1st March - Hotham a couple of extras

Some additional extras from Hotham today include the following -

Diptera

This Calliphora vicina was found beneath a log, hibernating. I usually find this species basking out on tree trunks in the early spring sunshine. However its been a very dull and cold start to the spring so far and this is the first I've managed to come across. It will soon be so numerous it wont even get a second look.

Springtails

Orchesella villosa was found beneath a brick pile next to a small stream. This large hairy springtail is one of our largest species. I find this to be quite common from a variety of situations including beneath wood and under rocks in damp situations.

Pogonognathellus longicornis is another large springtail which is very common in most damp situations like below logs. This was found under a rock by a small stream next to the species above.