear shot. I don’t see these very often so I was interested to make an observation. While I was working there was a mass of ants including some winged queens from several species I found this curious as I had not taken note of when I had seen the queens before. This is an interesting observation for iNaturalist as it could be useful for future studies on phenology