Australian invertebrates
It is estimated that Australia has 275 000 to 300 000 species of invertebrates that live on land. Many of these species are endemic to Australia (not found anywhere else in the world).
A flightless female moth (Xanthodule semiochrea) sitting on its cocoon of eggs. Photo: M Bulbert © Australian Museum.
Many invertebrates are found no where else but the harsh interior of Australia. Photo: M Bulbert © Australian Museum.
More than 80% of all cicadas, leafhoppers, true bugs and ants are endemic to Australia. The high level of endemism is attributed to a number of factors:
- Australia has a long geological history of isolation from other continents.
- Australia is large and consequently has a wide range of habitats including tropical, temperate, semi-arid and arid regions.
- Australia has a landscape dominated by many different species of endemic flora. Invertebrates have exploited the many food sources and niches that these plants offer. As a result it is estimated that a third of all foliage feeding insects in Australia depend on our native Eucalypts and Acacias.
Despite the uniqueness of Australian invertebrates we unfortunately know little about them. Scientists believe that less than 15% of our invertebrates have been formally described. This is concerning when we consider the current rate of habitat destruction in this country. Through the removal of these precious habitats we maybe destroying countless species of invertebrates that we are not aware of.
