Polyzosteria mitchelli is a wingless, dorsally-flattened insect. It is one of the most strikingly coloured Australian cockroaches.
This cockroach was found in a natural non-forest environment, with a predominance of small shrubs and being part of the Kwongan ecosystem, a global hotspots for wildlife and plants. The area stands out as a remarkably sandy valley. The region is subject to rainy winters and dry summers with maximum and minimum annual average temperatures of 24° C and 13° C, respectively.
Insect: P. mitchelli sprays a pungent defensive fluid from glands in its abdomen when disturbed. Area: Due to its ancient geology, the soils in the region are almost all poor in nutrients, but this is likely the secret to the south west’s astonishing diversity. Like most of Australia, the region has been inhabited by humans for well over 40,000 years, so that a rich cultural heritage adds to the biological and geological value of the region. The Badgingarra National Park is 13,108 hectares (32,390 acres) in area and stands out in relief with undulating lateritic hills and sandy valleys. The park is renowned for its incredible diversity of endemic wildflowers. Now, the biggest threat to the plants is the spread of dieback, a soil borne fungus. The Australian Government recognise and acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of Badgingarra National Park.
Lat: -30.43, Long: 115.43
Spotted on Dec 20, 2017
Submitted on Dec 20, 2017
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