Dharawal Reserve

[moloch]

I visited Dharawal State Recreation Park last week and again yesterday. This site is about a 20 minute drive from Wollongong and its situated west of the highway to Sydney. Although it is on the outskirts of the city, I rarely see people in the reserve. It is mostly a wilderness area with lots of creeks and swamps. I read recently that there is talk about turning this lovely area into a new national park. There aren't many untouched areas like this so close to a big city.

Dharawal is a superb place in the spring for wildflowers. The habitat is mostly heath growing on white sand. There is a deep river valley with sandstone cliffs through the centre of the reserve.

On my recent visits, I followed a road through heath land. This eventually descended to the river. I also visited a creek and Madden's Falls in a different section of the reserve.

Unfortunately, I did not see many butterflies at all. I expected to see a variety of skippers but conditions must not have been right. I will "flesh-out" this post with butterflies that I photographed while in transit at lantana thickets closer to Wollongong. I will also add many spring flower shots from visits between August and October of last year.

Here are a few shots of the habitat of Dharawal. These were taken on various trips in the last few years. The weather was grey yesterday and a week back so was not suitable for landscape shots.

Madden's Falls and creek -- I often visit this area at night. It is a great place for a variety of tree frogs. There is a gap behind the falls and I have climbed into it before.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/habitat22.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/habitat4.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/habitat_12Oct_2.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/habitat_12Oct_4.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/habitat1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/habitat3.jpg


The other accessible habitat is heath land that grows on sandy soil. I usually follow a fire trail for several kilometers. It eventually reaches sandstone outcrops that are situated above a gorge in the centre of the reserve. Outcrops like the following are always worth examining since they are the home to some interesting animals.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/habitat5.jpg


I know, this is not starting with a butterfly but I think that these spiders are incredible. Flat Spiders (Hemicloea sp.) are wonderfully bizarre. Their bodies look as if they have been under a rolling pin. They live in narrow crevices or beneath sheets of rock. They move in a peculiar way since their legs are modified to move front and back without lifting. They can do this rapidly and they are quick runners. They usually run in circles but at high speed when frightened.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/spider2.jpg

[moloch]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/spider1.jpg

... even the egg case is very thin:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/spider3.jpg


A week ago, I encountered a +1 butterfly known as a Marbled Xenica (Geitoneura klugii). According to the field guide, it is a common species but the three that I saw on the walk were my first. When they fold their wings, they blend perfectly with the leaf litter. This is a male.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/MarbledXenica.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/MarbledXenica2.jpg


I could never get close to one when the wings were open. Here is a distant shot:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/MarbledXenica3.jpg


I also saw a few male Common Browns (Heteronympha merope). They were all tattered.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/brown1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/brown2.jpg

[moloch]

This Varied Dusky-blue (Candalides hyacinthina) teased me. It allowed a couple of photos but took off once I was laying flat (painfully) on the road. I saw a few others at flowers but they were wary and zipped away when I approached for photos.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/VariedBlue1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/VariedDuskyBlue2.jpg


Common Grass Blues (Zinzina labradus) were common as always. They must be the abundant butterfly in this part of Australia since I see them everywhere.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/CommonGrassBlue1.jpg


That is it for butterflies that I was able to photograph at Dharawal. I will add to this post later on when I obtain more shots.

Here are others that I observed at lantana thickets along the top of the escarpment near Wollongong. I pass by these when heading to Dharawal so always stop to see what is at the flowers. This lantana thicket has been very productive:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/habitat1-1.jpg

Black Jezebel (Delias nigrina), female.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/Deliasnigrafemale-1.jpg

... male. I flushed it late one day. It was in complete shade so I had to use max ISO (1600).
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/Deliasnigra1-1.jpg


Yellow-spotted Jezebels (Delias nysa) are common this year.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/Deliasnysa2-1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/Deliasnysa3-1.jpg

[Commander]

Wow... Those are pretty awesome Jezebels you have there. For a moment, I thought you were in India! The name Dharawal somehow sounds like an Indian name. :embrass:

[moloch]

Blue Triangle (Graphium sarpedon), distant shot. I never seem them puddling near Wollongong.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/BlueTriangle2.jpg


I realized today that the little brown skippers at the lantana include more than one species. This one I think to be a Barred Skipper (Dispar compacta), a +1 for me.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/BarredSkipperDisparcompacta.jpg


I think this to be a female White-brand Skipper (Toxidia rietmanni).
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/White-brandSkipperToxidiarietmannifemale.jpg


Splendid Ochre (Trapezites symmomus)
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/SplendidOchre2.jpg


Bright Copper (Paralucia aurifer)
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/BrightCopper2.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/BrightCopper1-1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/BrightCopper3.jpg



Narrow-banded Awl (Hasora khoda) -- at a Wisteria in my garden.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/Narrow-bandedAwlHasorakhoda.jpg

[moloch]

Thanks, Khew. Dharawal does sound like an indian name. The name here comes from the aboriginal tribe that once inhabited the region.

[Silverstreak]

David ,

Beautiful shots of skippers and Jazebels!!:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Looks like a real nice place to explore and yet so close to Wollongong.

:cheers:

[Great Mormon]

I too am amazed by the jezebels! Thanks for sharing with us!

[Painted Jezebel]

The best place for Jezebels is the central highlands of New Guinea, with over 100 endemic species. However, it is notoriously difficult to get to, and still very, very dangerous.

[moloch]

Thanks, Sunny and Anthony.

Wow, 100 species of endemic Jezebels! Thanks for the info, Les. I did not realize that there was any place with such a diversity of these lovely butterflies. Too bad that it is so difficult to access (and not all that safe as well).

Les, what is Sulawesi like for Jezebels? I've always wanted to head there to places like Tangkoko on the coast or up to Lore Lindu in the highlands. There are many endemic birds on the island so I would expect the same of butterflies and reptiles. I think that it is a safe place to travel as well.

[Commander]

The best place for Jezebels is the central highlands of New Guinea, with over 100 endemic species. However, it is notoriously difficult to get to, and still very, very dangerous.

We had a project some years back that required one of my staff to travel to Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya. After he came back, he told us that we'd have to shoot him if we asked him to go there again.

Apparently, if you walked around at night in the wrong place on that island, it would be the last time anyone would ever see you again! :sweat:

[Common Mime]

Always enjoy seeing your photos, Dave.

[Painted Jezebel]

Les, what is Sulawesi like for Jezebels? I've always wanted to head there to places like Tangkoko on the coast or up to Lore Lindu in the highlands.

There are 8 species (10 subspecies) found in various parts of the Island. Most are montane species. To see what they are, visit my website, address with my signature, below, go to 'distribution - moluccas - Sulawesi' (click on name or picture to get full species details).:)

PS. I am thinking of getting someone to redesign my site, as it is looking very dated indeed!

[Great Mormon]

PS. I am thinking of getting someone to redesign my site, as it is looking very dated indeed!

Les, I can do it :)

[moloch]

Thanks, Chee Ming.

Les, it is interesting to see the species of the Moluccas. The little islands of Buru and Seram have a number of jezebels, I suppose due to the proximity to NG.


As I mentioned earlier, Dharawal is a great place for spring/summer flowers. Here are a few of the many species.

Terrestrial orchids are common, especially in August and September. My favourites are the beautiful Sun Orchids. They have this name since they are unusual orchids whose flowers open when in sunlight but then close later in the day when it is shady.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/SunOrchid1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/sunorchid6_400.jpghttp://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/sunorchid5_400.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/sunorchid3.jpg

Hyacinth Orchid -- summer flowering species
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/hyacinthe1a_400.jpghttp://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/hyacinthe2_400.jpg


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/orchid1_400.jpghttp://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/Orchid4_400.jpg

[moloch]

Purple Flags (Pattersonia sp.) are important host plants to some of the skippers.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/Pattersonia1.jpg


The same is true of Riceflowers (Pimelia sp.). I like the symmetry of these flowers.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/rice1.jpg


Peas are abundant:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/pea4.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/pea5_400.jpghttp://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/pea3_4002.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/pea3.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/pea1_400.jpghttp://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/pea2_4002.jpg

[moloch]

Proteaceae is, of course, well represented in the heathland. This is one of my favourite families. You may know of the Proteas from South Africa. Australia and South Africa are both rich with members of this colourful family.

Red Spiderflower
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/grevillia2.jpg

... with Waxflowers in the background
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/grevillea2.jpg


Grey Spiderflower
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/greyspiderflower.jpg


Drumsticks
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/flowerdrumstick2.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/drumstick2.jpg


Coneflower
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/Coneflower1.jpg


Mountain Devil
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/lambertia1.jpg


Hakea
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/hakea1.jpg

[moloch]

Banksia are some of the most spectacular members of Proteaceae.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/banksia.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/banksia1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/banksia12.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/banksia2.jpg


Here are flowers from other families.

Boronia sp.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/boronia1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/boronia2.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/sydneyrose2.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/sydneyrose1.jpg

[moloch]

Calitris sp.:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/Calitris1.jpg


Dampiera sp.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/damp1.jpg


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/flower2.jpg


Fan Flowers (Scaevola sp.)
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/flower3_400.jpghttp://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/flower2_400.jpg


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/flower1.jpg


Waxflowers (Eriostemon sp.)
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/wax2.jpg

[moloch]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/flower14.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/flower12.jpg


One of several sundews (Drosera sp.) that live in damp areas of the reserve.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/Sundew1.jpg


Strange insect. I have seen these a couple of times. They are lethargic. This one ignored a couple of ants that were crawling on it.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/hymen1a.jpg


Blister Beetle?
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/beetle12.jpg


a large native roach:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/roach1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/roach3.jpg



Pretty but tiny scarab:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/scarab1.jpg

[moloch]

I often visit the reserve for night walks along the creek. This is a good place for a number (20+) species of frogs. Here are a couple common and colourful species.

Blue Mountains Tree Frogs (Litoria citropa):
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/citropa1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/citropa3.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/citropa6.jpg


Lesueur's Tree Frogs (Litoria lesueurii)
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/lesueur1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/lesueur3.jpg


Lesuer's Velvet Geckos (Oedura lesuerii) -- these are common beneath sheets of rock. They often share their home with the flat spiders.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/leseuers1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/lesueurs1.jpg


Copper-tailed Skink (Ctenotus taeniolatus)
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/CopperTailed1.jpg

[moloch]

Mountain Heath Dragon (Ctenophorus diemensis):
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/Ctenophorus_diemensis2.jpg


... breeding male
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/MountainDragon1.jpg


... gravid female
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/MountainDragon2.jpg


A very relaxed Eastern Water Dragon (Physignathus lesueurii):
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/waterdragon.jpg


Eastern Water Skinks (Eulamprus quoyii)

... I like the affection displayed by this pair. They were on a big rock and could have basked anywhere, but they wanted to be in contact.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/WaterSkinks.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/Eulamprusquoyii1.jpg


Eastern Small-eyed Snake (Cryptophis nigrescens)
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/Smalleye1.jpg


Yellow-faced Whipsnake (Demansia psammophis)
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/YellowFaced1.jpg

[moloch]

This was a lovely and fat Red-bellied Blacksnake (Pseudechis porphyriacus). It did not have visible red on its flank like most.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/RedBelly1.jpg



Eastern Brown Snakes (Pseudonaja textilis) are large elapids and they worry me more than the other species. They are fast and quite easily annoyed. In most summers, they account for the bulk of the snake bites (and deaths).
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c386/moloch05/BC/Dharawal/BrownSnake.jpg