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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Graham Readfearn Environment and climate correspondent

Lord Howe Island got rid of its rats and mice – now its ‘wonderful’ insect life is back

An iridescent green beetle
The Lord Howe Island stag beetle is among the invertebrates that have begun to thrive after a rodent eradication program was successful. Photograph: Ian Hutton

In the summer months, Lord Howe Island’s unique stag beetle, with wing cases that appear forged from iridescent green metal, fly around the ancient treetops looking for a mate.

“That’s really something wonderful,” said Ian Hutton, a naturalist and nature guide on the world heritage-listed island.

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