Citizen science and the art of discovery: new records of large Coleoptera from Lord Howe Island, July 2018
Abstract
A citizen science event was held on Lord Howe Island, 22–28 July 2018, with the objective of training non-scientist volunteers in basic search methods for large beetles. The survey was conducted to obtain baseline data on the distribution of large beetles prior to the rat eradication programme scheduled to start in 2019. The event was hosted by the Lord Howe Island Museum and voluntary participation was organized through the Lord Howe Island Conservation Volunteers. The event was open to both residents and tourists. Guidance was provided by the two authors. Activities for the volunteers included an introductory talk on the large beetles of the island, four afternoon searches and one night search. An extra day walk was added for some interested local participants. During the remainder of the week the authors conducted their own searches. 13 areas were visited altogether, and the results concerning the large species (1 cm or more in length) are tabulated here. The citizen scientist volunteers found several species not found by the authors. The survey was in mid winter, a generally poor time for beetle activity, but 23 large species were found, all of which are discussed. These include the rediscovery of Cormodes darwini Pascoe, 1860 (Cleridae), hitherto considered extinct and last recorded in 1916, and the first record of the genus Torresita (Buprestidae) on the island.
