Taxa of interest Name Reason
Melophorus Australian genus of ant Associated with younger restoration sites in both the SCP and PB. Species in this genus are known as ’sun-loving’ (Andersen et al. 2002) and are often found in restoration sites with large areas of bare ground (Andersen, Hoffmann, and Somes 2003).
Iridomyrmex sanguineus Northern meat ant Associated with younger restoration sites in PB. Iridomyrmex species are among the first to colonize revegetated sites (Andersen 1993). Much like Melophorus, Iridomyrmex species are attracted to areas of bare ground in newly revegetated sites (Andersen, Hoffman, and Somes 2003).
Hemiptera Order of sucking insects Higher richness in younger restoration in the JF pitfall traps. Hemipteran species composition is linked to the presence of host plants, vegetation structure, and soil pH (Orabi, Moir, and Majer, 2010). In newly restored sites, there is generally a higher abundance of generalist Hemiptera species, with a slower recolonization of specialist Hemiptera species dependant on vegetation structure reassembly (Moir et al. 2005).
Apidae Family of bees Found primarily in the younger restoration sites in JF. Newly restored sites with less ground cover offer optimal nesting area for ground nesting bees (Seitz and Leonhardt, 2019). Apidae have also been used as important indicators of pollution and stress in ecosystems (Rabea et al. 2010; Schindler et al. 2013).
Julida - Ommatoiulus Portugese millipede Invasive detritivore species found in great abundance in the SCP, particularly in older restoration and reference sites. Feeds on litter, which is more available in those sites. The Portuguese millipede is known to be widespread throughout southern Australia (Baker et al. 2013).
Fabaceae Legume family ASVs in this family are strongly associated with younger restoration in JF and PB. Acacia shrubs tend to establish rapidly at restored sites in these locations (Data from BHP, Data from South32).
Goodenia microptera Narrow-winged Goodenia An insect pollinated species found predominantly in the vane traps of PB reference sites. Common Pilbara arid plant species, known to flower between February-October (Barrett and Barrett, 2015).
Anigozanthos Kangaroo paw Associated with younger restoration in SCP pitfall traps. These grow quickly (within a year) in SCP restoration. Anigozanthos are known to be predominantly pollinated by nectar-feeding birds (Ayre et al. 2020) and could be encouraging of faunal recolonization of restored sites.