Chien C. Lee

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  • Fruit-piercing moth (Eudocima phalonia) using its stout proboscis to feed on the sweet juice of wild figs (Ficus fistulosa). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Fruit piercing moths (Eudocima phalonia) converge on a cluster of ripe figs (Ficus fistulosa) to feed on the sweet juice. Many moths in this family have similar feeding habits and can be damaging to commercial fruit crops. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • After several months of feeding on Aristolochia leaves, the mature caterpillar of this large birdwing butterfly (Troides andromache) prepares for its final moult into the pupal stage when metamorphosis will transform it into an adult. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Hooktip moth caterpillar (family Drepanidae). Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo)
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  • Wasp-mimicking moth (Atrijuglans hetaohei). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Not all gaudy appearances are a disguise – some are simply a warning. Quite a number of moth species deceptively mimic the shape and color of stinging insects (such as wasps and bees), but others such as this Window-winged Moth (Glanycus coendersi) don’t appear to resemble any particular model. Instead, the bright aposematic coloration of this insect is believed to be a bold advertisement of its distastefulness. This defense works as an effective signal to predators, thereby allowing the moth to exploit other lifestyle advantages such as foraging during daylight hours (e.g. this is a diurnal species) while other moths must retreat into hiding until nightfall. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Common Mormon Swallowtail (Papilio polytes). This young butterfly caterpillar avoids predation by appearing unappealingly similar to a bird dropping. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Wasp-mimicking moth (Xestocasis sp.). Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Slug moth caterpiller (Parasa sp.). Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • Pompelon marginata. This beautifully colored day-flying moth is a member of the Burnet Moth Family (Zygaenidae). It is widespread in Southeast Asia where its caterpillars feed on the leaves of wild cinnamon. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Sphinx moth (Marumba tigrina). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Geometrid moth (Agathia deliciosa). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Bagworm caterpillars (moths of the family Psychidae) are known for their habit of hiding themselves in a portable shelter of plant materials that they secure with silken threads, with each species having its own preference of design. This species begins with small accurately trimmed twigs formed in a 3-sided spiral pyramid, and adds additional larger twigs at the end as the caterpillar grows in size, in a masterful example of miniature craftsmanship. East Kalimantan, Indonesia (Borneo).
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  • Bush-tailed Moth (Dudusa vethi), using defensive posture to expose urticating hairs on the tip of its abdomen. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Peacock Pansy (Junonia almana), a species exhbiting seasonal polyphenism. This shows the underside of the dry season form, with few markings. Bokor National Park, Cambodia.
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  • Malayan Lacewing Butterfly (Cethosia hypsea) caterpillars utilize warning coloration to signify to predators that they are unpalatable. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Bornean Oakleaf (Kallima buxtoni), sleeping at night among dead foliage. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Death's-head Hawkmoth (Acherontia lachesis). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • With almost a sinister beauty, this garden of parasitoid fungus (possibly Akanthomyces) sprouts its fruiting bodies from the back of a moth it has killed. These release millions of microscopic spores which are dispersed into the surrounding area. When ingested by another insect they spell certain doom. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • This moth (Pingasa ruginaria) escapes the notice of predators by concealing itself against the trunk of a tree where it rests by day. Its caterpillars feed on the leaves of a variety of trees including Litsea, Cinnamomum, and Nephelium. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Callambulyx amanda. Although this sphinx moth (family Sphingidae) is perfectly camouflaged against green foliage when it is resting, any disturbance from an animal will prompt it to flash its brightly colored hind wings and suspicious-looking eyespots. This startle tactic is the insect's only defense against predators and is a common coloration theme found in many moth species. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Camouflaged moth (Ausaris sp.). West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Owl Moth (Brahmaea hearseyi). Mindanao, Philippines.
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  • Large Green-banded Blue (Danis danis). West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Banded Swallowtail (Papilio demolion), gregarious caterpillars. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The bright colors on the hind wings of this tiger moth (Areas galactina, female) warn of its distasteful nature. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A male Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) allows its wings to expand and harden after emerging from its cocoon.  It will now live only long enough to find a mate. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Dark Evening Brown (Melanitis phedima). Yunnan, China.
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  • Jade Hawkmoth (Daphnis hypothous). Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam.
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  • Dead-leaf moth (Oxytenis albilunulata). Mashpi Amagusa Reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador.
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  • With a full palette of colorful wing scales at their disposal, butterflies are capable of pulling off some of the most convincing and complex mimicries in the insect world. At first glance this is a common clear-winged Ithomiid butterfly, which are known for their toxicity and unpalatability. However, it is actually a Clearwinged Mimic-white (Dismorphia theucharila), a non-toxic species of the family Pieridae. It can be distinguished from its toxic models (Oleria spp.) by counting the number of legs: Dismorphia has six, whereas Oleria stands on only four. Insectivorous birds don’t have time to stop and count the legs on every butterfly in the forest, so this mimicry is a highly successful one. Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • Shag-carpet Caterpillar (Prothysana), one of two species that, aside from their curious appearance, exhibit a remarkable form of mimicry. Tiny parasitoid wasps are known for extracting a heavy toll on caterpillars: their larvae devour a caterpillar from inside out, emerging once they are ready to turn into adult wasps and leaving their distinctive white cocoons in the process. At a glance, the white dorsal hairs of Prothsyana look exactly like these wasp cocoons, so much so that the wasps themselves likely avoid laying their eggs in this caterpillar, believing that it has already been eaten. Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • Wasp moths (Amata pseudextensa), mating. Mount Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Glasswing Butterfly (Cithaerias cliftoni), male. Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • Bornean Oakleaf (Kallima buxtoni). Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Research has revealed that the marginal eyespots in butterflies can serve to deflect bird attacks away from the insect's vital spots, thereby allowing escape. This effect is particularly effective in the low light intensities of the dim forest understory and at dawn or dusk when the resting butterflies are particularly prone to predation by birds. This individual (Faunis stomphax) shows evidence of having escaped two attacks by birds which attempted to grab the butterfly by the wing eyespots. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • This unidentified caterpillar which feeds on epiphytic moss, is camouflaged to look like its preferred substrate. Arfak Mountains, West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • The shady understory of the Ecuadorian rainforest hosts a great diversity of butterflies that are adapted specifically for this dimly lit ecosystem. Although we often rank butterflies on how gaudy and beautiful their wings patterns are, among the most remarkable of the understory are those that bear transparent wings, such as this Glasswing Butterfly (Dulcedo polita). When perched under the right conditions they can appear almost invisible. Esmeraldas, Ecuador.
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  • Arguably Madagascar’s most iconic insect: the Comet Moth (Argema mittrei). Despite its obvious beauty, the long twisted tails of its wings aren’t made for aesthetic purposes – recent studies have shown that they play an important role in defense against their main predator: echolocating bats. When closing in for a kill, the acoustic reflections from the tail confuse the bat so that it misses the moth’s body, often ending up with nothing but a bit of broken tail in its mouth. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • The enormous caterpillars of the Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) consume huge amounts of leaves before they will pupate. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Many tropical butterfly species congregate on sandy river banks to supplement their diet with dissolved minerals or animal urine. These are the Common Rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae), a species of swallowtail (family Papilionidae) widespread across Southeast Asia. Uthai Thani, Thailand.
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  • By day this large sphinx moth (Clanis stenosema) rests among dead leaves where it is well camouflaged. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • As if fashioned from liquid gold, a nearly mature Nymphalid butterfly chrysalis (Euploea sp.) hangs from the underside of a ginger leaf. Highland Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Jumping spider-mimicking moth (Nymphicula sp.). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Although each armed with stinging bristles, a brood of juvenile nettle caterpillars (Limacodidae) enhances their defense by forming a tight grouping. Each caterpillar faces outward, presenting a wall of venomous spines to their enemies. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • These newly hatched caterpillars of the Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) will consume their own eggshell as their first meal. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Tithonus Birdwing (Ornithoptera tithonus), female, feeding at Impatiens flowers. Arfak Mountains, West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Unable to fly with a load many times her own weight, a female Thread-waisted Sand Wasp (Ammophila beniniensis) hauls a large caterpillar which she has paralyzed with her sting. She is seeking a burrow she has prepared in advance and, even though it may be a considerable distance away, she shows a remarkable orientation ability even though there may be numerous obstacles in her path. Once placed inside, with the burrow sealed shut by small rocks and its entrance hidden from potential thieves, the ill-fated caterpillar will serve as live food for the single egg the wasp has deposited along with it. Fianarantsoa, Madagascar.
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  • In a strikingly specific instance of mimicry, the patterns on the wings of this moth (Macrocilix maia) appear to resemble two flies feeding at a glistening bird dropping. This, coupled with a pungent odor that the moth emits, may be enough to dissuade a predator from considering a meal. Although flies are certainly edible, they nevertheless sometimes serve as models for mimicry because they are so quick and agile that most birds won't bother pursuing them. Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Walker's moth (Sosxetra grata). Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park, Ecuador.
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  • Arguably Madagascar’s most iconic insect: the Comet Moth (Argema mittrei). Despite its obvious beauty, the long twisted tails of its wings aren’t made for aesthetic purposes – recent studies have shown that they play an important role in defense against their main predator: echolocating bats. When closing in for a kill, the acoustic reflections from the tail confuse the bat so that it misses the moth’s body, often ending up with nothing but a bit of broken tail in its mouth. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • When camouflage fails, it’s always good to have a fallback plan. Upon a slight disturbance, the Madagascar Bullseye Moth (Antherina suraka) abruptly spreads its wings, exposing bold eyespots. This menacing appearance may serve to startle predators, making them think twice before considering making a meal of the moth. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Lasiocampid moth (Arguda insulindiana). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • This large moth caterpillar (Phyllodes sp.) gives the threatening appearance of a snake head, which may help to ward off potential predators. The eye-spots are patches of color on the body of the caterpillar, with its real head curled beneath. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Bagworm (family Psychidae) moth caterpillar. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • The male Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) has delicate feathered antennae which are capable of detecting the female moth pheromones at a distance of up to several miles. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The hypodermic needle-like bristles on this slug moth caterpillar (Thosea sp., family Limacodidae) are capable of inflicting painful stings, making them an effective defense against would-be predators. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Bright colors warn potential predators of the painful stinging bristles worn by this slug moth caterpillar (family Limacodidae). Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A butterfly caterpillar (Cupha erymanthis) standing guard over a clutch of parasitic wasp pupae that recently hatched from its body. Having been impregnated by eggs from a female wasp, the larvae develop within the caterpillar, consuming its flesh as they grow. In order to keep their host alive, the wasp larvae are careful to avoid all vital organs and the caterpillar thus appears and behaves rather normal until the larvae eventually emerge. In a similar vein to the mind-controlled zombie ants, the wasp larvae also secrete some cocktail of hormones that modify the behavior of the caterpillar, in this case it is induced to stand guard and protect the wasp pupae from predators or other parasitic wasps until it eventually dies of starvation. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Plutodes cyclaria. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Leaf-masquerading lappet moth (Gastropacha leopoldi). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Almost looking like it belongs more on a coral reef than in a rainforest, this moth caterpillar (Idonauton cf. apicalis) uses bright aposematic patterns to warn potential predators of its stinging bristles. Caterpillars of this family (Limacodidae) are often called ‘slug moths’ because they lack prolegs and instead move over the surface of a leaf in an oozing-fashion using suckers. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A slug-moth caterpillar (Phocoderma sp.) with stinging bristles. Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The Rajah Brooke's Birdwing (Trogonoptera brookiana) is one of the most beautiful butterflies in Borneo.  Here males perch at a seep where they feed on salts and other nutrients which are otherwise unobtainable from flowers. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • This large royal moth (Bathyphlebia eminens), a member of the giant silkmoth family (Saturniidae) is endemic to the cloud forests of Ecuador.
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  • Bornean Oakleaf (Kallima buxtoni). Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A male Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) allows its wings to expand and harden after emerging from its cocoon.  It will now live only long enough to find a mate. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Pallid Monkey Moth (Sphingognatha asclepiades). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The beautifully camouflaged Vishnu Moth (Trabala vishnou) is a species of Lappet Moth (Lasiocampidae) widespread throughout Southeast Asia. Central Province, Sri Lanka.
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  • Tiny, ubiquitous, and comprising many thousands of species, parasitoid wasps extract a heavy toll on their hosts, with many species responsible for keeping other insect populations in check. Here, a female wasp (Anastus sp.), just a few millimeters in length, drills her ovipositer into the eggshell of an Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas), the world's largest moth. Her developing larvae will consume the contents of the egg and pupate therein before emerging as adults. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Tiger moth (Correbidia sp.) which mimics a toxic net-winged beetle (Lycidae). Esmeraldas, Ecuador.
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  • Red Lacewing (Cethosia cydippe). West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Giant silk moth (Grammopelta lineata). Canandé Reserve, Esmeraldas, Ecuador.
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  • Ants (Crematogaster sp.) tending to a butterfly caterpillar (Spindasis sp.). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Black Rose (Pachliopta antiphus), female freshly emerged from chrysalis before taking flight. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Elibia dolichus, caterpillar. Although large and seemingly intimidating, this sphinx moth caterpillar is completely harmless and relies entirely on camouflage and eyespots to deter predators. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Godart's Map Butterfly (Cyrestis acilia), larva. Central Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • With its gaudy appearance and bold stance on top of a leaf, one might think that this tiny metalmark moth (Brenthia sp.) would make easy prey for a small predator like a jumping spider. However, if you blur your eyes just a little, you might be able to see why jumping spiders hesitate before attacking these moths: their wing patterns look remarkably similar to another jumping spider. Note particularly the “fuzzy legs” (dark bands) held to the side and the eyespots with reflections at the top. Jumping spiders may not have as acute eyesight as we do, but they are nevertheless visually-oriented predators, and they also avoid risky conflicts with others of their kind. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Lappet moth (Lebeda cognata), female. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The glass-like quality of a White-spotted Clearwing (Greta annette) becomes revealed against the dappled light of the cloud forest understory. Although a great variety of marine organisms utilize transparency as a functional means of underwater invisibility, this type of optical camouflage is rare among terrestrial species for several reasons. Animals not living in water must protect their internal organs from damaging UV light and also possess rigid structural support for their bodies because they live in a non-buoyant medium; both of these are accomplished by pigments and opaque structures. In addition, the refractive index between living tissues and air means that reflections of light are a potential problem. Clearwing butterflies overcome this last hindrance by having the transparent portions of their wings covered with randomly-sized microscopic “nanopillars” – this results in their wings being remarkably unreflective from nearly all angles. Researchers studying this propose that these butterfly wings could be applied as a model to increase the efficiency of solar cells and in the manufacture of other non-reflective surfaces.  El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, Chiapas, Mexico.
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  • Saturniid moth (Antheraea rosieri), female. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Tiger moth (Cratoplastis diluta), mimicking a firefly beetle (Lampyridae). Esmeraldas, Ecuador.
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  • Shag-carpet caterpillar (Prothysana sp.). Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park, Napo, Ecuador.
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  • Keeping its wings outstretched and rotating erratically on the surface of a leaf, this tiny metalmark moth (Brenthia sp.) pulls off a surprisingly good mimicry of a jumping spider and its movements. Lab tests have demonstrated that jumping spiders, which normally constitute a major predator for small moths, will usually avoid Brenthia since an encounter with another spider could lead to a perilous confrontation. Yunnan, China.
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  • Fulvous Hawkmoth (Coelonia fulvinotata). Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania.
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  • Almost looking like it belongs more on a coral reef than in a rainforest, this moth caterpillar (Idonauton cf. apicalis) uses bright aposematic patterns to warn potential predators of its stinging bristles. Caterpillars of this family (Limacodidae) are often called ‘slug moths’ because they lack prolegs and instead move over the surface of a leaf in an oozing-fashion using suckers. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Camouflaged moth (Sarcinodes reductatus), from montane rainforest. Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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