Bulletin

Ly Drong
TASMANIAN FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB INC.

established 1904.

BULLETIN

http://www.tasfieldnats.org.au
Editor : Don Hird. (email dgh@dodo.com.au )
Bulletin No. 316 (quarterly) October 2004

The Tasmanian Field Naturalists Club encourages the study of natural history and supports conservation. We issue
our journal The Tasmanian Naturalist annually in October. People with a range of ages, background and knowledge
are welcome as members.

Contact Genevieve Gates (6227 8638) for further information or write to GPO Box 68A, Hobart, 7001.

Programme

General Meetings start at 7.45 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month, in the Life Science Building at the University
of Tasmania. Outings are usually held the following weekend, meeting outside the to the Tasmanian Museum and Art
Gallery entrance in Macquarie Street. Bring lunch and all-weather outdoor gear.

Ifyou are planning to attend an outing but have not been to the prior meeting, phone to check as to the timing of the
excursion (with Genevieve Gates; 62 278 638 or Don Hird; 62 289 702). Unforeseen changes sometimes occur.

Thurs. 7 7.45p.m.: Peter Thompson will speak on the topic of the ecology of marine phytoplankton, the
November microbes that undertake most of the globe’s photosynthesis and primary production.

Saturday 6 Nov. 9.00a.m. Depart from the Museum for Tasman Peninsula and an easyish walk from Fortescue
excursion Bay to Canoe Bay. Snorkelling may not be out of the question ?

Thurs. 2 December 7.45p.m.: Members’ Night. You are welcome to provide a brief presentation on a Natural
History (generously defined) topic. Also, please bring a plate of Christmas supper.

Sat. 4 December 9.00a.m. We were planning a boat trip to the French Garden / LaBillardiere site near Recherche
excursion Bay area. This may now be Partridge Island. Keep in touch for details..

Thurs. 3 February 7.45p.m.: Lou Brooker from NE Tas. Field Naturalists will talk on Travels of a Naturalist in
South America.

Tas. Marine Field Nats Program

Wednesday 10 General meeting: Andrew Irvine, DPIWE, to talk about the whale rescue program.
NOVEMBER and organise one if enough interested people. Please let Jane know if you are interested
in doing a 1-day course on whale rescue.

Public beach walk for parents and children: 3 pm explore Blackmans Bay beach and
Saturday 13th rock platform. Low tide 16.22, 0.62m. Contact Jane.6229 8264.

Saturday 27 Club field trip: Seven mile beach walk 3 pm (low tide 16.40, 0.71m). Contact Helen
6229 3936

DECEMBER Field trip/Christmas party: Clifton beach / Goats Bluff 4 pm (Low tide 16.06, 0.46m).
Bring a picnic to celebrate Christmas and a summer of low tides. Contact Jane.6229

Sunday 12th
8264.

From the Treasurer: A reminder that subs are due at the beginning of January.

Please note that following a change of State Government policy our website will now be tasfieldnats.org.au.

2005 is not far away. Please consider joining our committee, to be elected at the March 2005 AGM.

Request for information: Observations of bumblebees in native vegetation

A feral population of the Eurasian bumblebee Bombus terrestris was discovered in Hobart in 1992 (Semmens et al.
1993). The effectiveness of this bee as a pollinator of greenhouse tomatoes has prompted repeated calls for its
importation to the Australian mainland, where it does not yet occur. However, enormous harm has already resulted in
Australia from deliberate introduction of animals that were believed to be harmless or beneficial, and this may also be
the case if bumblebees are introduced to the Australian mainland (Low 1999).

The most important factor influencing the severity of an imported pollinator’s ecological impact is its capacity to
become established beyond the agricultural areas where the target crop is grown (Cunningham et al. 2002). A survey
of the distribution of bumblebees in Tasmania up to autumn 2001 found evidence of them breeding in all of
Tasmania’s major types of native vegetation, including within six National Parks and the most remote parts of the
World Heritage Area (Hingston et al. 2002). The conclusion drawn by Hingston et al. (2002), that bumblebees were
breeding across a large part of southern and western Tasmania, was subsequently questioned by Goulson et al. (2002)
because Hingston er al. had accepted sightings of only two bees in one day as evidence of colony establishment.
Goulson et al. (2002) argued that these may have been sightings of the same bee. However, more than 10 bumblebees
were seen (by one person) in one day at 23 of the 51 locations where Hingston et al. found evidence of breeding in
native vegetation, including within the most remote areas from human settlement (Hingston et al. 2002).

Because of the ongoing debate over the capacity for bumblebees to invade native vegetation, and the time that has
passed since their distribution was last surveyed, I would like to survey the distribution of bumblebees in Tasmania
during the coming spring, summer and autumn. I would appreciate it greatly if people could let me know of any
places where they see more than 10 bumblebees in one day in native vegetation between spring 2004 and autumn
2005.

References

Cunningham SA, FitzGibbon F, and Heard TA (2002) The future of pollinators for Australian agriculture. Australian
Journal of Agricultural Research 53, 893-900.

Goulson D, Stout JC, and Kells AR (2002) Do exotic bumblebees and honeybees compete with native flower-visiting
insects in Tasmania? Journal of Insect Conservation 6, 179-189.

Hingston AB, Marsden-Smedley J, Driscoll DA, et al. (2002) Extent of invasion of Tasmanian native vegetation by
the exotic bumblebee Bombus terrestris (Apoidea: Apidae). Austral Ecology 27, 162-172.

Low T (1999) 'Feral Future: the untold story of Australia's exotic invaders.' (Viking Penguin Books Australia Ltd:
Victoria.)

Semmens TD, Turner E, and Buttermore R (1993) Bombus terrestris (L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) now established in
Tasmania. Journal of the Australian Entomological Society 32, 346.

Dr Andrew Hingston, Geography & Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 78,
Hobart, Tas. 7001

email: hingston@utas.edu.au ph. 6223 1223 (h)

EE ee ee
Excursion Reports
Orchids of Knocklofty Reserve, October 9, 2004

Nineteen Club members gathered shortly after 9:20am at the Forest Road/ Knocklofty car park on a cool, overcast but
fine Saturday morning. After the obligatory greetings and small talk, Kevin addressed the masses from The Mount in
the car park, giving us an introduction to the area and a rundown of what we could expect to see in the way of
orchids.

Emboldened by Kevin's challenge to find a specimen he had not located on an earlier reconnaissance, we strode 50
metres across the car park to find ourselves amongst a dense patch of delicate white musky Caladenias (now
Petalochilus gracilis) punctuated by a solitary specimen of the common waxlip (Glossodia major). After much ‘ooh’-ing
and ‘ahh’-ing, we set off en masse towards our ultimate goal, the summit of Knocklofty.

Following the gentle undulations of the meandering fire trails, the group quickly migrated into three major social
divisions - botanistas, mycologians and ‘others’ (comprising sluglodites, beetlemaniacs, copepodiodians, birdites and
walkwegians) - although much interdenominational interaction was noted.

On the approaches to a small pond, we encountered a spread of nodding greenhoods (Pterostylis nutans) or ‘golfclub
orchids’. I’m not sure if this is an accepted common name or a Kevin-ism but nonetheless, a descriptive soubriquet

which certainly describes their similarity in shape to an inverted 1 or 2 wood. Among these were dotted several
magnificent sun orchids (Thelymitra spp.).

On the banks of the pond, a Spotted Pardalote (Pardalotus punctatus) (deceased) was discovered. Even in death one
marveled in its exquisite beauty and majesty which belied its small stature. Another finding of note near the pond was
a large sparkling iridescent Scarab beetle (not deceased), which posed well for the photographers among us until it
became teed off (totally unrelated to the ‘golfclub orchids’).

Spurred on by Kevin's exhortations, we struck out for the summit and the promise of lunch (oh, and a spectacular
orchidaceous experience). On the way, we took a slight detour to investigate some amazing bird orchids (Chiloglottis
triceratops) perched on a most inconvenient slope.

Once at the summit, we were given the choice of lunch first or observing the spider orchids. Being the devoted
naturalists that we are, the orchids of course took precedence over lunch. So after a quick cross-country dash, we
stumbled (literally) across the most stunning spider orchids (Caladenia sp.), which, according to Kevin, have recently
been reclassified as Arachnorchis echidnachila. This new binomial epithet will certainly make the mental connection
between common name and botanical name for this orchid much easier. Also evident around the lunch site in great
numbers were golden moths (Diuris chryseopsis) and maroonhoods (Pterostylis pedunculata) which also put in cameos
throughout the ascent along with specimens of the black-stripe greenhood (Pterostylis melagramma).

Following lunch, we completed the round trip by proceeding down the opposite side of Knocklofty to the car park,
receiving a history and art lesson on the origin of the name of Salvator Rosa Glen along the way.

I am sure all those who participated in this most memorable Jolly will join me in expressing many thanks to Kevin for
his preparation and execution. I also acknowledge and am grateful for Kevin's assistance in filling in the gaps (okay,
gaping ravines) with orchid names, both common and botanical. Warwick Gill

Plant Key on CD

In August we were fortunate to be invited to UTAS’ Plant Science Dept. to try out a computer-based key to Tasmanian
dicotyledons. Specimens in flower were provided or brought to test the Key Greg Jordan's key, which relies on
vegetative as well as floral characteristics. Some specimens were very familiar with others like a heathland Zieria sp.
more challenging. Most species are also illustrated in colour on the CD. It was an enjoyable evening rewarded with a
copy of the CD on conclusion. Don Hird

Presidential Musings on TFNC at the APS Flower Show 2005 Ly

I guess I was feeling a bit dubious about what sort of impact the TFNC would have at the APS Flower Show this year.
Usually it is THE event of every two years to such a degree that in the past a special flower show committee has been
formed. This year it was overshadowed by the publication and launch of the History book, which flattened most of us.
I knew we would miss Gilbert’s wonderful landscaping skills and we didn’t have the time or energy to produce a
stunning mural as Janet did for the Gondwanan theme of three years ago but we had two dissecting microscopes, lots
of pond water to look at some very large tadpoles, as well as our other “gallimaufry” (this gorgeous word I learnt from
Janet) of natural history. The fact that we managed to turn a dark, out of the way, corner of the City Hall into an area
of stimulation and excitement was apparent on the first day as there was a group of curious children three deep at our
table for most of Friday. Admittedly, it was school children’s day, but on the two subsequent days there was more
often than not a row of little and big faces oohing and aahing at the magnification of the Christmas beetle or peering
with fascination at the snake and quoll. The tadpoles put on a brave front and defied death as they were moved with
much enthusiasm from the aquarium to the viewing dishes countless times over the three days ever under the
watchful eye of young Jake from the Braehill Native Plant nursery. Jake also proved very adept at catching Qug’s pet
leopard slug which regularly crawled out of it’s container, destination unknown, but probably unbeneficial. Nothing
squeamish about Jake! He manfully showed the girls how to pick Slug up with two sticks and return it to the safety of
its’ confines.

One woman said to me as she tugged her reluctant husband away from the display, “We have had five children and
now they are all grown up I want to do adult things!”. Do only children have a true curiosity for the world around us?
I don’t think so ....... not judging by the age of those fishing for pond life with Jake.

One man had just sat his Paleontology prac exam for Geology 1 and was still in exam mode. He picked up my rocks
with the fossils in them and remarked “Phylum Brachiopoda, I hope.” The Kingborough Bush care man said he really
enjoyed our birdcall CD (that was lucky seeing as he had to listen to it for three days straight). The bird’s nests brought
forth a lots of questions and yes, reminiscences from childhood. We really must try to identify the nests for next time.

A sweet silvery haired lady asked me “Do you as a club agree with it?” She was referring to the destroying of the eggs
in the nests of blackbirds. Personally I would rather crush some of our country’s politicians and leave the eggs alone
but as a club? I wonder what she wanted to do to rabbits, or other introduced species like US!

People shared their observations ....snakes are about. We were expected to have a lot of knowledge... “It was a most
extraordinary moth and I would really love to know the name of it”... Yes, well ...you could try Dr Peter McQuillan at
the University. And talk about fortuitous luck...just as we got this sticky question about Bettongs guess who walked
past? None other than Dr Randy Rose! Difficult inquiries could be deftly parried.... you don’t have to have the answer
at your fingertips just so long as you can find it in a book or give a name of an expert the public could contact. We
must remember that there are still many people out there who have never had the opportunity to look downa
microscope. The three stages of the mealworm development challenged people and even simple things like the
surfaces of leaves and flowers were given a new perspective under the magnifying lens.

There is a great deal of altruistic pleasure in helping people gain an appreciation of our wonderful world and the
organisms that inhabit its ecosystems. The expressions of delight, amazement and even repugnance showed it all.

Many thanks to members who gave up their time to help set up and clear away the display, minded the display and
contributed exhibits.

Genevieve Gates

The Book Launch

“A Century Afield” was very successfully launched at the TMAG on 17 September 2004 by the Lord
Mayor, Robert Valentine. The occasion provided a wonderful opportunity for past and present members of
the club to reminisce and renew acquaintances and we have received several letters from people saying
how much they enjoyed the evening. Janet, Mary, Anna and myself had been at the gallery since 10am and
were flat out all day until 5.45pm when I looked up from the salami slicing and realized that people were
arriving. “Oh, hell Anna, it can’t be time already” but yes it was, so we flung the food on the platters (hope
it didn’t look like that!), whisked off our aprons and composed ourselves in time for the official
proceedings which went very well. Nobody fell off the podium, although we had to help Marjorie up to
give her speech and if I had known she was going to do this I might have asked her to do a hula, just to
show she is still the Tahitian maiden of all those years ago. The rude remarks about the identity of the
platypus cake, i.e. “was it really a platypus?” bounced off the cook as she had already being subjected to
similar remarks from her 3 sons (it looks like a slug, Mum). Most of the food and drink was disposed of as
we seduced people into buying a copy or 2 or even 3 of our book. Anything that was left over was finished
up the next day at our jolly BBQ at the Waterworks as we slowly came down to earth and relaxed after the
event.

Many thanks to Mary for decorating the gallery with native plants and to Sally Fenton and her partner and
Qug for looking after the bar. Also, we would like to thank Peter West and other museum staff for their
assistance.

Genevieve Gates.

Recherche Peninsula / Southport Lagoon; Disgrace Under Construction.

In late August I visited this area with a primary interest in the site of the LaBillardiere expedition garden. A new
logging road heads towards the heritage site and its sparce tree covering. Its hard to believe that such a small stand of
timber could justify the road, let alone the additional impingement on the Heritage area. When the scrubby
understorey made going both wet and difficult we diverted to Southport Lagoon Conservation Area.

Another flavour of devestation materialised; this time a swathe of vehicle tracks often like a six lane highway.
Buttongrass has been killed and subsequent erosion worsened by vehicles having diverted time and again from the
original track. A sign near the start of this track indicated its winter closure, but recent vehicle tracks and the missing
(winched off) gate belied this.

The Natural Heritage Trust has apparently granted 4WD clubs many thousands of dollars to remediate damage in this
area; this appears to have vanished without trace and could only ever be a drop in the ocean. Ironically enough the
track finishes on the beach itself.

The area has long been a bone of contention and has been the subject of intensive lobbying for recreational motor
vehicles to retain access. Currently it is a monument to the ludicrous stand-offs that we so often have in Tasmania
over basic conservation issues.

Don Hird