PerthBugs.net

Perth Bug Guide

  • Coastal Peacock Spider

    (Maratus speciosus)

    A Coastal Peacock Spider, with a stripy brown and white body, and a bright iridescent blue abdomen that has orange-red stripes. Photo by Jurgen Otto, via iNaturalist

    Found in coastal sand dunes of Western Australia, males are known for their vivid blue and orange abdomens, which they display during courtship dances.

  • Dryandra Moth

    (Carthaea saturnioides)

    A Dryandra Moth, with grey with white and brown stripes, brown leaf shaped antennae, pale hindwings that are red at the ends with a dark blue spot on both sides. Photo by Ennis de Vos, via iNaturalist

    Endemic to southwest Western Australian banksia woodlands, where its caterpillars feed almost exclusively on the Dryandra, displaying eye-like markings that carry over to adulthood.

  • Western Petaltail Dragonfly

    (Petalura hesperia)

    A Western Petaltail Dragonfly, with a dark blue segmented body and clear, prominent wings. Photo by Jan Taylor, via W.A Museum

    One of Western Australia's largest dragonflies and part of an ancient lineage, with larvae that live in burrows beside streams and wetlands.

  • Western Jewel Butterfly

    (Hypochrysops halyaetus)

    A Western Jewel Butterfly, with a light brown body, black and white striped antennae, orange wings with shiny turquoise stripes. Photo by Kerry Stuart, via iNaturalist

    A striking butterfly known for its metallic turquoise wing patches, created by microscopic scales that reflect light.

  • Spoon-Winged Lacewing

    (Chasmoptera huttii)

    A Spoon-Winged Lacewing, resting on a stem with its brown paddle-shaped hindwings behind its body. Photo by Jordan M, via iNaturalist

    A species of net-winged insect that flies using only its front wings while its long, spoon-shaped back wings trail behind like kites to keep it steady in the wind.