Four species are known from this family, all endemic to Queensland, Australia. The name originated from the discovery of the most well-known member of the family, the Cooloola monster (Cooloola propator), in the Cooloola National Park.
Little is known about their life histories, as they lead an almost entirely subterranean existence, but it is believed that they are predaceous towards other soil-dwelling invertebrates.
The Cooloolidae are unusual in the primitive superfamily Gryllacridoidea in that members' antennae are considerably shorter than their body length.
Species synopses (http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/action/non-marine-invertebrates/species-1.html#cooloola) by the Australian Department of the Environment and Heritage
Discussion of ensiferan taxonomy (http://tolweb.org/tree?group=Ensifera&contgroup=Orthoptera) at the Tree of Life Web Project
Cooloola protects the headwaters of the Noosa River, the cleanest river in south-east Queensland and the only coastal river in Queensland with most of its catchment protected in a national park.
Cooloola is a refuge for plants and animals whose habitats have dwindled with coastal development.
Cooloola lies between the coastal resorts of Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach and is two to three hours’ drive north of Brisbane.
Feeds |
Contact