Bushwalker takes photo of rare bug in the wild
Judy Allen, a Mildura resident, captured the first known photograph of the Myrmeleon houstoni insect species in the wild during a bushwalk. This discovery has provided valuable insights into the distribution of the species across Australia, which has limited documented records. The CSIRO emphasizes the importance of citizen scientists in contributing to biodiversity data, as they account for a significant portion of Australia's biological records.
- ▪Judy Allen took the first known photo of the Myrmeleon houstoni insect species in the wild.
- ▪The insect was photographed near Mildura, filling a significant data gap in its distribution records.
- ▪Citizen scientists contribute about 70 percent of biodiversity records in Australia.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
First photo of wild Myrmeleon houstoni taken by unsuspecting Mildura woman on bushwalkBy Sarah Buchecker and Grace MarshallABC Mildura-Swan HillTopic:InsectsSun 17 May 2026 at 8:59amSun 17 May 2026 at 8:59amSun 17 May 2026 at 8:59amJudy Allen has taken the first known image of the Myremeleon Houstoni dragonfly in the wild. (ABC Mildura Swan Hill: Sarah Buchecker)In short: Judy Allen has taken the only known photograph of the Myrmeleon houstoni insect species in the wild.The photos, taken near Mildura, have given new insight into the distribution of the species across Australia.The CSIRO says about 70 per cent of biodiversity records in Australia come from citizen scientists.abc.net.au/news/bug-species-inaturalist-walking-bush-insect-discovery-photo/106679772Link copiedShareShare…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).