Mites

This event will occur at the Plympton Community Centre, with virtual attendance also (using Zoom communications software)

Dr. Matthew Shaw from the South Australian Museum will provide an insight into the mini world of mites and their contribution to composting vegetable matter into soil.

Multitudes of Mites

Dr Matt Shaw was led to mites whilst looking for animal groups that are underappreciated, diverse, and have important roles in ecosystems. Mites are one of the most diverse animal groups on Earth but one of the least well known. There are estimated to be 500,000 species worldwide and at least 70,000 in Australia. Despite mostly escaping our notice, these tiny but complex arachnids occupy an extreme variety of habitats. The diversity of habitats occupied by mites rivals those occupied by insects. Matt will show the range of habitats they occupy and some of the secrets of their success. Mites have undergone spectacular radiations by hitchhiking on, and often feeding on, larger animals, as well as being one of the most diverse and influential components of the soil and leaf litter.

Dr Matt Shaw has been a Collection Manager in Terrestrial Invertebrates since December 2018. He has worked at the Queensland Museum in Brisbane in various research and collection-based roles in the Arachnology section plus public outreach/identification roles in the Discovery Centre. Before moving to Adelaide he was Associate Curator (Natural History) at Canterbury Museum in Christchurch for six years.

To be a virtual attendee, register in advance for this meeting here:

Register in advance to attend meeting virtually

After registering, you will receive an email containing information about joining the meeting.

If you plan to attend in person, please note that meeting strict adherence to COVID-19 restrictions is important.  If you have not received a designated job to help organize the meeting you will not be admitted to the Hall until 6.15 pm. Unfortunately we are limited to two hours occupation of the Hall so there will be no refreshments.  Please sign in and provide your contact details (for insurance and contact tracing) and please use hand sanitizer.

At the Plympton Community Centre,  34 Long Street, Plympton.

(200 metres E of Marion Rd, and 300 metres N of Anzac Highway).

Bus from the city via Anzac Highway. Routes: 245, 248, 262, 263, 265, M44, N262.

Closest stop is Stop 9, then approximately 350 metre walk along Long Street.

Bus from the city via Marion Road. Routes 100, 101, H20.
Closest stop is Stop 10 (east side is approximately 100 metres south of Long street). Stop 10 (west side is on the other side of Moringie Ave. approx. 100 metres north of Long Street). Then approx.250 metre walk along Long Street.

Entry by donation (minimum of $2).

Bookings not required

At the start of each meeting a ten-minute presentation on a ‘Butterfly of the Month’ will be given by a BCSA committee member.

Printable (PDF) 2021 public talks schedule

If an advertised speaker is not available, we will try to provide an alternative speaker of similar interest.

The views of presenters are their personal views, and the BCSA does not necessarily endorse any views expressed.