They have a very fine patch of "Cool Temperate Rainforest" on their hill. It differs somewhat from the rainforest in the Robertson Nature Reserve, as it is largely dominated by Lilly Pilly Syzygium smithii and Blackwood Wattle Acacia melanoxylon but their patch of Rainforest has some other uncommon trees, such as the Acronychia oblongifolia and the Black Olive berry (Elaeocarpus holopetalus) and their forest also has many large Birds Nest Ferns. (No doubt there are other differences which I have overlooked.)
The Sawfly is well reported to "guard" its eggs and larvae.
In the case of a closely related species, the guarding behaviour is described as follows.
"Females place their eggs in groups of 30-40 on the leaf underside on both sides of the midvein and later position themselves at the base of the leaf where the larvae feed on, with the head directed towards the stem."
Source: Pergidae of the World : An online catalogue of the sawfly family Pergidae (Symphyta)
That description matches exactly what this insect was doing - guarding her eggs.
Green-leaved Bramble, Rubus nebulosus |
Philomastix macleaii female guarding eggs Note how she is positioned at the 'base" (stem end) of the leaf. This is to protect the eggs (and subsequently the larvae) from crawling insects, such as ants. |
Note similarities of this image with another image guarding her eggs laid underside of a Rubus moluccanus. Similar posture, similar food plant. Similar appearance, including long yellow antennae. |
Philomastix macleaii female Bramble Sawfly |
Eggs of the sawfly. Philomastix macleaii Unlike eggs in earlier linked image, these are dark. presumably well advanced towards hatching, Check this image of similar purple eggs of a Raspberry Sawfly. |
Females of Philomastix spp. pierce the leaf from above and
place the egg on the underside of the leaf (Macdonald & Ohmart 1993). All
species of this genus exhibit maternal care. Females stand near their egg mass
and young larvae or near the leaf petiole with the head directed to the stem
and when disturbed they shake and create a buzzing sound with their wings
(Macdonald & Ohmart 1993, Naumann & Groth 1998). This behaviour lasts
until they die.
Source: http://www.pergidae.net/philomastix.htm
Source: http://www.pergidae.net/philomastix.htm
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