One of the great advantages of joining groups like FOGG is that you meet wonderful resource people like Denis Crawford who knows more about insects than most of us will ever find out. Our FOGG excursion on this topic taught us to be more observant when we walk in the bush.
Denis and Jenny live in Pomonal, only a stone’s throw from the Grampians on a bush block. The block got ravaged in the 2006 bush fire that engulfed the house, but miraculously the house was not touched. The Crawfords moved there after the fire and have seen the vegetation being transformed into a new look, with some pioneering plants dominating in first instance.
We had quite a good turn up of members. (see various photos from the day on our website) Wandering around the block we did not have to go far to meet all the little creatures that Denis seems to know by heart. It is amazing to discover the enormous variety of insects in such a smallish area.
Mabel came well prepared for this excursion with a ‘giant’ green caterpillar that we discovered at home on our ornamental grape vine, but had never seen before. She kept it carefully in a glass jar on a fresh vine leaf, so it was in perfect conditions for a careful identification. We were hoping that we had found a ‘rare and endangered’ specimen. Denis took one look and without hesitation named it in the next second: a Hawk Moth Caterpillar, obviously quite common around these parts. For an expert that is!
Denis told us that it is well known among entomologists that eucalypts offer an ideal study and teaching ground for insect research. It is certainly true that if one looks at the leaves of eucalyptus trees, it is difficult to find any leaves that have not any signs of insect ‘damage’. So we didn’t have any problems finding plenty of study material on the Crawford’s bush block. For example, Apiomorha sp. was an interesting species with its small male and huge female galls. We even found good material on Denis’ citrus trees such as the Citrus caterpillar.
Denis has impeccable credentials as an entomologist and photographer. Presently a free lancer after a lengthy career with the Department of Agriculture, he is a busy man. You can find Denis’s superb photographs in his publication: Paul Horne & Denis Crawford (2006)- Backyard Insects. The Miegunyah Press, or in Butterflies of Australia (CSIRO), where Denis was responsible for all butterfly images. Denis even participated in an expedition to Antarctica as a photographer, adding to his very extensive experience with anything natural.
Many thanks to Denis and Jenny for their time and generous hospitality during this enjoyable excursion.
Jan-Bert Brouwer