[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!

Gleichenia rupestris

NPOS p.314 

This coral fern was helpfully marked on the Mueller track in the wildflower gardens. It was growing on sandstone near the base of a small cliff. The species wasn’t indicated, but from the description in NPOS I think it’s Gleichenia rupestris. The fronds are flat on the underside and are larger and flatter than the pouched coral fern, the stalks are hairless.

Jess, Will and I went on another trip to the wildflower gardens. Kelly stayed at home with Tom to rest and recover from a cold. The rest of us had the worst of it yesterday.

We went in via the playground then on to explore the Mueller track for the first time. It was the first hot day of the season, was meant to be 28 and it did feel like it. Only a few meters out of the carpark we came across a large red bellied black snake by the side of the track enjoying the heat. We got a good close look, it didn’t seem too worried by us.

I’ve fallen into a pattern of going out on an expedition on the weekend then posting the photos and descriptions during the week. This has worked well so far, starting today I’m going to post about the trips too.

The whole family went to visit Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden on Sunday. The gardens are really just a very well maintained collection of bush tracks next to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. There is a great play area for the kids, complete with semi tame wallabies that hop around. The main track we’ve been taking is sealed and easy to navigate with strollers and bikes / scooters. Many of the plants beside the track are labeled with common and scientific name, sometimes with a short description too. Perfect if you’re trying to learn to identify what you’re looking at!