Unknown Bugs
[update Nov-2015] Finally worked out that these are Gum Tree Shield Bugs
These bugs were on a tree in the wildflower gardens. I’ve been trying to work out what they are. What bug is that looks comprehensive and has a good bug identification tool but I’ve been unsuccessful so far.
They’re quite distinctive looking, part of my problem is describing it in a way that someone who knows this bug would write about it. I found out entomology is very specialized and has a whole language of it’s own!
Brush Turkey
Alectura lathami
Like the Swamp Wallaby the Brush Turkey is another animal that I never saw around here growing up, but has recently come back to the area. Brush Tukeys were once common around Sydney but were more or less wiped out during the depression when people found them to be an easy to catch dinner. It’s only been in the last 10 years or so that they are making a come back.
Leech
Gnatbobdellida libbata
When it’s been raining we get leeches. Jess spotted this one stuck to the underside of her table. From the description on the Australian Museum Leech page this Leech is classified as a “jawed leech” being in the Gnatbobdellida group:
“The jawed leeches or Gnatbobdellida have jaws armed with teeth with which they bite the host. The blood is prevented from clotting by production of a non-enzymatic secretion called hirudin. The land leech commonly encountered by bushwalkers is included in this group.”
Swamp Wallaby
Wallabia bicolor
I’m still amazed that there can be wallabies in backyards this close to the city. Growing up around here I never saw a wallaby in the bush, or even heard of anyone seeing one. I wonder what’s brought them back.
They seem to hang about near the house much more during winter and spring, they’re often here in the morning having breakfast, and sometimes stay for the day lounging in the sun.
Broad Tailed Gecko
Phyllurus platurus
This little guy was sitting behind a drainage box I’d removed to clean. There are often geckos to be found under the house, not usually out in the open like this though. Searching around and looking at pictures this looks like a Phyllurus platurus, supposedly quite common in the Sydney area.

