Sunday 9th August 2026 - 8:30-11:30am at Ludmilla Creek
Join local entomologists for a hands-on survey of ground-dwelling ants and other ground-foraging invertebrates around Ludmilla Creek. Participants will head into the field to collect specimens captured in specialised pitfall traps set across grassland, savanna woodland and rainforest habitats surrounding the BioBlitz Base Camp at Ludmilla Primary School.
Collected specimens will then be taken back to the Base Camp laboratory, where participants will work alongside scientific leaders to sort, photograph and identify them using microscopes. Identified specimens will be prepared for accession into the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory’s (MAGNT) entomology collection, contributing to ongoing research and knowledge of the region’s biodiversity.
This event will be led by Dr Kirsti Abbott, an entomologist and science education and engagement specialist who is the Head of Science at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT). Kirsti will be supported by four members of the MAGNT engagement team.
Also leading this event is Professor Alan Andersen, an ant biodiversity scientist based at Charles Darwin University. Alan has spent nearly 40 years researching the remarkable diversity of ant communities in the Northern Territory and is internationally recognised for his expertise in tropical ecology and ant biodiversity.
Additional Information:
Suitable for all ages, this event includes a gentle 1 km return walk with some easy off-track sections through natural terrain.
Children under 15 years are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult.
Parents and carers accompanying children are not required to register unless they would like to participate in the survey.
Please note that this event will be cancelled in the event of a Cyclone Watch or Cyclone Warning being issued.
Further location details, along with information on what to wear and bring, will be provided upon registration.
Participants are warmly encouraged to bring a sense of curiosity and a willingness to explore the fascinating world of invertebrates!