Australia is inhabited by an estimated 2000 species of native bees, many of which have yet to be scientifically named and described. Discoveries of new species are not uncommon, so the total number of species may be much higher.
Approximately 800 species occur in Western Australia and many of them are endemic. Bees are actually specialised wasps closely allied to predatory wasps known as ‘sphecoids’. They have given up their ancestors’ predatory habits and, instead of storing paralysed insect or spider prey as food for their larvae, they collect and store pollen and nectar. This transition to vegetarianism was accomplished with only minor structural changes one of which was the development of plumed or branched bristles and hairs (setae).
South-west Australia has more than 60 native butterfly species, plus introduced species such as the cabbage white, monarch and orange palmdart. About 17 native butterfly species may visit South West gardens, especially if the garden is situated near bushland breeding areas.
Dragonflies are aquatic insects — all but the last stage of their lives is in water — and most adults will typically spend significant time around water. There are atleast 41 species reported in the area of South-Western Australia.
Insects and Polinators
Flora and Fauna