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Remains of mite found in spicule preparation for a freshwater sponge. Sample was treated in 65% Nitric Acid in a boiling water bath for approx 10 minutes, rinsed 3 times with water and transferred to absolute propyl alcohol for storage. Tough little bugger! Sponge collected in late 2023.

Who'd think this would fly...eventually? In the central highlands October 19, I found a massive caterpillar being attacked by a predatory shield bug. I extracted the bug, but didn't take photos of the scene as the caterpillar was way too big for my lens. It just happened that I was driving north to a bioblitz full of kids and I knew they would love to see this big hairy caterpillar. I was so busy I didn't even take a photo of it with my phone!! The next day the caterpillar had started to form a cocoon. It then became a kitchen pet and it dutifully completed its pupation and emerged on December 6th.

Full story (including the offending shield bug in action) and more pics are here: tasmanianinsectfieldguide.com/hexapoda/insectsoftasmanial...