Thursday, July 14, 2011

Granite Moss Swards - what lies beneath...

Granite rocks across the wheatbelt are coming back to life again after the long summer - thanks to the recent rains across the region.


As well as filling rock pools and ngamas (Aboriginal word for water holes) with fresh water, the moisture is stimulating the mosses on the granite to grow again. Within this veneer of habitat, countless millions of tiny invertebrates and plants are springing back to life.

Mites, springtails, gnats and crustaceans all use the moss and lichen as their microscopic home, grazing, hunting and breeding within the cramped confines of the mosses spongy habitat.

Although most of us don't see these tiny critters often, a microscopic camera reveals a hidden world of wonder.



So next time you are up on the granite rocks around the wheatbelt, keep in mind that there is a whole community of critters below your feet!