Chiloglottis trapeziformis – also known as Dainty Ant Orchid – is among 17 orchid species observed for the first time in the Macarthur region.
Dainty Ant, pictured above, were found in Peter Meadows Creek Reserve at Kentlyn this Spring.
It was observed by Mr Jim Cootes, one of more than 60 community naturalists and Macarthur Australasian Native Orchid Society (MANOS) members participating in a survey.
With the support of community grants from AGL’s Camden Gas Project, MANOS has been conducting the native orchid survey across the Macarthur region during 2021.
The Macarthur region is rich in native orchids, with over 80 species occurring and the aim of the MANOS survey is to identify and assist local councils and development stakeholders in the relocation of orchid populations to ensure conservation.
More than 700 orchid observations were received as part of the survey, however MANOS says 23 previously observed orchid species are yet to be seen.
Some of the other orchid species observed included:
Caladenia alata – Fairy Caladenia – found in the southern part of Macarthur at Bargo and Appin. A very distinctive and unique species of finger orchids. Found by Stephen Snow in Bargo in Spring 2021.
Caladenia curtisepala – Short Hooded Finger Orchid – one of the finger orchids within the Caladenia carnea complex. Found throughout the Macarthur region. Found by Mat Misdale in Spring 2021.
Caladenia gracilis – Musky Caladenia – found in the southern part of Macarthur – Dharawal National Park near Appin. A unique and rarely seen species. Found by Izak Schoon.
Caladenia testacea – Honey Caps Orchid – found in the southern part of Macarthur, Bargo and Appin. A very distinctive and unique species. Rarely seen finger orchid. Found by Stephen Snow and Izak Schoon.
Calochilus campestris – Copper Beard Orchid – one of the common beardies found throughout Macarthur. Seem to have been an oversight in the last survey. Found by Kath Wade at Voyager Point.
Calochilus gracillimus – Slender Beard Orchid – resembles other beardies found in Macarthur but flowers much later in December. Found by Ross Morrison in Peter Meadows Creek Reserve, Kentlyn.
