Polyzosteria yingina
Milson Barnard
After 79 years Tasmania’s only known species of Polyzosteria cockroach was named in 2021. ‘Polyzosteria yingina’. ‘yingina’ in palawa kani translates as ‘Great Lake’, which is appropriate because this insect lives among inland sand-dunes and lake-shores on the Central Plateau. Beyond this stronghold, this flightless species is also found on East-Coast beaches, but as yet has never been found in between. It is suspected that they raft down rivers from the highlands to the lowlands during floods.
This photograph was taken in the UTAS entomology lab and comprises of 55 focus stacked images.
Thanks to Shasta Henry for introducing me to this beauty and for finally giving it a name.
BEAKER STREET SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE
This photograph was a finalist in Beaker Street’s annual Science Photography Prize. This highly-respected prize invites all Tasmanians to showcase the wonders of our extraordinary part of the world — which is teeming with science and scientists. Finalist images are displayed at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery during Beaker Street Festival each August, with great prizes on offer for Judges’ and People’s Choice winners.
The Beaker Street Science Photography Prize would not be possible without the support of Full Gamut, Tasmania’s premier fine art printers and long-time sponsor of this competition. Many thanks also go to Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, which donates a generous prize for the People’s Choice winner.
