that's what it seemed like) as well as some 
specimens of the long-leaved forms of D. arcturi 
(at last, one of a size I could actually see!) and the 
very minute D. pygmaeo with traps about 2 mm 
across. Meanwhile, those among us with a 
malacological or entomological bent were busy 
gathering data and an echidna popped up on the 
road to amuse Peter (our UK visitor). Darren 
reckons that we saw most of the species of 
carnivorous plants that we have in Tasmania on 
this trip except for a couple that we would pick up 
on the East Coast. It was a very informative day at 
the base of some of the most stunning scenery in 
the world and enjoyed by all of us. 
References: 
Camilleri, Tony. 1998. Carnivorous Plants. 
Kangaroo Press. 103pp. 
Clayton, Colin H. 2002. Carnivorous Plants in 
Tasmania, Australia. 57pp. 
Pelverata Falls 
Evie Clarke 
he slightly damp Tasmanian weather, 
apparently heralding the beginning of 
summer, posed no obstacle to the fourteen 
enthusiastic field naturalists who attended the 
excursion to Pelverata Falls on 4 th December. The 
excursion began in earnest as soon as each person 
got out of their car and began wandering and 
observing in all directions. Two mating pairs of 
soldier beetles ( Chouliognothus ), an inchman and 
a jack jumper were found on a stump beside the 
car park. We set off as a group along the Pelverata 
Falls track at about 10 o'clock. The beginning of 
the track passed through a stand of tall slender 
gum trees. Not far along and in close proximity to 
the farming land beside, a young male Tasmanian 
pademelon lay dead on the track. He appeared to 
have been shot by a bullet in his side. Further 
along the track a ringtail possum drey was 
spotted. 
At the sign-posted turnoff to the falls, the cries of 
a fantail cuckoo were collectively identified 
although the bird was not in sight. Other birds 
that were seen or heard during the walk and the 
return journey were a spotted pardalote, blue 
wren, black currawong, grey currawong, grey 
fantail, black-faced cuckoo-shrike, grey-shrike 
thrush, crescent honeyeater, thornbill, green 
rosella and a scarlet robin. 
Closer to the falls the track narrowed and cut 
across a scree slope, yielding a marvellous view of 
the valley around. At about 11.30, we arrived at 
the platform at the end of the path from which we 
could see the beautiful Pelverata falls - gushing 
with water from the morning's rain. While many 
of us admired the view and gathered our breath, 
Kevin and Abbey began search for snails in the 
surrounding area. Beside the platform a number 
of Drosera auriculata were found. An elusive 
thornbill zipped around the area however was too 
quick for the eager birdwatchers to determine the 
species. 
Pelverata Falls. Photo: Amanda Thomson 
There were many plants in flower identified 
during the walk, although I have great trouble 
remembering all their names, so I shall only 
mention a few! I thought it was amusing that 
Goodenia ovata, one of the plants seen, was 
named in honour of one Bishop Goodenough (and 
I am sure I will manage to remember that name!). 
Others seen were: Baurea rubioides, Olearis sp., 
Hibbertia empetrifolia, Dianella tasmanica. 
With our stomachs rumbling, we began the return 
journey at quite a fast pace - no doubt motivated 
by the thought of the barbecue ahead. The hail 
that was beginning to come down might also have 
been a motivating factor! At the car park we 
Tasmanian Field Naturalists Club BULLETIN 345 January 2012 p6 
