Chien C. Lee

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  • With tail feathers nearly a meter long, a male Black Sicklebill (Epimachus fastosus) struts his incredible plumage on a display perch high in the Arfak Mountains of West Papua. One of the largest of all the birds-of-paradise, this shy sicklebill is found only in remote cloud forests on the island of New Guinea. Although normally keeping to the tree tops, the male carefully selects an exposed perch lower in the canopy from where he will call and display for females at dawn.
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  • Horned Flying Lizard (Draco cornutus), male using his dewlap to display for courtship and territorial aggression. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Transforming into an extravagant bouquet of colors and shapes, a male Magnificent Bird-of-paradise (Diphyllodes magnificus) puts on his best show in the hopes of impressing a female visitor to his courting ground. She has a critical eye for imperfections as she will be selecting him based on the merits of his display alone – a testament to his overall fitness and desirable genes. This selective pressure is the driving force behind the evolution of some of the most incredible avian spectacles in the world.
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  • The Magnificent Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus magnificus) is restricted to New Guinea, where it occurs throughout the island in suitable hill forest. Male birds clear a personal display site near the forest floor where they put on an impressive display of their vibrant plumage for visiting females. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • A carefully arranged pile of Aeschynanthus flowers forms the centerpiece of a Vogelkop Bowerbird's (Amblyornis inornata) display. The elaborately constructed twig hut with various colorful ornaments (here including flowers, beetle elytra, and fruit husks) is constructed by the male solely for the purpose of impressing female birds to select him as a mate. Each male will use their own artistic preferences in selecting various colors for their display, and theft of highly desirable items by competitors is a frequent occurrence. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • The Magnificent Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus magnificus) is restricted to New Guinea, where it occurs throughout the island in suitable hill forest. Male birds clear a personal display site near the forest floor where they put on an impressive display of their vibrant plumage for visiting females. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Sumatran Flying Dragon (Draco sumatranus), male performing territorial display. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Wilson's Bird-of-paradise (Diphyllodes respublica), male courting female at his display ground. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea)
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  • Magnificent Bird-of-paradise (Diphyllodes magnificus), male calling from his display ground, showing the bright yellow inside of his mouth. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Like some kind of karmic balance, it has often been remarked that the more plain-looking a bird is, the more beautiful its song, whereas those bestowed with gorgeous plumage tend to have simple calls. Research across hundreds of bird species has revealed a negative correlation between these traits, suggesting that there may be a trade-off in visual vs. acoustic signals when it comes to attracting mates. Likely falling at one end of this spectrum, Birds-of-paradise certainly are among the most extravagantly ornamented species in the world, but their highly varied calls often consist of harsh squawks and penetrating whistles, which although extremely loud are anything but melodious. Here, a male Wilson’s BoP (Cicinnurus respublica) raucously advertises his presence above his display ground, though if a female approaches he will fall silent and rely on his feathers for the real game of courtship. Waigeo Island, West Papua, Indonesia.
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  • Magnificent Riflebird (Lophorina magnifica), male calling from display perch. Heard far more often than seen, these uncommon and extremely shy birds are responsible for the most quintessential sound of the Papuan rainforest. Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • It’s impossible for a single image to capture all of the multifaceted ornamentation of a male Magnificent Bird-of-paradise (Cicinnurus magnificus). Depending on the viewpoint and which of his assets he chooses to flaunt, his display can range from a brilliant metallic green breast plate to a golden yellow nape fan. The remarkable curled tail wires, which often appear black in color, flash an incredible turquoise when the angle is just right – a tool he often uses to bedazzle female visitors to his courting ground. Arfak Mountains, West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • The incredible vibrance of many Birds-of-paradise is in part due to the deep black feathers which make their more colorful plumage simply ‘pop’. A recent study looking closely at these black feathers found that they had a unique nanostructure that is super-efficient in light absorption. This results in one of the darkest blacks found in nature, rivaling those of highly specialized synthetic materials. Here, a Vogelkop Superb Bird-of-paradise (Lophorina niedda) waits at his display (a fallen log) for the arrival of a female. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • With a flair for home decor, the Vogelkop Bowerbird (Amblyornis inornata) produces perhaps the most artful creation of any animal, all in the name of romance. Here, a male bird shows off his collection of freshly collected flowers, fungi, beetle shells, and blue berries, neatly organized in piles laid out on a mat of meticulously cleaned moss. The twig hut in the back is not a nest - rather its construction is made entirely for the purpose of impressing a visiting female who will choose to mate with him only after a thorough inspection of his display. Arfak Mountains, West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Katydid (Scambophyllum albomarginatum), female raising wings in a defensive display. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • One of the most brilliantly colored of all the bowerbirds, the Masked Bowerbird (Sericulus aureus), prepares only a rather simplistic 'U-shaped' avenue of sticks which is adorned with several leaves and blue-berries. The extravagance of bowerbird displays appears to be inversely proportional to the gaudiness of their plumage. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Lanternfly (Pyrops heringi), displaying its brightly colored hind wings when disturbed in an attempt to startle predators. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Although the Banded Coral Snake (Calliophis intestinalis) is not aggressive, it possesses an extremely toxic venom like other Elapids. When disturbed it displays its red tail and the brightly colored bands on its undersurface which serve as a warning signal to would-be predators. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Although incapable of flight, this female Crowned Stick Insect (Onchestus rentzi) employs her wings for an entirely different purpose: defense. She has excellent camouflage when at rest but if discovered and threatened she will abruptly raise her wings as a startle tactic. The sudden increase in size and flash of color may cause some would-be predators to think twice before attacking. This species has a fascinating mode of reproduction: the females drop their small brown eggs at random on the forest floor where they are often mistaken for seeds by ants who then gather them for storage underground. The eggs then are able to mature in a relatively safe environment. Queensland, Australia.
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  • Like all cobras, this juvenile Equatorial Spitting Cobra (Naja sumatrana), also called the Black Spitting Cobra and Sumatran Spitting Cobra, inflates its hood when approached by a potential threat. As an additional defense this species is also capable of spitting venom at distances of up to 1 meter, which is typically aimed with great accuracy at the eyes of its adversary. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • With colors that seem to glow with an unearthly radiance, a male Osa Anole (Anolis osa) betrays his normally cryptic appearance to briefly flash his extended dewlap. Anole lizards are famous for these flamboyant visual signals – they are used to attract mates, ward off rivals, and even sometimes dissuade potential predators. A 2015 study found that the translucent quality of anole dewlaps was a crucial component in their ability to transmit these color signals effectively, particularly in shady environments; under the right conditions they possess an almost unnatural luminance. This species, which is endemic to Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, spends most of its time on perches near ground level in the dappled light of the rainforest understory. Osa Peninsula, Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
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  • A male flower scarab (Mecynorhina harrisi), prepared to ward off rivals with his formidable horn, guards a female while she feeds on tree sap. Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania.
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  • Only the male Wallace's Standardwing (Semioptera wallacii) possesses the highly ornamental plumage, females being plain brown in coloration. This species is endemic to Halmahera and a few offshore islands and is one of the westernmost birds of paradise (family Paradisaeidae). Halmahera, North Maluku, Indonesia.
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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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  • Once their camouflage has failed, many insects resort to an alternative strategy - trying to make themselves appear as large and intimidating as possible. This harmless leaf katydid (Tympanophyllum arcufolium) from the Borneo rainforest is attempting to do just that by standing on its head and spreading its translucent wings. Male Tympanophyllum katydids are renowned for the loud and eerie violin-like calls they make, which adds to the magical abience of the Bornean rainforest at night. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • With his otherworldly plumage a male Wilson's Bird-of-paradise (Cicinnurus respublica) shows off his gaudy colors at a dancing ground he has cleared on the forest floor. Endemic to only two islands off the western coast of New Guinea, Wilson's BoP is surely one of the most bizarre in a family of birds already renowned for their exotic appearances.
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  • Masked Bowerbird (Sericulus aureus) male repairing his bower after it was destroyed by a rival bird. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Only the male Wallace's Standardwing (Semioptera wallacii) possesses the highly ornamental plumage, females being plain brown in coloration. This species is endemic to Halmahera and a few offshore islands and is one of the westernmost birds of paradise (family Paradisaeidae). Halmahera, Indonesia.
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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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  • Banded Malaysian Coralsnake (Calliophis intestinalis). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Crematogaster inflata, a conspicuous ant with aposematic coloration. The swollen orange metathorax can secrete a sticky substance as a defensive chemical when the ant is disturbed. Kubah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • This predaceous ground beetle (Lioptera plato) exhibits a distinctive warning color pattern which is commonly repeated among many different species of beetles (including a commonly associated fungus beetle Epicaustes) that all share a similar habitat niche. Because all species appear to share a distasteful chemical defense this may be a possible example of Mullerian mimicry. Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Slug moth caterpiller (Parasa sp.). Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • Warning colorations, such as those exhibited by these tiny fungus beetles (Corynomalus marginatus), which exude a foul chemical when disturbed, doesn’t always guarantee immunity from predators. To enhance their defense, many such insects often cluster in aggregations; not only is there greater safety in numbers but the combined colorations of all the individuals together results in an amplified warning signal that encourages even naive predators to get the message. Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • Although perfectly camouflaged among lichens when at rest, if a threat is detected this stick insect (Pseudodiacantha chieni) raises its butterfly-like wings as a warning to predators, whilst simultaneously emitting a strong chemical odor. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The small and nocturnal Sunda Stink-badger (Mydaus javanensis lucifer) is a relative of the skunks (family Mephitidae) occurring in Borneo, Sumatra, and Java. It feeds on invertebrates and small animals as well as tuberous roots. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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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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  • 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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  • Similar to the Dendrobatid poison frogs, harlequin toads (Atelopus spp.) are also brightly colored, day-active, and highly toxic. They also comprise one of the most endangered groups of amphibians in the neotropics, with many species listed as Critically Endangered and others presumed extinct in the wild. Aside from habitat loss and threats from introduced species, they appear particularly susceptible to the amphibian-killing chytrid fungus, which has completely wiped out many wild populations. This Atelopus spurrelli is endemic to the Chocóan rainforest of coastal Colombia.
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  • Madagascar Fire Millipede (Aphistogoniulus hova), found in the rainforest of Masoala National Park. Antsiranana, Madagascar.
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  • Yellow-headed Poison Frog (Dendrobates leucomelas). As with other dendrobatids these brightly colored amphibians are protected from predators by highly potent toxins within their skin, making them deadly to eat. Bolivar, Venezuela.
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  • Fungus beetle (Encaustes sp.) exhibiting Muellerian mimicry of associated ground beetles (Lioptera sp.). Both fungus beetles and ground beetles show the same orange and black patterns and are similarly distasteful to predators. Danum Valley, Sabah, 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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  • Wasp moths (Amata pseudextensa), mating. Mount Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • With the color blue being so rare in nature, it’s an obvious choice if you want to really stand out from the crowd. The incredible coloration of this Eupholus weevil from the rainforests of New Guinea probably warns of its toxicity to predators, but in fact it actually possesses no blue pigment at all. Tiny scales which cover the beetle’s shell contain three-dimensional photonic crystal structures that refract light in a similar fashion to that of an opal stone. Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Although many small insects disguise themselves as ants to take advantage of their unpalatability, mimicry by another ant species is quite a rare occurrence. At a quick glance the two ants in this photo appear the same, especially while they are quickly scurrying down a stem, but closer inspection reveals that in fact there is a clever deception taking place. The ant at the bottom is Crematogaster inflata, an uncommon species from the rainforests of Borneo, which is distinctive in having a swollen orange metathorax. Its glands can exude a toxic sticky fluid as a defense and predators thus tend to avoid this species, heeding its bright warning coloration. At top is a relatively harmless Camponotus ant (actually an unnamed species) that mimics the Crematogaster in size, shape, and color - although its orange coloration is found on its abdomen rather than its thorax.  Observations of this species are rare but curiously, these Camponotus mimics have only ever been observed in close proximity to colonies of Crematogaster inflata. The exact nature of their association and whether or not these mimics derive other advantages from their toxic models is still unknown. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Few warning signals in nature are as blatant as the colors of the Aquatic Coral Snake (Micrurus surinamensis), and for good reason: it possesses a highly potent neurotoxic venom. Unique among South American elapid snakes, its venom appears to be specialized for its favored prey of fish and eels, although can undoubtedly be fatal for mammals as well. They are, however, very non-aggressive and bite only when attacked or accidentally stepped on – the latter of which is rare thanks to their gaudy coloration. Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • In the dim understory of the forest floor the color of this poison dart frog (Oophaga solanensis) seem almost too fantastic to be real. Like other dendrobatid frogs, these colors serve as a warning signal of their toxicity. This species is endemic to the coastal rainforests of Colombia. Choco, Colombia.
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  • The bold coloration of the Red-headed Krait (Bungarus flaviceps) is a warning to would-be predators of the highly potent venom it possesses. This large elapid feeds primarily on other reptiles including lizards and snakes. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • In addition to their gaudy dorsal colors, many Mantella frogs show striking ventral patterns – this may serve as a double warning of their toxicity when attacked by a curious predator. Although unrelated, Mantellas, which are all endemic to Madagascar, show remarkable convergence with Central and South America's poison dart frogs (family Dendrobatidae), and share a number of common features including skin toxicity (acquired from their diet, primarily ants) and diurnal behavior. This is the Harlequin Mantella (M. baroni) from the rainforests of Madagascar’s eastern escarpment. Mantadia National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Without seeing it move, you could almost mistake the Golden Mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) for a bright orange plastic toy. This is one of Madagascar’s most endangered amphibians and is an icon for conservation of the island’s threatened wildlife. Efforts targeted at protecting this frog’s habitat, coupled with ex-situ breeding programs and reintroduction have helped to protect it from extinction in the wild, but it remains highly threatened and is still known to exist at only two small isolated patches of rainforest. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • Without seeing it move, you could almost mistake the Golden Mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) for a bright orange plastic toy. This is one of Madagascar’s most endangered amphibians and is an icon for conservation of the island’s threatened wildlife. Efforts targeted at protecting this frog’s habitat, coupled with ex-situ breeding programs and reintroduction have helped to protect it from extinction in the wild, but it remains highly threatened and is still known to exist at only two small isolated patches of rainforest. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • Marojejy Mantella (Mantella manery). Marojejy National Park, Madagascar.
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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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  • The Mangrove Cat Snake (Boiga dendrophila) is a widespread inhabitant of coastal and riverine forests in Southeast Asia, where it hunts for small mammals, reptiles (including other snakes), and birds. A rear-fanged snake, research has revealed that its venom is specifically tailored to affect birds and is relatively ineffective in subduing mammals (although bites in humans can cause pain and inflammation). This is the first known occurrence of a bird-specific toxin. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Giant ladybird beetle (Synonycha grandis). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Newly hatched Red Stink Bugs (Pycanum alternatum) cluster together to amplify the effect of their aposematic warning coloration. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Although less pretentiously colored than its more gaudy cousins, the Kokoe Poison Frog (Phyllobates aurotaenia) nonetheless is recognized as one of the most lethally toxic in the family (perhaps second only to the legendary P. terribilis). Native to the Chocó forests of coastal Colombia, it is one of the few species that are actually utilized by indigenous people of the region to give their blowpipe darts a deadly potency. Choco, Colombia.
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  • Baron's Mantella (Mantella baroni). Like little jewels of the forest floor, the wonderfully colorful Mantella frogs (family Mantellidae) comprise 16 known species, all of which are endemic to Madagascar. Although unrelated, Mantellas show remarkable convergence with Central and South America's poison dart frogs (family Dendrobatidae), and share a number of common features including skin toxicity (acquired from their diet, primarily ants), diurnal behavior, and bright warning colorations. Mantadia National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Baron’s Mantella (Mantella baroni). With their bright warning colors, toxic skin alkaloids, and day-active habits, it’s easy to see how the Madagascan Mantella frogs were once mistaken for South American Poison Dart Frogs (Dendrobatidae). Their similarity however, represents a remarkable convergence as they belong to entirely separate families. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Mangrove Cat Snake (Boiga dendrophila). Sabah, 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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  • It’s always important to have a backup plan. The first line of defense for most stick insects is of course their excellent camouflage, but sometimes this just isn’t enough. If this giant Diesbachia sophiae is attacked, it suddenly transforms from a green stick into a startling display by raising its boldly checkered wings. This may be enough to make some predators think twice before going in for the kill, giving enough time for the insects to escape. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Natalia's Spiny Lizard (Acanthosaura nataliae). Many lizards sport spines for display or protection, but Acanthosaura take this development to an extreme. Despite their fearsome appearance these arboreal reptiles still fall prey to certain snakes, and thus need to sleep on thin branches such as this during the night. Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam.
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  • Cat Gecko (Aeluroscalabotes felinus). These slow-moving and normally extremely placid reptiles only put on an aggressive display when their other defenses (camouflage and tail dropping) have failed them. Members of the ‘eyelid geckos’, they are the only representative of the family Eublepharidae in Borneo. Sarawak, Malaysia.
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  • Raising its wings in an aggressive and intimidating display, this large raspy cricket (Capnogryllacris borneoensis) is merely bluffing - it has no venomous sting or chemical defense. Distinguished in their own family (Gryllacrididae), raspy crickets are strictly nocturnal; by day they hide in leaf shelters which are constructed with the aid of silk threads secreted from their mouthparts. Kubah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • In the coastal forests of northern Borneo, a young Silvery Lutung (Trachypithecus cristatus) is groomed by its mother. Like many leaf monkey species, these highly social primates display brightly colored fur when born that gradually fades after several months into their adult coloration. The exact reason for this adaption is uncertain, but it may help in protection: members of the group can easily distinguish their vulnerable young at a glance, or locate them quickly in the dense foliage of the rainforest canopy. Another interesting theory is that certain predators such as Clouded Leopards, are red/green colorblind, so an orangish pelt may actually be an effective camouflage. Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Perched high on a limestone cliff, a rare slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum stonei) puts on a showy display of multiple blooms. This endangered species occurs only in a few localities in western Borneo where its population has been heavily depleted by wild collecting. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • As some of the most vital sensory organs among insects, it's no wonder that antennae come in a great variety of shapes and sizes to suit their various specializations. Here, a male Callirhipid beetle displays his extravagant feelers which are over half the length of his body. Like the feathery antennae of some male moths, this shape is designed to maximize the surface area to enable detection of even the faintest pheromones of distant females. However, unlike moths, these 'flabellate' (fan-like) antennae can be neatly folded away for protection when they're not needed, such as when the beetle is burrowing under bark or in rotten wood. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Perhaps one of the most beautiful of all damselflies, Neurobasis longipes is an inhabitant of clear rocky streams within lowland rainforest. The males (pictured here) utilize their metallic golden and green wings in courtship displays above swift flowing water. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • With uncanny precision, this grasshopper (Chorotypus sp.) displays its mimicry of a dead leaf down to the finest details. Why do some organisms go to such extreme lengths for their camouflage while others can get by with a much simpler appearance? The answer of course is largely due to what they are hiding from: there is a direct correlation between the detail of camouflage and the visual acuity of their specific predators. In this case, the sharp eyes of small insectivorous birds, like the hands of a master craftsman, provide the driving force to some of the most eccentric insect appearances. Batang Ai, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Crane flies (Thrypticomyia sp.) displaying on a strand of spider web. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Boulenger's Green Anole (Anolis chloris), male displaying. Choco, Colombia.
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  • Horned Gliding Lizard (Draco cornutus), male displaying gular flap. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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