Seven Hills Reserve - Explore the Insects of Seven Hills with Dr Gunter Maywald

In October we are delighted to have Dr Gunter Maywald join the Australian Conservation Foundation's Brisbane South & Logan Group as we return to explore the Seven Hills Bushland Reserve. This time we are very excited to be with Dr Gunter Maywald who will introduce us to the small creatures that most of us usually miss or ignore as we stumble through the forest: THE INSECTS OF SEVEN HILLS We will meet at 7:30 am in the cooler hours - insects are easier to catch when it is cool! Over the following 1.5-2 hours, Gunter will lead us, using a beating tray and an umbrella (and perhaps a net), to see how many insects and spiders we can find. Gunter will demonstrate how we might find, and then recognise the main groups of insects. Gunter lives locally and has been a keen bush walker since he was very young, taking interest in observing and photographing the animals and plants around him. Gunter spent his professional life primarily as a software developer with CSIRO Entomology, building models for pest prediction and control. After retirement from CSIRO, he completed a PhD in Entomology at the University of Queensland, studying the systematics of the eucalypt leaf beetle genus Paropsis. Gunter continues his interest in the eucalypt leaf beetles and also loves to observe and photograph nature, particularly insects and spiders, both locally and on travels around the country. Gunter posts these observations on iNaturalist, recording more than an astonishing 11,000 observations so far - including more than 250 from the Seven Hills reserve in the past 4 years! We will meet next to the boom gate at the entrance to Seven Hills Reserve at the end of Latina Avenue, Seven Hills. The walk will take us along the creek line, which is fairly flat and easy walking, and then up to the ridge along one of the main tracks, and is suitable for people of different walking abilities. It will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. If you have binoculars, please bring them along as we will definitely also see birds and maybe a koala again! When: 7:30 am start Where: Next to the boom gate at the entrance to Seven Hills Reserve at the end of Latina Avenue, Seven Hills. Wear: Sturdy footwear, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent Bring: Water, binoculars, insect repellent (usually lots of mozzies) Expect: Max 2km walk over 2 hours, half flat, half hilly on fire trails Note: There are no toilets near this bushland. There is a tap on the trail If you would like to stay for a cuppa afterwards, we will be on the grass at Latina St. Bring some morning tea to share and a camp chair or rug.