Rosy Flower Spider
Australomisidia rosea

Picture
Picture by Bo Janmaat, inaturalist.org.au
​Rosy Flower spiders belong to the Family Thomisidae, one of the most colourful and attractive spider families. Despite the fact they are common throughout much of southern and eastern Australia, they are often so well camouflaged that the casual observer rarely sees them.  When you do spot them though your most likely to see more as  they are social spider  and share a communal nest.
Flower spiders are foliage and flower dwellers that depend on their camouflage and ability to keep still both for protection and to catch their prey.    
Fun fact: The mother builds a nest for her young and provides for them until they mature, sometimes they help her build up the nest, other times they eat her (if food becomes scarce). 

Welcome to

The Porongurup Ranges- Walitj Meil Trail

The Walitj Meil (Wedge-tailed eagle) walk trail is a Friends of the Porongurup Range initiative. It is an easy to moderate one kilometre loop walk from Castle Rock picnic area to a point providing scenic views across to the Stirling Ranges. Download the pdf brochure by clicking here.

The idea for the Walitj Meil (eagle eye) Walk Trail began in 2015. The FOPR planned to host an eco tourism forum for the Porongurup Community to discuss possible visitor activity which would provide economic benefits without compromising the biodiversity of the Porongurup Range. The Friends’ first met with Noongar community members when we came together for a Connecting Cultures event in November 2014 held in partnership with SCNRM’s Cultural Officers, Karen Herlihy, Chris Spurr and Graeme Simpson.
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In May 2015 the Friends hosted an Aboriginal Heritage Survey with Ethno-archaeologist Paul Greenfeld commissioned by SCNRM at Twin Creeks. When we commenced the heritage trail project, SCNRM organised Information Sessions with the Noongar communities at this national park site to plan interpretative signs for the heritage trail. Thanks to all involved including SCNRM, the Noongar community, Luke Coney and Jacki Baxter for their contribution to these sessions. The trail signs about bush foods and medicines and the story of the Mummari Men were developed from these talks. ​