NK photography

07/07/2026

25/06/2026

The Chironomidae (informally known as chironomids, nonbiting midges, or lake flies) comprise a family of nematoceran flies with a global distribution. They are closely related to the Ceratopogonidae, Simuliidae, and Thaumaleidae. Many species superficially resemble mosquitoes, but they lack the wing scales and elongated mouthparts of the Culicidae.

23/04/2026

hound tongue fern facts

A new scientific name for one of Aotearoa's most common ferns ...Hound’s tongue fern (Zealandia pustulata, formerly Microsorum pustulatum) is a common New Zealand and Australian native fern known for its glossy, bright green, leathery fronds and long, creeping, fleshy rhizomes. It is a highly versatile, easy-to-grow plant that thrives as a ground cover or climber on trees and rocks, often called kōwaowao or pāraharaha in Māori.

Key Facts About Hound’s Tongue Fern:
Appearance: Features shiny, lime-green, lobed fronds that are often wavy at the edges. The fronds grow from thick, creeping rhizomes (up to 10 mm in diameter) that have dark, appressed scales.
Habitat: Commonly found in forests and open areas across New Zealand, often acting as a pioneer species on rocks and trees (epiphytic).
Distribution & Status: Native to New Zealand and Australia, and listed as "Not Threatened" as of 2023.
Edibility & Use: The young, fresh shoots are edible, often described as having a nutty, creamy taste similar to macadamia nuts, leading to the name "bush lettuce".
Cultivation: Highly adaptable, it is excellent for gardens, rockeries, or hanging baskets. It thrives in shades of partial to full and is drought-tolerant once established.
Scientific Name Changes: Frequently identified as Microsorum pustulatum, it has recently been reclassified as Lecanopteris pustulata.

22/04/2026

New Zealand leaf-veined slugs (putoko ropiropi) are endemic, native gastropods (family Athoracophoridae) easily identified by distinct, leaf-like vein patterns on their backs. Unlike introduced garden slugs, they have only one pair of tentacles, are harmless to garden plants, and feed exclusively on algae, fungi, and lichen.

Key Facts About Leaf-Veined Slugs
Appearance & Camouflage: They feature a "leaf-vein" pattern on their dorsal surface for camouflage. Their skin is covered in bumps called papillae, which can sometimes form retractable spikes.
Not Garden Pests: They are detritivores, meaning they do not eat live garden plants, vegetables, or crops. Instead, they graze on algae and fungi, which can actually help plants by cleaning their surfaces.
Unique Anatomy: Unlike introduced European slugs, native leaf-veined slugs have only one pair of eye stalks and a visible breathing pore (pneumostome) that resembles a whale's blowhole.
Habitat & Behavior: They need high moisture to survive and are found in native forests, often in a "cuddle-huddle" with other slugs to maintain humidity. They are nocturnal and hide under logs or in tree hollows during the day.
Species Diversity: There are over 30 species of native slugs in New Zealand, all belonging to this family, with several species still, awaiting formal description.
"Gherkin" Appearance: Some species are affectionately known as "pickle slugs" or "gherkin slugs" due to their green, bumpy, and sometimes tapered appearance.

20/04/2026

Meet the crane fly: Not a giant mosquito! These leggy legends don't bite, don't eat mosquitoes, and many adults don't even have working mouths. Their only job? Mate and chill for a few days. 🦟❌
"Crane flies have legs so long and fragile they often break off — nature's built-in escape plan! They're basically flying daddy long-legs with wings. ✨ "
"Fun fact: Adult crane flies live just 1–2 weeks (sometimes only days!). They spend most of their life as 'leatherjacket' larvae in the soil, munching on decaying plants and helping with decomposition. Eco-heroes in disguise! 🌱 "
"Those tiny drumstick-like things behind the wings? Halteres — modified wings that act like gyroscopes for balance during their wobbly flight. Engineering goals! 🛫 "
"Don't swat! Crane flies are completely harmless. No blood-sucking, no stings, no diseases. They're often called 'mosquito hawks' or 'skeeter eaters' — but that's a myth. They don't hunt mosquitoes at all. 🕊️ "
"With over 15,000 species worldwide, crane flies come in all sizes — from tiny to giants with wingspans up to 4+ inches. This one's got that classic iridescent eye game going on. 👀 MacroPhotography"
"Pro tip for ID: Look for the V-shaped groove on the thorax (back) and those ultra-long front legs. Mosquitoes are smaller, scaly, and have a needle-like proboscis. Big difference! 🔍 Entomology"
"Crane fly larvae (leatherjackets) live in moist soil or near water. Adults emerge in spring/fall, often around dusk, and are a vital food source for birds, bats, and spiders. Part of the circle of life! 🌍 Biodiversity"

17/04/2026

Meet the European Harvestman (Opilio parietinus) – long legs, zero venom, and a big appetite for garden pests! 🕷️ Not a spider, but a fascinating arachnid that’s been roaming Earth for hundreds of millions of years. Who else loves spspotting these on walls? 👀
Fact 1: Not a spider!
The European Harvestman is an arachnid but belongs to a completely different order (Opiliones) from true spiders. It has just one fused body segment (not two like spiders), only two eyes on a little bump, and no venom or silk glands. Those super-long legs make it look like a classic "daddy longlegs"
Fact 2: Urban wall dweller
This species is highly synanthropic—meaning it loves hanging out near humans! You'll often find it on building walls, fences, and tree trunks in towns and cities across Europe and parts of North America. It prefers warm, dry spots and is most active from late summer into autumn.
Fact 3: Long legs for a reason
Body length is small (around 5–9 mm), but its slender legs can make it look much bigger. The second pair of legs is extra long and acts like antennae or "feelers" to sense the environment, since its eyesight is poor (it mainly detects light and dark). If it loses a leg to a predator, it can often regenerate it over time!
Fact 4: Helpful predator and scavenger
It’s a generalist feeder that hunts soft-bodied prey like aphids, mites, small insect larvae, and caterpillars—making it a natural pest controller in gardens. It also scavenges on dead insects, decaying matter, and even pollen or fungi. Omnivore goals!
Fact 5: Ancient survivors
Harvestmen as a group have been around for over 400 million years (fossils look remarkably similar to modern ones). Opilio parietinus is one of the larger, long-legged species in its genus and can be distinguished by dark spots on its coxae (leg bases) compared to similar species like O. canestrinii.
Fact 6: Life on the edge
Adults appear in late summer and can stick around into cooler months. Females lay clusters of eggs that develop into tiny versions of the adults. Like many harvestmen, they may aggregate in groups and use chemical defenses (repugnatorial glands) if threatened—producing a smelly liquid to deter predators.

17/04/2026

"Meet the rose aphid (Macrosiphum rosae)! These tiny sap-suckers come in green, pink, or reddish hues with long black legs & antennae. 🐜🌹"
"Rose aphids reproduce like crazy: females give live birth without mating (parthenogenesis)! One can produce dozens of babies in days. Mind-blowing garden science! ✨"
"Winged or wingless? Rose aphids grow wings when colonies get crowded to fly to new roses. Nature's smart dispersal squad! ✈️"
"They love tender new growth, buds & shoots. Heavy infestations can distort flowers, but they rarely kill the plant. 💪🌿"
"Honeydew alert! Aphids p**p sticky sweet honeydew that attracts ants... and causes sooty mold (that black film on leaves). 🍯"

Size & Look: About 2–4 mm long with a spindle-shaped body. Winged forms have distinctive black spots/markings on their green or pinkish abdomen. Their long cornicles (tailpipes) help identify them! 📏
Life Cycle Magic: In spring/summer, all-female colonies explode in numbers. In autumn, winged males appear, mating occurs, and eggs overwinter on rose stems. Multiple generations per year! 🔄
Host Hoppers: Primary host is roses, but in summer they may move to secondary plants like teasel or valerian before returning. Worldwide travelers! 🌍
Ecosystem Role: While they stress roses, aphids are vital food for ladybugs (one ladybug eats up to 50 a day!), lacewing larvae, hoverfly maggots, and parasitic wasps. They're the base of a mini food web! 🐞
Damage Facts: Feeding causes curled leaves, stunted buds & reduced blooms. They can also spread some plant viruses. But in balanced gardens, natural predators often keep them in check. ⚖️
Fun Tip: A strong spray of water dislodges them easily—no chemicals needed! Encourage beneficial insects by avoiding broad-spectrum sprays. 🌊

11/04/2026

Meet the Torpedo Bug Nymph (Siphanta acuta)! This little Australian native isn't just showing off—that fluffy white tail is actually made of detachable wax filaments.If a predator tries to grab them, the "tail" breaks off, and the nymph launches itself into the air! They can jump up to 60cm—that’s like a human leaping over a 10-story building. 🚀Talk about a dramatic exit! 💨

The Torpedo Bug Nymph in its final stage. 📸🔬Before they become the bright green, leaf-shaped adults we often see in the garden, these nymphs go through five distinct stages (instars).Key Features:The "Tail": Waxy fibers that act like a parachute, helping them land on their feet 98% of the time.The Marks: Distinct red and white patterning that camouflages them against stems.The Diet: They are sap-suckers, often found on citrus and hibiscus.Nature’s engineering at its finest. 🌿

01/04/2026

Still can't believe I have won the photography of the year and also adult wildlife first place!!!

Many thanks to all organization and judges for this incredible recognition!