MAGNT RESEARCH REPORT NO. 3 January 1999 A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE INSECTS OF ASHMORE REEF NATURE RESERVE G R BROWN Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory MAGNT RESEARCH REPORT No. 3, January 1999 A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE INSECTS OF ASHMORE REEF NATURE RESERVE G R BROWN No part of this unpublished report may be reproduced without the written permission of the Director, Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory. The Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory Research Report series is a medium for the dissemination of the results of research undertaken by MAGNT staff in the fields of Natural Sciences, History and Culture. All contributions are reviewed internally by staff of the MAGNT. First printed 18 January, 1999 © 1999 Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory. No part of this unpublished report may be reproduced or specifically cited without the written permission of the Director, Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory. \ Arts & Museums Preliminary report on the insects of Ashmore Reef A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE INSECTS OF ASHMORE REEF NATURE RESERVE G.R. BROWN Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory GPO Box 4646, Darwin, NT 0801 Current address : Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries GPO Box 990, Darwin, NT 0801 INTRODUCTION Ashmore Reef lies approximately 850 km west of Darwin at 12°15’S, 123°00’E and consists of three low sand islands (West I., Middle I, and East I.; Fig. 1) that are predominantly covered with grass (Fig. 2) and other low herbaceous or sprawling plants. There are few shrubs, with the exception of octopus bush, Argusia argentea, which forms a bordering ring (Figs 3-4) on West Island and occurs as scattered bushes on the perimeter of East and Middle Islands, and 2-3 planted coconut trees each on West and Middle Islands (Pike and Leach, 1997). The islands are important nesting sites for both turtles (Fig. 4) and a wide variety of sea birds (Figs 5-7) including terns, noddies, frigatebirds, tropicbirds and boobies. Little is known of the insects of the Islands, although Pike (1992) made some preliminary observations on the fauna. The present report reviews the insect fauna of Ashmore Reef. METHODS A visit to the Islands from 8-18th May 1995 was undertaken courtesy of Parks Australia North and the Royal Australian Navy. Insects were collected using hand netting, Malaise trap, collecting at white incandescent lights and Moericke traps. Most collecting was undertaken on West Island and on the charter vessel Aurelia IV which was anchored in the lagoon off the southern tip of West Island. The Malaise trap was set up amongst the Argusia argentia bushes near the western end of West Island. Moericke traps (yellow fluid filled dishes) were placed under Argusia bushes on West Island near the southern end of the island. The latter were successful only in collecting hermit crabs, and their use was discontinued without collecting any insects. Collecting at lights was undertaken either at the camp site by Des Pike or on Aurelia IV. In addition to collected material, reference was also made to material collected by Des Pike over a period of several years and held in the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT). Insects were grouped by habitats or habits as follows 3 Graham Brown Figs 1-7. Ashmore Reef. 1, Middle Island; 2, centre of West Island; 3, outer fringe of Argusia argentea bushes, West Island; 4. holes dug by nesting Green Turtles, West Island; 5, tern colonies. Middle Island; 6, frigatebirds nesting on Scaevola taccada bushes, Middle Island; 7, hippoboscid flies on young frigatebird, Middle Island. 4 Preliminary report on the insects of Ashmore Reef 1 Marine 2 Beach 3 Shrubs 4 Grasses, herbs and creepers 5 Fresh water 6 Under logs and stones 7 Subterranean 8 Dead animals 9 Live animals and nests 10 Predators and parasites 11 Introduced species RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 1 Marine There are few insects adapted to the marine environment. At Ashmore Reef, marine insects are represented only by a few species of water striders (Hemiptera: Gerridae). In northern Australia several species of Halobates occur, occupying a variety of niches from low to high salinity and including estuary, mangrove, intertidal reef flat, lagoon and open ocean habitats. However, they can be difficult to find unless present in high numbers. Although specimens were not specifically searched for away from land during this visit, H. princeps White has been recorded from the reef (as H. ashmorensis Malipatil) by Malipatil (1988), and H. germanus White recorded by Andersen and Weir (1994). 2 Beach Beach insects were rare. This is probably due to the small amount of organic material washed up onto the beach, and to competition from the comparatively larger and very abundant hermit crabs and amphipods. The former also ranged into vegetated parts of the islands. The only insects found in (or associated with) this zone were flies. An unidentified canacid (Diptera: Canacidae) was collected on all three islands at the high tide mark. It was common and occurred in numbers of 50 or more on the two occasions it was collected. On West Island it was associated with seaweed. At the vegetation line on West Island, a pale ephydrid (Diptera: Ephydridae) was common. This species appears to be attracted to light coloured objects and alighted on skin, pale cloth and orange peel, just as readily as it landed on sand. It was not observed in the open or further into the vegetated areas of the island, although it may occur in these areas . Flies of this family are often found near fresh or salt water. Larval habits for this family are diverse, and larvae may be aquatic or live within stems or plant shoots feeding on sap or other plant materials. Some species have been recorded feeding on single-celled algae. One specimen of Lispe sp. (Muscidae) was collected at light on the Aurelia IV at anchor in the lagoon. The larvae of Lispe occur near fresh or salt water, and are probably predatory. Adults may be common near such areas as beach and river sand flats, but none were found in this situation or near the well during the visit. 5 Graham Brown Table 1. Caterpillar host plants (based on Australian mainland records) Family Caterpillar Plant Hosts Arctiidae Argina astrea (Drury) Crotalaria leaves (younger) and seed pods (older larvae) Utethesia spp. Argusia argentea leaves Ethmiidae Ethmia spp. Mostly feed on Boraginaceae Lycaenidae Catochrysops panormus platissa (Herrich-Schaffer) Young shoots and flower buds of Fabaceae Zizeeria karsandra (Moore) Flowers and young fruit of Tribulus and possibly Fabaceae Noctuidae Achaea janata (Linnaeus) Polyphagous Agrotis ipsilon aneituma (Walker) Polyphagus Earis smaragdina Butler Mostly Malvaceae Helicoverpa spp. Polyphagus Mythimna spp. Poaceae Othreis materna (Linnaeus) Menispermaceae Proteuxoa spp. Poaceae Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) Polyphagous Spodoptera mauritia (Boisduval) Poaceae Nymphalidae Acraea andromacha andromacha (Fabricius) Passifloraceae Danaus chrysippus petilia (Stoll) Asclepiadaceae Hypolimnas bolina nerina (Fabricius) Alternanthera denticulata (Amaranthaceae) and Sida rhobifolia (Malvaceae) but also recorded from Acanthaceae, Portulacaceae, Polygonaceae, Rubiaceae and Asteraceae Pieridae Eurema hecabe phoebus Butler Euphorbiace, Acacia, Fabaceae, Caesalpiniaceae Pyralidae Diaphania indica (Guenee) Cucurbitaceae Spoladea recurvalis (Fabricius) Chenopodiaceae, Amaranthaceae and Aizoaceae Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) Legume seeds Sphingidae Agrius convolvuli (Linnaeus) Convolvulaceae Cephonodes kingii (W.S. Macleay) Rubiaceae Hippotion celerio (Linnaeus) Polyphagus 6 Preliminary report on the insects of Ashmore Reef The flesh fly Heteronychia australis Johnson and Tiegs (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) occurred on all the islands and was readily attracted to meat. This species is widespread in Australia, including Lord Howe Island, as well as New Caledonia and Samoa. It has been reared from dead snails and dead grasshoppers, and like most species of the family, is a carrion feeder. It was collected from seaweed washed up on the beach, and from the Malaise trap. 3 Shrubs Shrubs, particularly octopus bush, Argusia argentea , are the tallest plants on the islands (apart from a few introduced coconut trees). Shrubs predominate particularly on the margins of West Island and provide higher resting places, and shelter from the sun and wind. This shelter applies both to within the canopy of individual shrubs and to the adjacent ground cover. Consequently it is not always possible to easily distinguish between “Shrub” and “Grasses, herbs and creepers” habitats (as discussed in the following section). For example, the three small species of blattellid cockroach (Blattodea: Blattellidae) were all collected on or near Argusia bushes and may simply rest in shrubs during the day. Similarly, in most cases, it was not possible to determine which moths were associated with shrubs (as larval or adult food plants), and which were simply resting in nearby taller plants. Table 1 is a summary of plant host records based on Australian mainland records (Common and Waterhouse 1981; Common 1990) for the caterpillars of species of moths and butterflies recorded from Ashmore Reef. It may give an indication to lepidopteran host plants on Ashmore. Most insects associated with shrubs were collected from octopus bush. These included the green pentatomid tentatively identified as near Plautia sp. (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), the large green katydid Polichne sp. (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) and the larvae of the arctiid moth Utethesia sp(p). (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae). The pentatomid is a sap feeder and both adults and nymphs were present in May 1995. The katydid was found in no other habitats other than being attracted to lights. It probably feeds on the foliage of octopus bush (although some tettigoniids are also predatory). The caterpillars of Utethesia spp. (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) were common and were observed feeding on the leaves of octopus bush. Shrubs also provided a suitable substrate for web spinning spiders, particularly those of the family Araneidae, and Paratrechina ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) which were conspicuous foraging on the trunks and leaves. There was no evidence of borers in dead octopus bush, or of termites. 4 Grasses, herbs and creepers The ground cover of the islands varied from about ankle height where the substrate was very rocky and hard, to or above knee height in other places and included grasses and a mixture of herbaceous plants including Ipomoea. Collecting on grass between the octopus bushes tended to be more productive as this habitat also provided some protection from wind and sun than more open grassy areas. It was particularly productive for groups such as dragonflies and butterflies, although the damselfly Ischnura aurora (Brauer) (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) was collected from longer grass near the concrete slab. It was also often difficult to determine if an insect was actually associated with grass, herbs, or adjacent shrubs. Bugs, leafhoppers, moths, grasshoppers and crickets were common in this habitat. 7 Graham Brown A small white geometrid moth, Anisodes ?obrinaria (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), appeared to be associated with the white flowering Ipomoea, although no larvae were found. There was also evidence of leaf mining in the leaves of this plant, but no larvae or pupae were found and the mining was probably caused by a lepidopteran, but not a geometrid. The small pterophorids (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae) appeared to be associated with the pink flowering vine (possibly Boerhavia repens), especially near octopus bush, or where partially protected. The moth did not seem to occur in the open amongst the grass. Most grasshoppers and crickets are plant feeders, particularly on grasses, although the nymphs of Oecanthus rufescens Serville (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) may also be predatory on other insects, while the gryllid tentatively identified as Trigonidopmorpha or Metioche sp. (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) are most frequently found on the leaves of other plants. Neither the taxonomy nor the biology is well known for the Australian fauna, but Pycnostictus seriatus Saussure (Orthoptera: Arcididae) at least is widespread in Australia and occurs in Timor, while 0. rufescens occurs as far west as India. Teleogryllus oceanicus (Le Guillou) (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) is widespread in northern Australia and extends throughout Oceania as far east as Hawaii. It normally lives near permanent water, but as both specimens were collected on board the Aurelia IV it was probably was associated with fresh vegetables brought on board the boat. It is not directly recorded from Ashmore Reef although it may occur (D. Pike, pers. comm.), and its presence on the boat indicates the relative ease with which new species could be introduced. The green lacewing, Chrysopa ramburi Schneider (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is a widespread species which occurs from Malaysia to Samoa, and throughout Australia. It is a slow flier, and was collected by sweeping between Argusia bushes. Adults also are readily attracted to lights, while nymphs are predatory on small insects. Agromyzid larvae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) are leaf miners or gall formers in plants (probably not grasses), although no mines or galls were found during surveys. A number of other flies are associated with the decay and decomposition of plants. These include those of the families Drosophilidae (especially fermenting material), Otitidae and Stratiomyidae. The large, diverse and poorly studied Chloropidae also contains some species that are associated with decaying plant material, although many other species are associated with or are parasites insects and other animals. The webspinner genus Aposthonia (Embioptera: Oligotomidae) is widespread in both Australia and tropical Asia. These small insects live in small silken galleries and feed on plant material including bark, leaves and lichen. Adult males are attracted to light. The lady beetle, Coccinella transversalis Fabricius (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is predatory on other small invertebrates, while the chysomelid (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) previously identified as u Cheilonemes sexustipulata ” is a leaf feeder. Most of the Hemiptera are plant-feeders, sucking sap from various plants including grasses. Some may be quite plant specific while others such as the mirid bug Creontiades dilutus (Stal) (Hemiptera: Miridae) are polyphagous. Polyphagous species are more likely to become established on Ashmore. The leafhopper fauna is particularly diverse with at least five species including the widespread and very variable Orosius argentata (Evans). 8 Preliminary report on the insects of Ashmore Reef Millipedes (Diplopoda) are associated with decaying plant material, and are probably not dependant on any single plant species. 5 Fresh water No insects were found directly associated with fresh water, which usually occurs year round on West Island except at the end of the dry season. However, five species of damselfly and dragonfly were collected at various locations, though not specifically near fresh water. All five are widespread Indo-Pacific species. Most of the dragonflies (Aeshnidae and Libellulidae) are strong fliers and probably migratory, although they would be capable of reproducing if permanent water was available for sufficient time. The damselfly (Coenagrionidae) is small and a weak flier and may have established on West Island. There are a number of other species of damselfly and dragonfly (for example Orthetrum ) with similar distribution patterns and could occur but were not evident (as adults) during my visit in May. No mosquitoes were evident, although there is a risk that they may become established, at least temporarily, if brought to the island by Indonesian fishermen as breeding populations in bilge water. This could pose a quarantine risk. 6 Under rocks and logs Very little was found in this habitat. Both the adult and larval stages of carab beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are predatory on other invertebrates, and may also occur in the soil. Adults are often attracted to lights, although none have been recorded as doing so on Ashmore. A number of spiders were found on the ground and under rocks. These are also predatory, and include such groups as lvcosids and gnaphosids. 7 Subterranean The larvae of several species are subterranean and feed on plant roots. These include the elaterids (Coleoptera: Elateridae), Gonocephalum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), scarabs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), and an unknown beetle (which has spiny scarab-like legs adapted for digging). Solenopsis geminata (Jerdon) ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) were found nesting in the ground, as well as on drier dead turtles, and flotsam and jetsam where it reached the vegetation. 8 Dead animals Large fleshflies, possibly Parasarcophaga sp. (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) were commonly attracted to dead animals and meat. They are likely to be one of the first insects attracted to dead animals and were associated with dead turtles and dead molluscs on West Island. These flies also came readily to meat and dead fish on Aurelia IV. They were common and widespread. Other carrion feeders include milichiids (Diptera: Milichiidae), and possibly phorids. Large, patterned flies were observed and tentatively identified in the field as phorids, but 9 Graham Brown none were caught, and it is also possible that they were also a milichiid species. The carrion feeding ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Paratrechina longipes (Latrielle) and Solenopsis geminata were observed but not collected in this habitat. Beetles were represented by Dermestes ater De Geer (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) and Necrobia rufipes (De Geer) (Coleoptera: Cleridae). These beetles are attracted to long dry carcasses. 9 Live animals (birds) and nests The pantropical Olfersia spinifera (Leach) (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) was common on frigatebird chicks, and also common around bushes on which lesser and greater frigatebirds were nesting. (Flies also commonly landed on humans in the vicinity but did not bite.) Musca vetustissima Walker (Diptera: Muscidae) is rare on West Island but common on East and Middle Islands. The preferred larval habitat is fresh mammal dung, but it has also been recorded from emu dung and carrion on the Australian mainland (Pont, 1973). The absence of terrestrial mammals and the relative abundance of this species on East and Middle Islands, where bird colonies are large, suggests that this species is breeding in bird dung, and may also feed on dead birds and turtles. Most aphodinine scarabs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) are dung feeders, but some are associated with the nests of animals. In the absence of mammals, the scarab tentatively identified as Trichiorhyssemus hirsutus Clouet may be associated with nesting birds or their droppings. This species is recorded also from Cocos-Keeling Islands. The tineid moth, Monopsis sp. (Lepidoptera: Tineidae), may also be associated with nesting birds. Larvae have been recorded in Australia feeding on feathers, animal fibres and bird droppings (Common, 1990). No search was made for bird ectoparasites other than the large and conspicuous O. spinifera, or for insects associated with bird nests. 10 Predators and parasites The main predatory groups on the islands are: the dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) (including nymphs if established species); mantids (Mantodea) (if established); Neuroptera; Arachnida; and Chilopoda. Some beetles (Coleoptera) such as carabs (Carabidae) and coccinellids (Coccinellidae) are also predatory, as is the pentatomid, Oechalia schellenbergii (Guerin) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). The latter, however, is an atypical species of this predominantly phytophagous family of true bugs and is predatory on a wide variety of insects and spiders. All arachnids and centipedes are predatory. Some of the spiders such as the araneids produce typical webs while others such as theridiids produce only a few strands; and others such as lycosids (Arachnida: Lycosidae) are free-ranging ground dwelling species. The pseudoscorpions were observed at the top of the sandy beach on West Island, and may have been associated with the Solenopsis ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). All of the Hymenoptera are parasites of insects and spiders, with the exception of the ants which are scavengers. Pompilids (Pompilidae) are parasitic on spiders; Scelio spp. (Scelionidae) on acridid grasshopper eggs (Orthoptera: Acrididae); evaniids (Evaniidae) on cockroach eggs (Blattodea); and Cotesia sp. (Braconidae) on lepidopteran larvae. Other groups are parasitic on a variety of insect groups: bethylids (Bethylidae) on Coleoptera or 10 Preliminary report on the insects of Ashmore Reef Lepidoptera; encyrtids (Encyrtidae) on Lepidoptera or Hemiptera; eupelmids (Eupelmidae) possibly on Lepidoptera eggs; braconids (Braconidae) and ichneumonids (Ichneumonidae) on a variety of insects; and eulophids (Eulophidae) on a variety of insect eggs. Tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) as a group are also parasitic on a wide variety of insects. Three unidentified species were collected and are most likely to be parasites of beetle or moth larvae. Identification of this group is difficult. 11 Introduced species Several cosmopolitan species of beetle have almost certainly been introduced to Ashmore through the presence of humans. These include Araecerus coffeae (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Anthribidae), Alphitobius laevigatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Necrobia rufipes (Coleoptera: Cleridae) and Dermestes ater (Coleoptera: Dermestidae). All are common stored-product pests: the former two species preferring plant materials such as dry seeds, while the latter two prefer animal tissue such as dried meat, and were found on decomposing and dehydrated vertebrate remain. The two species of ants, Solenopsis geminata and Paratrechina longipes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), are introduced '‘tramp” species that occur in many of the warmer parts of the world. They feed on a variety of animal products. The former is a very aggressive species, capable of infesting nests and attacking both young and adult birds. The widespread Australian species Creontiades dilulus (Hemiptera: Miridae) is tentatively identified from the islands, and is possibly introduced. The presence of the moth Amata sp. (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) on the patrol boat travelling to Ashmore Reef, and the presence of the stored-product moths Ephestia sp. and Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and the cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus (Le Guillou) (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) on the Aurelia IV indicate how easy it is to introduce new species to the islands. Also of concern from the entomological view is the occurrence of the Asian Flouse Gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus Dumeril and Bibron (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) which was observed in the Malaise trap. If this lizard is established on West Island, as it appears to be, then this is likely to have a significant effect on the insects already established on at least West Island. It is also likely to impact on establishment of newly arrived species. DISCUSSION This report is based on a field trip to Ashmore Reef in May 1995 as well as material collected over a longer period by Des Pike. A preliminary list of insects was given by Pike (1992), and all of this material was re-examined for this report except the following: Mantodea unknown ootheca Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae Cheilonemes sexustipulata Lepidoptera: Noctuidae 11 Graham Brown Helicoverpa (=Heliothis) sp. A Othreis materna (Linnaeus) Lepidoptera: Sphingidae Cephonodes kingii (W.S. Macleay) Hymenoptera: Evaniidae Evania sp. In addition, the identifications of several species have been changed from those given in Pike’s (1992) preliminary list. These species have been annotated and cross referenced accordingly (Appendix 1). The recorded insect fauna is relatively small, with 6 dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata); 3 cockroaches (Blattodea); 1 mantid (Mantodea); 8 grasshoppers and crickets (Orthoptera); 16 bugs and leafhoppers (Hemiptera); 1 lacewing (Neuroptera); 1 webspinner (Embioptera); 11 beetles (Coleoptera); 21 flies (Diptera); 45 moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera); and 14 ants and wasps (Hymenoptera). This is a total of 127 species of insect. Also recorded are 7 species of spider (Arachnida), and single species each of centipede (Chilopoda), pseudoscorpion (Pseudoscorpiones) and millipede (Diplopoda). It is not known which species are seasonal or permanently established on Ashmore Reef. Most species were collected on West Island due to its accessibility. Most species collected on East or Middle Islands were also on West Island. However, there were at least 11 species of moth that were not found on West Island. This is a surprising since many moths are strong fliers. The anomaly difference may be due to different collecting methods, or collecting effort, or it may reflect apparent dispersion patterns. A number of species are widely distributed in Asia and Australia and may have been amongst the first species to arrive on the islands. Examples included many moths such as Argina astrea, Achaea janata Spodoptera litura and Spoladea recuralis (Fabricius), and some dragonflies such as Pantala flavescens and Trapezostigma loewi. Species will not become established on Ashmore in the absence suitable habitats and will only persist while suitable habitat exists. Many species are likely to arrive on Ashmore in large numbers as seasonal migrants, or singly as accidental visitors, and may not establish permanent resident populations. Examples include seasonal migrating dragonflies ( Pantala flavescens and Trapezostigma loewi) and accidental visitors such the nymphalid butterflies ( Acraea andromacha (Fabricius) and Danaus chrysippus petilia (Stoll)). The only known hosts of these two species of butterfly belong to the plant families Passifloraceae and Asclepiadaceae respectively. Neither plant family is represented on Ashmore, but despite this, the specimens of A. andromacha caught were in almost perfect condition. Some species, including the stored product beetles Araecerus coffeae, Alphitobius laevigatus, Necrobia ruflpes and Dermestes ater, the ants Solenopsis geminata and Paratrechina longipes (and the Asian House Gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus) are clearly introduced. The presence of the stored product pyralid moths Ephestia sp. and Plodia interpunctella, and the black cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus (Le Guillou) on the Aurelia IV demonstrates how easy it would be for new species to be accidentally introduced to the islands. There is also the potential for exotic mosquitoes to become established at least 12 Preliminary report on the insects of Ashmore Reef temporarily. Any such diseases that these mosquitoes carry could easily be spread to humans and brought back to the Australian mainland by visiting vessels. From a conservation management point of view there are concerns over the presence of the ant Solenopsis geminata and it is recommended that this aggressive species be controlled before it becomes too widespread, and before it has a significant effect on nesting birds. The distribution and impact of the Asian House Gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus, also warrants further study. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I wish to thank Parks Australia North for funding this project, and Des Pike in particular for numerous discussions on all aspects of the ecology and history of Ashmore Reef. His company, as well as that of Murray and Pamela Le Couteur who crewed the Aurelia IV during my visit is also greatly appreciated. Also acknowledged is the assistance of the Royal Australian Navy and the Captain and crew of the HMAS Wollongong who provided transport to and from Ashmore Reef. REFERENCES Andersen, N.M. and Weir, T.A. 1994. The sea skaters, genus Halobates Eschscholtz (Hemiptera: Gerridae), of Australia: taxonomy, phylogeny and zoogeography. Invertebrate Taxonomy 8: 861-909. Common, I.F.B. 1990. Moths of Australia. Melbourne University Press, Carlton. 535 pp. Common, I.F.B. and Waterhouse, D.F. 1981. Butterflies of Australia. Angus and Robertson, Sydney. 682 pp. Malipatil, M.B. 1988. Two new species of Halobates Eschscholtz (Hemiptera: Gerridae) from Australia. Journal of the Australian Entomological Society 27: 134-138. Pike, D. 1992. Collecting insects in the Ashmore Reef Nature Reserve. ANPWS, Ashmore Patrol Report No. 1: pp.46-55. Pike, G.D. and Leach, G.J. 1997. Handbook of the vascular plants of Ashmore and Cartier Islands. Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory and Parks Australia, Darwin, 156 pp. Pont, A.C. (1973). Studies on Australian Muscidae (Diptera). IV. A revision of the subfamilies Muscinae and Stomoxyinae. Australian Journal of Zoology. Supplementary Series 21:129-296. 13 Graham Brown APPENDIX 1 CHECKLIST OF INSECTS, ARACHNIDS, CHILOPODS & DIPLOPODS RECORDED FROM ASHMORE REEF (tentative or unconfirmed identifications are marked with “?”) CLASS INSECTA Order Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) Aeshnidae Anax guttatus (Burmeister) [previously identified as Hemianax ?papuensis (Burmeister)] East I.: iii-iv. 1992 West I.: iv.1992 Coenagrionidae Ischnura aurora (Brauer) West I.: lO.v.1995 Libellulidae Diplacodes bipunctata (Brauer) West I.: 1 l.v.1995 Diplacodes trivialis (Rambur) West I.: unconfirmed observations v.1995 Pantala flavescens (Fabricius) West: iv.1992, 9.V.1995 Trapezostigma loewi (Kaup) West I.: 9.V.1995, 12.V.1995 Order Blattodea (cockroaches) Blattellidae unknown sp. A West I.: 10-14.iii.1992; 10-17.v. 1995 ex malaise trap unknown sp. B West I.: iii-iv. 1992; 9-17.v. 1995 ex malaise trap, ex Argusia argentea bushes and sweeping grass between Argusia argentea bushes unknown sp. C West I.: 9.V.1995 ex sweeping grass between Argusia argentea bushes 14 Preliminary report on the insects of Ashmore Reef Order Mantodea (mantids) Mantidae unknown [previously identified as possibly Archimantis sp.] West I.: ootheca [not retained in collection] Order Orthoptera (grasshoppers and crickets) Acrididac ?Aiolopus sp. West I.: iv.1992; lO.v.1995 sweeping grass between Argusia argentea bushes; 11- 12.v. 1995 on Argusia argentea bushes Goniaea sp. West I.: iii-iv. 1992 (nymph) Pycnostictus seriatus Saussure [previously identified as 3 species] Middle I.: 10-14.iii.1992 West I.: iv.1992, 10-18.iii.1992, 9-10.V.1995 sweeping grass between Argusia argentea bushes Gryllidae Oecanthus rufescens Serville [males and females identified as separate species previously] West I.: iv.1992 Teleogryllus oceanicus (Le Guillou) Aurelia IV, West I. lagoon: 14.V.1995 in doors on boat Trigonidopmorpha\Metioche sp. West I.: 12.V.1995, 10-17.V.1995 malaise trap Tettigoniidae Conocephalus sp. West I.: iii-iv. 1992; 9.V.1995 sweeping grass between Argusia argentea bushes, adults and nymphs Polichne sp. West I.: iv.1992, lO.v.1995 sweeping grass between Argusia argentea bushes, 12.V.1995 at light Order Hemiptera (leafhoppers, bugs) Cicadellidae Orosius argentatus (Evans) West I.: iii-iv. 1992, 10-17.v. 1995, lO.v.1995 on boat 15 Graham Brown Agalliinae unknown sp. A Middle I.: iii-iv. 1992 West I.: iii-iv. 1992, 9.V.1995, 10-17.V.1995 Deltocephalinae unknown sp. B Middle I.: iii-iv. 1992 West I.: iii-iv. 1992, lO.v.1995, 1 l.v.1995, 16.V.1995, 10-17.V 1995 Cicadellidae unknown sp. C West I.: 10-17.V.1995, Malaise trap Delphacidae unknown sp. A [most collected on boat at light, also one in Malaise trap, many caught] West I.: lO.v.1995, ll.v.1995 at light on AurelialV, 10-17.v.1995 Malaise trap Gerridae Andersen and Weir (1994) record the following two species from the boat anchorage (off West Island). Halobates germanus White Halobates princeps White (= H. ashmorensis Malipatil) Lygaeidae Nysius sp. West I.: iv.1992, 12.V.1995 Oxycarenus sp. West [may be associated with white Ipomoea, although one on dead turtle] West I.: 12.V.1995, 12-15. v. 1995, on dead turtle Pseudopachybrachius sp. [mostly at light] West I.: 12-17.V.1995 at light, 12.V.1995 Geocorinae sp. A West I.: 12.V.1995 Miridae ICreontiades dilutus (Stal) Middle I.: iii-iv. 1992 nr Campylomma sp. West I.: iv.1992, 16.V.1995 16 Preliminary report on the insects of Ashmore Reef Nabidae unknown sp. A [common] West I.: 9.V.1995 sweeping grass between Argusia argentea, 10-12.V.1995 at light, 10- 17.V.1995 Malaise trap Pentatomidae Oechalia schellenbergii (Guerin) West I.: iii-iv. 1992 nr Plautia sp. West [both adults and nymphs feeding on octopus bush] West I.: 11 .v.1995 on Argusia argentea Order Neuroptera (lacewings) Chrysopidae Chrysopa ramburi Schneider West I.: iii-iv. 1992; 9.V.1995, 12.V.1995, sweeping between Argusia argentea bushes Order Embioptera (webspinners) Oligotomidae lAposthonia sp. [previously identified as unknown sp. A and B] East I.: iv.1992 Middle I.: iii-iv. 1992 West I.: 12-15.V.1995 at light; 10.v.1995 ex Malaise trap Order Coleoptera (beetles, weevils) Anthicidae unknown sp. A West I.: 10-17.V.1995 ex Malaise trap Anthribidae lAraecerus coffeae (Fabricius) [larvae will feed in mature seeds and fungal affected plant tissue] West I.: 10-17.v.1995. Malaise trap; 15.v.1995 on rotten banana. Carabidae nr Hypharpax sp. [previously identified as Gnathophanus sp. A] West I.: 10-14.iii.1992 Chrysomelidae ICheilonemes sexustipulata 17 Graham Brown previously recorded from Middle Island, but specimens not seen. Cleridae Necrobia rufipes (De Geer) [very variable in size, previously recorded as two species] West I.: iii-iv. 1992; 12-15.V.1995 on dead turtle Coccinellidae Coccinella transfer salts Fabricius [formerly C. repanda] East I.: iv.1992 (larva) Middle I.: iii.iv. 1992 West I.: 12.V.1995 at light; 9.iv.l995 sweeping grass between Argusia argentea bushes; 10-17.V.1995 malaise trap Dermestidae Dermestes ater De Geer Middle I.: iii-iv. 1992; 16.V.1995 on dead reef heron ( Egnetta saera (Gmelin)) Elateridae IConoderus sp. A Middle I.: iii-iv. 1992 West I.: iii.1992; 9.V.1995, by sweeping between Argusia argentea bushes; 12.V.1995 Scarabaeidae ITrichiorhyssemus hirsutus Clouet Middle I.: iii-iv. 1992 West I.: iii.1992 Tenebrionidae Alphitobius laevigatus (Fabricius) [previously identified as Aphodius sp. B] West I.: iii.1992 Gonocephalum sp. West I.: iii-iv.1992; 18.V.1995 Unknown Coleoptera [previously identified as Hydrophilidae, Sphaeridinae] unknown sp. A Middle I.: iii-iv. 1992 West I.: iii.1992 18 Preliminary report on the insects of Ashmore Reef Order Diptera (flies, mosquitoes) Agromyzidae unknown sp. A West I.: 15.V.1995 ex Malaise trap Canacidae [previously identified as Chloropidae] unknown sp. A East I.: 14.V.1995 at high tide mark Middle I.: iii-iv. 1992 West I.: 15.v. 1995 on seaweed at high tide mark Chloropidae unknown sp. A West I.: iii.1992 unknown sp. B Middle I.: iii-iv. 1992 Drosophilidae ?Drosophila sp. A West I.: iii.1992 ?Drosophila sp. B East I.: iv.1992 Ephydridae Hecamede complex West I.: 17.V.1995 Hippoboscidae Olfersia spinifera (Leach) East I.: iii-iv. 1992 Middle I.: 16.V.1995, ex frigatebird (Fregata minor (Gmelin) colony) Ashmore Reef (no Island indicated): v.1987 ex frigatebird (Fregata minor ) colony Milichiidae unknown sp. A [formerly identified as Chloropidae sp. B] West I.: iii-iv. 1992; 15.V.1995 ex dead turtle on beach Muscidae Lispe sp. A 19 Graham Brown West I.: 8.V.1995 Musca vetustissima Walker East I.: iii-iv. 1992 West I.: 10-1 4-iii. 1992 Otitidae Acrosticta sp. A West I.: 12.v.1995 Phoridae [observed on dead turtles on West Island, but not collected (possibly misidentified milichiid] Sarcophagidae Heteronychia australis Johnston and Tiegs West I.: 10-17.V.1995 ex Malaise trap; 15.V.1995 on kelp at high tide mark ?Parasarcophaga sp. West I.: iii-iv. 1992; 8-10.V.1995, by sweeping between Argusia argentea bushes, attracted to thawing meat on Aurelia IV anchored in the lagoon unknown sp. A Middle I.: 16.V.1995 Stratiomyidae [previously identified as Syrphidae] unknown sp. A West I.: iii.1992 Tachinidae unknown sp. A West I.: ii. 1992 unknown sp. B West I.: ii. 1992 unknown sp. C West I.: 10-17.v.1995 ex Malaise trap Unknown Acalyptrata unknown sp. A. East I.: iv.1992 [previously identified as unknown Muscidae] 20 Preliminary report on the insects of Ashmore Reef Order Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) Arctiidae Amata sp. HMAS Wollongong-. 7.V.1995, at light 12°15’S, 126°33’E Argina astrea (Drury) West I.: 18.V.1995 Utethesia sp(p). [widespread, common, feed on Argusia argentea (undetermined larva previously collected from East Island may be this species)] Middle I.: 10-14.iii.1992 West I.: 10-14.iii.1992, 9.V.1995, 16.V.1995 Ethmiidae Ethmia sp. West I.: 16.V.1995 at light Gelechioidea unknown sp. A Middle I.: iii-iv. 1992 unknown sp. B Middle I.: iii-iv. 1992 unknown sp. C Middle I.: iii-iv. 1992 unknown sp. D West I.: iii-iv. 1992 Geometridae Anisodes ?obrinaria (Guenee) [previously identified as Acontiinae sp. F] East I.: iii-iv. 1992 West I.: 10-14.iii.1992; on Aurelia IV lO.v.1995 at light; ll.v.1995 on Argusia argentea ; 14.V.1995 at light; Lycaenidae Catochrysops panormus platissa (Herrich-Schaffer) [western end of West Island only] West. I.: 9.V.1995, lO.v.1995 sweeping between Argusia argentea bushes Zizeeria karsandra (Moore) East I.: iii-iv. 1992 21 Graham Brown Noctuidae Achaea janata (Linnaeus) East I.: iv.1992 West I.: 10-14. iii. 1992; 9.V.1995 at light on boat Acontiinae unknown sp. C: East I.: iii-iv. 1992 unknown sp. D: East I.: iii-iv. 1992 unknown sp. G: West I.: 10-14.iii.1992 Agrotis ipsilon aneituma (Walker) [previously identified as A. munda Walker] West I.: 1014-iii.l992 ?Athetis sp. ( =Radingoes ) [previously identified as Acontiinae sp. B] East I.: iii-iv. 1992 Earis smaragdina Butler N. [previously identified as Acontiinae sp. A] East I.: iii-iv. 1992 West I. 10-14. iii. 1992, iii-iv. 1992, 10. v. 1995 sweeping grass between Argusia argentea bushes; 10-17.V.1995 malaise trap Helicoverpa sp. A recorded previously from East, Middle and West Islands but specimens not seen Mythimna sp. [in good condition] West I.: 16.V.1995 at light Othreis materna (Linnaeus) recorded previously from West Island but specimen not seen Protewcoa sp West I.: 9.V.1995 and 14.V.1995 on Aurelia IV Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) [previously identified as Agrotis munda Walker] East I.: iii-iv. 1992 Middle I.: 10-14.iii.1992 West I.: 10-14. iii. 1992, iv.1992, 10. iii. 1995 at light (perfect condition), 14.V.1995, 18.iv.1995 Spodoptera mauritia (Boisduval) West I.: 13.V.1995 at light on Aurelia 4 in good condition, female. 22 Preliminary report on the insects of Ashmore Reef unknown sp. A Middle I.: 10-14.iii.1992 Nymphalidae Acraea andromacha andromacha (Fabricius) [newly emerged, 1 of 2 collected] West I.: 15.V.1995 Danaus chrysippus petilia (Stoll) West I.: 12.V.1995 rare Hypolimnas bolina nerina (Fabricius) [very battered] West I.: 9.V.1995 ?Oecophoridae unknown sp. A West I.: iv.1992 Pieridae Eurema hecabe phoebus Butler West I.: 9.V.1995 Pterophoridae unknown [common on herbs] West I.: iii.1992; iv.1992; 9.V.1995 and 1 l.v.1995 sweeping between Argusia argentea bushes; 15.V.1995 Pyralidae Diaphania indica (Saunders) West I.: 9.V.1995 on boat, 1 l.v.1995 on Argusia argentea Ephestia sp. West I.: 14.V.1995 on Aurelia IV, 15.V.1995 at light Maruca testulalis (Geyer) West I.: 9.v. 1995, also on Aurelia IV, 14.V.1995, 16.V.1995 on Aurelia IV Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) West 1.: 16.v. 1995 on Aurelia IV in pantry ?Pyraustinae unknown sp. A [includes unknown sp. B] West I.: 10-14.iii.1992 unknown sp. C West I.: 10-14.iii.1992 23 Graham Brown unknown sp. D [some previously misidentified as sp. E] East I.: iii-iv. 1992 unknown sp. E East I.: iii-iv. 1992 ?Schoenobiinae unknown sp. A West I.: 10-14.iii.1992 Spoladea recurvalis [=Hymenia fasciatus (Fabricius)] East I.: iii-iv. 1992 Middle I.: 16.V.1995 West I.: 10-14.iii.1992; lO.v.1995 sweeping between Argusia argentea bushes, 10- 17.V.1995 Malaise trap, 15.V.1995; 16.V.1995 on Aurelia IV Pyralidae unknown sp. A West I.: at light on boat 9.V.1995, lO.v.1995, 16.V.1995 unknown sp. B West I.: 16.V.1995 at light unknown sp. C [also observed on East I.] Middle I.: 16.V.1995 unknown sp. D Middle I.: 16.V.1995 Sphingidae Agrius convolvuli (Linnaeus) West I.: 10-14.iv.1992, iv.1992, 17.V.1995 at light ?Cephonodes kingii (W.S. Macleay) previously recorded from West Island but no specimens seen Hippotion celerio (Linnaeus) West I.: iv.1992 Tineidae Monopsis sp. A East I.: iv.1992 Middle I.: iii-iv. 1992 24 Preliminary report on the insects of Ashmore Reef Unknown Lepidoptera unknown sp. A West I.: 10-17.iii. 1995 Malaise trap unknown sp. B West I.: 10-17.iii.1995 Malaise trap Order Hymenoptera (ants, bees and wasps) Bethylidae unknown sp. A West I.: iv. 1992, 16.v.1995,10-17.v.1995 ex Malaise trap Braconidae Cotesia sp. West I.: 10-17.V.1995 ex Malaise trap unknown sp. A East I.: iv. 1992 unknown sp. B West I.: v.1995 ex Malaise trap Encyrtidae unknown sp. A West I.: 10-17.V.1995 ex Malaise trap Eulophidae unknown sp. A West I.:10-17.v.l995 ex Malaise trap Eupelmidae unknown sp. A West I.: 10-17.v. 1995 ex Malaise trap Evaniidae Evania sp. previously recorded from West Island, but no specimens seen Formicidae ?Paratrechina longipes (Latrielle) West I.:12-15.v.1995 25 Graham Brown Solenopsis geminata (Jerdon) [workers and females previously identified as two species of Cardiocondyla\ Middle I.: iv.-v.1992 West I.:iv. 1992,12-15 v.1995 Ichneumonidae IPristomeris sp. A East I.: iv.1992 Middle I.: iv.-v.1992 Pompilidae Anoplius opulentus Smith West I.: 9.V.1995 and 10.V.1995 by sweeping grass between Argusia argentea Scelionidae Scelio sp. West I.:10-17.v.l995 ex Malaise trap Unknown microhymenoptera unknown sp. A West I.: 10-17.v. 1995 ex Malaise trap NON-INSECTS The following non-insects are recorded but not identified: Arachnida - Araneae Araneidae Neoscona sp Nephila sp. Ciubionidae Gnaphosidae Lycosidae Pholcidae Theridiidae Arachnida - Pseudoscorpiones CHILOPODA - SCOLOPENDRIDA Diplopoda- Polyxenida 26