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Powerful cri�ers wi� impactSo powerful are these critters in terms of attracting a diversity of birds and animals, that we should be pulling out all stops to attract them. Start by mulching, as well as by discontinuing or absolutely minimising the use of chemicals, and allowing and appreciating a few ‘untidy’ areas.

WASPS Australia’s 12,000 native wasp species range in size from 1 millimetre (Diapriid wasps) to 4 centimetres (cicada-killers). Many have evolved with our native flora, including some that are the sole pollinators of many of our orchids and fig trees. The larvae of most of our wasps are parasitoids, feeding on other insects and spiders. As well as inhabiting our forests, wasps are common in urban areas, but not often noticed.

BUTTERFLIES (ADULTS AND LARVAE) Butterflies are one of the indicators of a healthy environment. Along with moths, they are pollinators (of native and exotic plants, including food plants) and a food source for many critters including lizards, frogs and small mammals. Although we see butterflies more often than moths, which are mostly nocturnal, there are only about 400 species of native butterflies compared with 20,000 to 30,000 native moths.

HONEY BEES AND NATIVE BEES Bees pollinate numerous edible plants, including watermelon, coffee, pawpaw, broccoli and tomato, to name but a very few. We don’t often think about bees being prey, but they’re food for various birds, predatory insects, reptiles and small mammals.

ANTSThese efficient workers act as decomposers, keeping our gardens clean. They aerate the soil and protect other insects in exchange for food. Ants are eaten by spiders, echidnas, frogs, and lizards including the thorny devil.

Powerful cri�ers wi� impact

Powerful cri�ers wi� impactPowerful cri�ers wi� impact

BEETLES Beetles make up a massive 40 per cent of all insects, and Australia is thought to be home to about 30,000 species. They are supreme shredders of organic material both alive and dead and, as such, are found under bark and among decomposing animal and plant material. Their diet may include other insects (such as slugs and snails), fungi and fruit. Beetles are prey to a range of creatures, including microbats, antechinus, water dragons and possums.

HOVERFLIES We usually notice these little flies hovering over our flowers, before suddenly darting off to one side and hovering again. They are found all over Australia. While the adults are pollinators, the larvae of these fascinating insects feed on aphids, making them a useful ally in the kitchen garden.

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SPIDERS Spiders have as much interest in socialising with us as we do with them. These solitary creatures eat other insects, including ants and slaters. Although some (such as the funnel-web, red-back and trapdoor) are venomous, spiders are less life-threatening than snakes and bees; while a spider bite caused the death of a person in 2016, it was the first since 1981. Spiders live under bark, in crevices, in and around rocks and logs, and in hollows in the ground. Other arthropods and animals don’t have the same aversion to arachnids as we do and will gleefully consume them. Wear gardening gloves if you know you have venomous spiders in your garden.

Text from Habitat by A B Bishop, Murdoch Books, RRP $39.99. Cover photography by A B Bishop, Georgina Steytler and Heather Thorning.

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