Volunteering - Nocturnal Invertebrates
Dates: Wednesday 30th October 2024
Time: 8pm - 11 pm
Location: Spring Plains Nature Conservation Reserve, Heathcote. Meet at the corner of Spring Plain track and Chisholm track. See map below.
Equipment: Close toed shoes, long pants + sleeves
Volunteers required: Up to 10
Nocturnal invertebrates, such as moths, play a crucial role in the ecosystem, filling many ecological niches. Some of the species that we will find in Spring Plains are strikingly beautiful with vibrant colours and patterns while others are varying shades of brown. This survey involves deploying specialised lights that attract nocturnal invertebrates onto a white sheet. These lights have been developed by researchers specifically for this purpose and will attract a diverse range of invertebrates. Every unique species that is attracted to the sheet is photographed for identification and cataloguing.
Volunteers will assist with observing specimens landing on the sheet and helping the survey leader to keep track of which species need to be photographed or have already been. Sheets and lights are set up before dark to begin attracting invertebrates as soon as it is dark. Participants are welcome to bring a chair, water, snacks and camera. Dress appropriately to the weather, and please wear sturdy, closed toe boots/shoes and long pants.
For further information, please get in touch with Cameron O'Mara (cameron.omara@biolinksalliance.org.au).
To register as a volunteer, please sign up through Humanitix below, or follow this link.
