In Queensland, insect enthusiasts are turning their passion for photography into a valuable resource for scientific research. As part of a national citizen science project, these hobbyists are helping researchers monitor bug populations across Australia. The initiative, known as Bug Hunt, was developed by the Invasive Species Council and Invertebrates Australia, and it aims to create a comprehensive catalogue of insects using the online platform iNaturalist.
Bug Hunt collects photographs and observations from thousands of participants to build a database that scientists can use to track native species and identify invasive pests. Elle Irvine, who began photographing insects in her Brisbane backyard in 2020, joined Bug Hunt to contribute to a broader understanding of Australian invertebrates.
“Because my interest started because of photography, I predominantly wander around looking for insects that I might find interesting to photograph,” Irvine explained. “In the course of doing that, I might run across 50 other insects that I don’t really want to spend 20 minutes taking photos of, but I can take one photo and upload it as I go.”
The Role of Citizen Science in Research
According to Alison Mellor, co-lead of the Bug Hunt project at Invertebrates Australia, the initiative seeks to maximize the number of “eyes on the ground.” She emphasized the importance of public participation, noting that scientists cannot be everywhere at once.
“We’re really hoping to get a good picture of invertebrates all across Australia,” Mellor said.
Meanwhile, Queensland Museum’s senior insect curator Chris Burwell praised citizen science projects like Bug Hunt and iNaturalist as “incredible resources” for researchers. He highlighted their utility in tracking species distribution and movement, especially in response to climate change.
“As it’s getting warmer, we’re seeing more things coming into south-east Queensland that we haven’t seen before,” Dr. Burwell noted. “The sheer number of records is amazing.”
Engaging the Public and Combating Invasive Species
Invasive Species Council advocacy director Reece Pianta pointed out that Bug Hunt is an effective tool for monitoring the spread of invasive species that threaten ecosystems. The project ensures that relevant researchers and authorities are alerted if a photo of an invasive species is uploaded.
“In Queensland, we are a frontline for some invasive species like fire ants, yellow, crazy, and electric ants,” Pianta explained. “You could find something that shouldn’t be out there in nature and you could do your bit to help protect our native environment.”
Bug Hunt organizers are also keen on collecting images of native species in Queensland, such as nesting bees, birdwing butterflies, and Christmas beetles. This effort not only aids scientific research but also fosters community involvement and environmental awareness.
Getting Started with Bug Hunting
For those interested in joining the Bug Hunt, Elle Irvine offers some practical advice. She suggests starting small and exploring familiar environments, such as one’s own garden, to begin noticing the diversity of insect life.
“You don’t need to head to an exotic location, or the Botanic Gardens,” she advised. “If you just start in your garden, you start to notice so many things when you’re already a little bit familiar with your surroundings.”
The Bug Hunt project represents a collaborative effort between scientists and the public, demonstrating the power of citizen science in contributing to ecological research and conservation. As participants continue to document and share their findings, they play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of Australia’s rich and diverse insect populations.
