Annual WA beetle hunt

Surely now eligible for a commemorative t-shirt, I joined Amanda’s West Australian beetle fieldwork for the forth year. Given she is now based at La Trobe University, Amanda had the perfect excuse not to invite me, but ever the masochist, or delightfully tolerant, she indulged my desire to join. As with the first year, it was just Amanda and me on this mission, but this time, we were armed with experience, a familiar stretch of road, and a network of immensely knowledgeable collaborators.

I’d not worked on beetles for some time, so it took a hot minute to get my eye back in, and recognise the different species. Amanda was exceedingly patient, reminding me of colours, patterns and species I once knew quite well. Then there were the new (to us) species, and the subtly different morphs that baffled me, but Amanda incorporated into her knowledge bank seamlessly. I wasn’t jealous or feeling inept at all.

Amanda’s main project involved the deployment of intercept traps, with four different treatments to investigate the beetles’ interpretation of gloss. Alongside the traps, we ran behavioural observations using replica beetle models, lovingly crafted in what can only be described as a highly specialised form of academic arts and crafts. We stood back and watched if and how the resident beetles interacted with our models.

Given our site was both diverse and abundant, we got to set up almost exclusively there. But that didn’t stop us indulging some side quests, in search of rare species, and ones we’d heard whispers were in the area after decades.

Now returned to civilisation, Amanda’s set to analyse the data, interpret scrawled handwriting, and disseminate the science. I get to write a cheeky blog post and reminisce on my excellent choices to travel interstate with my friend, butterfly net in hand, and playlist blasting from the hired ute.

Post by Katrina, diligent field assistant