Chien C. Lee

  • Select Portfolio
  • About
  • Connect
    • Contact
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
  • Events
    • Guided Trips
    • Exhibitions
    • Talks & Workshops
  • Full Image Library
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
79 images found
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • After emerging from a Rafflesia flower (Rafflesia tuan-mudae), this carrion fly carries a load of pollen stuck to its back. If it manages to visit another Rafflesia within a week it will inadvertently transfer the pollen to the receptive flower. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld07101701.jpg
  • Picture-winged fly (Cleitamia sp., family Platystomatidae) with spider-like patterns on its wings to deter predation from spiders. Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
    cld1912704.jpg
  • Bulbophyllum patens with a visiting fruit fly (Bactrocera sp.) with a pollinarium attached to its back. Attracted by the floral scent, the flies act as pollinators but also benefit by acquiring specific chemicals which aid in the attraction of mates. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld05051302.jpg
  • This male hammer-headed fruit fly (Themara sp., family Tephritidae) sports unusually long eye stalks, superficially resembling the true stalk-eyed flies (family Diopsidae). The males are highly territorial, each staking out a small favorable patch on the surface of a fallen log near the rainforest floor. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1501253.jpg
  • A spiny tachinid fly (Eudejeania sp.), the larvae of which are typically parasitoids of caterpillars. Cosanga, Ecuador.
    cld1805172.jpg
  • In the insect world, even having a vicious sting isn’t enough to always save you from some larger predators. Here, in the dry spiny forest of southern Madagascar, a wasp has fallen prey to a giant robber fly (Microstylum sp.). With fast wings, excellent eyesight, and piercing mouthparts, robber flies catch other insects in mid flight and suck out their insides like a juice pack. Berenty Private Reserve, Amboasary, Madagascar.
    cld1833886.jpg
  • A predatory Robber Fly (Cophinopoda sp.) waits on a blade of grass for passing insects. South Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
    cld06021402.jpg
  • The haunting hollow skeleton of a fly is all that remains after being consumed alive by a parasitoid fungi (Ophiocordyceps cf. dipterigena) in the New Guinean rainforest. Two different types of fruiting bodies have emerged from the fly's body: the dorsal 'mushrooms' (ascostroma) are perfectly positioned to release tiny spores on the fungi's next victim. The tropics hold a great diversity of these entomopathogenic fungi, with undoubtedly many undescribed species, each apparently tailored to target specific insect hosts. West Papua, Indonesia.
    cld1914721.jpg
  • Parallel-spiined Spiny Spider (Gasteracantha diardi), female with eggs of parasitoid Chloropid fly (Pseudogaurax sp.). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld2112635.jpg
  • A robber fly (family Asilidae) killed by parasitic fungus (Ophiocordyceps dipterigena). This fungus specializes in feeding on adult flies. After consuming the interior of its host the cream-colored fruiting bodies emerge and release spores to infect new insects. North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
    cld1300104.jpg
  • A view from within the pitcher of this semi-carnivorous plant (Nepenthes ampullaria). Without a protective lid as in most other species of Nepenthes, the pitchers of N. ampullaria are exposed to rain as well as a continual fall of leaf litter from the forest canopy. In this way they are able to derive a significant portion of their nutrients from detritus. The dark objects on the inner rim are pupae of a Megaselia fly whose larvae feed on dead insects within the pitcher fluid. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1411617.jpg
  • Crane flies (Thrypticomyia sp.) displaying on a strand of spider web. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1703047.jpg
  • Deep within a cave in Mulu National Park, the sticky threads secreted by the larvae of a fungus midge (family Mycetophilidae) function as a trap for small flying insects.  When ensnared in this trap, prey are reeled in and eaten. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld09101402.jpg
  • A predatory Toxorhynchites mosquito emerges from the liquid in a pitcher of Nepenthes ampullaria. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1411575.jpg
  • Lichen Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda boiei) with parasitic biting midges (Ceratopogonidae). Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1926882.jpg
  • Within the chamber of a giant pitcher plant (Nepenthes rajah), an iridescent Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites sp.) emerges from its pupal case. These large mosquitoes do not suck blood, feeding instead on flower nectar and plant sap. The larvae are voracious predators of aquatic insects, including the young of other mosquitoes. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1203471.jpg
  • Large Flying Fox (Pteropus vampyrus). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld07042511.jpg
  • Spectacled Flying Fox (Pteropus conspicillatus). Waigeo Island, West Papua, Indonesia.
    cld1914213.jpg
  • Endemic to the mountains of central Sulawesi, the stream-breeding Loka Flying Frog (Rhacophorus monticola) is highly variable in coloration. South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
    cld1600827.jpg
  • Horned Flying Lizard (Draco cornutus), male using his dewlap to display for courtship and territorial aggression. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1824601.jpg
  • Sumatran Flying Dragon (Draco sumatranus), male performing territorial display. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld2104731.jpg
  • Penan Flying Frog (Leptomantis penanorum), a very rare species known from only a few specimens. This is the first photograph of a female ever recorded for this species. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld2007620.jpg
  • Wallace's Flying Frog (Rhacophorus nigropalmatus), male. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1928848.jpg
  • Perhaps one of the most beautiful of all Borneo's frogs: the Borneo Flying Frog (Rhacophorus borneensis). These gliding amphibians spend most of their life in the tree canopy, only rarely descending to ground level. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1724123.jpg
  • Wallace's Flying Frog (Rhacophorus nigropalmatus). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1603489.jpg
  • Wallace's Flying Frog (Rhacophorus nigropalmatus) is one of the largest of all tree frogs in Borneo. It is capable of gliding down from the forest canopy by using its enlarged webbed feet as parachutes. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1404324.jpg
  • Spectacled Flying Fox (Pteropus conspicillatus). Waigeo Island, West Papua, Indonesia.
    cld1914113.jpg
  • Perhaps one of the most beautiful of all Borneo's frogs: the Borneo Flying Frog (Rhacophorus borneensis). These gliding amphibians spend most of their life in the tree canopy, only rarely descending to ground level. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1724109.jpg
  • The Gading Flying Frog (Leptomantis gadingensis), described as recently as 2005, is a small species known from only a few localities in western Borneo.  It breeds in lowland streams. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld10091216.jpg
  • Wallace's Flying Frog (Rhacophorus nigropalmatus), male. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1928835.jpg
  • Wallace’s Flying Frog (Rhacophorus nigropalmatus) is one of the largest of all tree frogs in Borneo. It is capable of gliding down from the forest canopy by using its enlarged webbed feet as parachutes. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1702577.jpg
  • Draco cornutus, in flight. Flying lizards of the genus Draco are superbly adapted for their arboreal lifestyle. They are capable of gliding from tree to tree on wing-like flaps of skin supported by their movable ribs. They feed primarily on ants. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1405722.jpg
  • A young Sunda Colugo (Galeopterus variegatus) peers out from the embrace of its mother's membranous wings. When fully grown it will be able to glide great distances from tree to tree in their nightly search for edible leaves, flowers, and sap. Also known as Flying Lemurs, they bear no relation to true lemurs, and in fact are so unique that they have been placed in their own mammalian order. Bako National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1700246.jpg
  • A fly-mimicking weevil (Hoplocopturus sp.) from the Ecuadorian rainforest. Most cases of insect mimicry involve the imitation of a toxic or distasteful species as a model, so the reason for this beetle to appear like an entirely edible fly is not immediately apparent. However, entomologists studying these insects suggest that because flies are so agile and quick, most visually-oriented predators (particularly birds) probably learn to avoid wasting their time pursuing them, hence the incentive for this “evasive mimicry”. Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park, Napo, Ecuador.
    cld1805506.jpg
  • A fly-mimicking weevil (Hoplocopturus sp.) from the Ecuadorian rainforest. Most cases of insect mimicry involve the imitation of a toxic or distasteful species as a model, so the reason for this beetle to appear like an entirely edible fly is not immediately apparent. However, entomologists studying these insects suggest that because flies are so agile and quick, most visually-oriented predators (particularly birds) probably learn to avoid wasting their time pursuing them, hence the incentive for this “evasive mimicry”. Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park, Napo, Ecuador.
    cld1805552.jpg
  • 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).
    cld1929570.jpg
  • Dusky Gliding Lizard (Draco obscurus). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld07012404.jpg
  • Jade Tree Frog (Zhangixalus dulitensis). Ulu Temburong National Park, Brunei (Borneo).
    cld1706000.jpg
  • Patents don’t exist in nature, and no species has a monopoly on clever designs. Here, a mantidfly (Mantispidae) makes use of spiny raptorial front legs to catch prey, much like a praying mantis. Mantidflies are actually more closely related to lacewings and ant-lions, and like their relatives they have no chemical or otherwise painful defenses against predators. Because of this, many mantidflies mimic wasps and in this particular species it appears to specifically mimic an orange Night Wasp (Provespa anomala). Anyone who has ventured into the Bornean rainforest after dark knows that night wasps are to be avoided: they possess an extremely painful sting that can cause skin necrosis. Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld10081038.jpg
  • Mantispid (family Mantispidae), also known as a ‘mantidfly’. Looking something like a praying mantis crossed with a lacewing, this tiny predator uses the same raptorial front legs to grab its prey and hold them fast while eating them alive. Contrary to their appearance, they are not closely related to mantids, implying that this effective hunting strategy has evolved on more than one occasion in the insect kingdom. Pulong Tau National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1708542.jpg
  • Mantispid (family Mantispidae), also known as a ‘mantidfly’. Looking something like a praying mantis crossed with a lacewing, this tiny predator uses the same raptorial front legs to grab its prey and hold them fast while eating them alive. Contrary to their appearance, they are not closely related to mantids, implying that this effective hunting strategy has evolved on more than one occasion in the insect kingdom. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1907200.jpg
  • By means of its extensive skin membranes, the Sunda Colugo (Galeopterus variegatus borneanus), is capable of gliding impressive distances between trees. This adult is carrying a young offspring on its underside. Bearing no relation to true lemurs, colugos are in their own unique order and are only distantly related to primates and treeshrews. They are nocturnal, feeding on leaves, flowers, and sap. Recent research on morphological and genetic variations indicate that the Bornean and Javan subspecies may merit recognition as distinct species. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1817161.jpg
  • A Harlequin Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus pardalis) struggles futilely as it is being slowly swallowed alive by a Black-Headed Cat Snake (Boiga nigriceps). Stagnant pools of water in the Borneo rainforest serve as important breeding grounds for many tree frogs which gather around in great numbers, a fact that some predators wisely take advantage of. Kubah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1704420.jpg
  • Peacock Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus kio). Yunnan, China.
    cld1704207.jpg
  • Sunda Colugo (Galeopterus variegatus), adult female with young. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1416967.jpg
  • Belalong Tree Frog (Leptomantis belalongensis), male. Only recently described, this tiny arboreal frog is endemic to just a few river basins in northwestern Borneo. Ulu Temburong National Park, Brunei (Borneo).
    cld1708053.jpg
  • The enlarged webbed feet of the Harlequin Tree Frog (Rhacophorus pardalis) enable it to maneuver in mid-air and slow its descent from a higher perch towards a safe landing. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld10040315.jpg
  • A pair of Short-nosed Tree Frogs (Leptomantis gauni) in amplexus, perched on the foliage of a tree on the bank of a clear stream. Eggs will be deposited in a foam nest overhanging the water so that the emerging tadpoles can drop directly into the stream below. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1301192.jpg
  • Bornean Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus borneensis), pair in amplexus. Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1908995.jpg
  • A pair of Bornean Gliding Frogs (Rhacophorus borneensis) in amplexus. Like other Rhacophorid tree frogs, the female will deposit a mass of eggs on a leaf overhanging a pool of water which are then fertilized by the male. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1311449.jpg
  • Red-legged Frog (Leptomantis rufipes). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1701422.jpg
  • Harlequin Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus pardalis). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1704441.jpg
  • Tree frog (Leptomantis cf. penanorum). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1106650.jpg
  • Harlequin Tree Frog (Rhacophorus pardalis). Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld10010498.jpg
  • Harlequin Tree Frog (Rhacophorus pardalis).  A female making a foam nest on a small tree overhanging a breeding pond.  After depsiting her eggs they will be fertilized by the two accompanying smaller males. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld10091411.jpg
  • Bornean Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus borneensis), female. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1311618.jpg
  • Bornean Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus borneensis), female. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1311575.jpg
  • Horned Gliding Lizard (Draco cornutus), male displaying gular flap. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1401802.jpg
  • The shy Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo) is a large megapode bird endemic to Sulawesi. They do not build nests but instead bury their eggs in huge pits dug in hot volcanic sand. The precocious young are able to fly and fend for themselves immediately after hatching. Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
    cld06111117.jpg
  • 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.
    cld1831504.jpg
  • The Twin-barred Flying Snake (Chrysopelea pelias) is the smallest and rarest of Southeast Asia's flying snake species. Like other Chrysopelea, this snake hunts lizards and is almost completely arboreal. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1416133.jpg
  • Paradise Flying Snake (Chrysopelea paradisi). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld2109451.jpg
  • The stinking Rhizanthes flower (Rhizanthes lowii) mimics a rotting carcass so well that carrion flies swarm around it to lay their eggs (visible as white flecks near the center of the flower).  In so doing the flies act as pollinating agents for this strange plant. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld09042879.jpg
  • The Black-bearded Tomb Bat (Taphozous melanopogon) roosts in caves and large rock crevices, emerging at night to feed on insects high above the forest canopy. It is found throughout much of mainland Southeast Asia as well as Borneo, Sumatra, and Java. It's echolocation calls while flying are audible as high pitched clicks. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld08021883.jpg
  • Undoubtedly one of the world's most remarkable plants, the parasitic Rafflesia holds the record for having the largest flower, sometimes reching over one meter across. Their macabre beauty belies a clever deception: the dark reddish coloration and putrid stench of the bloom mimic the rotting carcass of an animal, which thus lures carrion flies into the interior chamber where they will pollinate it. There are around 30 species in the genus, with variable flower sizes, this being R. tuan-mudae from Borneo, one of the largest. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld05120614.jpg
  • With some of the largest leaves of all orchids, this bizarre species (Bulbophyllum beccarii) spirals its way up a tree trunk in the lowland rainforest of Borneo. The leaves are designed to trap falling leaf litter which serves as a supply of nutrients for this entirely epiphytic plant. The blooms smell of rotting fish which attract swarms of flies as pollinators. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1503310.jpg
  • Undoubtedly one of the world's most remarkable plants, the parasitic Rafflesia holds the record for having the largest flower, sometimes reching over one meter across. Their macabre beauty belies a clever deception: the dark reddish coloration and putrid stench of the bloom mimic the rotting carcass of an animal, which thus lures carrion flies into the interior chamber where they will pollinate it. There are around 30 species in the genus, with variable flower sizes, this being R. tuan-mudae from Borneo, one of the largest. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld05120636.jpg
  • Undoubtedly one of the world's most remarkable plants, the parasitic Rafflesia holds the record for having the largest flower, sometimes reching over one meter across. Their macabre beauty belies a clever deception: the dark reddish coloration and putrid stench of the bloom mimic the rotting carcass of an animal, which thus lures carrion flies into the interior chamber where they will pollinate it. There are around 30 species in the genus, with variable flower sizes, this being R. tuan-mudae from Borneo, one of the largest. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld05120607.jpg
  • With some of the largest leaves of all orchids, this bizarre species (Bulbophyllum beccarii) spirals its way up a tree trunk in the lowland rainforest of Borneo. The leaves are designed to trap falling leaf litter which serves as a supply of nutrients for this entirely epiphytic plant. The blooms smell of rotting fish which attract swarms of flies as pollinators. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1315514.jpg
  • Miniature hitchhiker: a tiny pseudoscorpion catches a ride on the leg of a mite (itself only a few millimeters in size). Distant relatives of scorpions, pseudoscorpions lack a stinging tail, instead some are capable of delivering poison through their oversized pincers. They prey on even tinier invertebrates and are often found among decaying leaf litter or rotten wood. Many species utilize other creatures for rapid transport (phoresis): some ride beetles or flies and even one species has been found hitchhiking on bats. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld2005222.jpg
  • Although widespread in and eastern Australia, White’s Tree Frog (Ranoidea caerulea) is uncommon in New Guinea, being found only in the savannahs and subtropics of the extreme southern coast. This large frog, sometimes affectionately referred to as the Dumpy Tree Frog, has become popular in the pet trade due to its docile behavior. This “tameness” is likely due to the frog’s natural defenses: it can secrete a toxic compound from its skin when disturbed. While not dangerous to humans, this substance has been proven fatal to some insects and may be effective at protecting the frog from biting flies as well as larger predators. Wasur National Park, South Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
    cld1715485.jpg
  • A Bird Dropping Crab Spider (Phrynarachne decipiens) lies in wait on a silken pad it has made to resemble the stain of bird excrement. The remains of two unfortunate flies, victims of the spider's clever deception, lie nearby. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld10112228.jpg
  • A Cage Fungus (Pseudoclathrus cylindrosporus) grows in the rich decaying humus of Mount Kinabalu's montane rainforest. Flies, which are attracted to the strong putrid odor, disperse the spores which are found in a brown slime secreted on the inner surface of the receptaculum. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld10052325.jpg
  • What could seem more unappetizing to a bird than the prospect of eating its own droppings? The incredible masquerade of bird-dropping crab spiders (Phrynarachne spp.) enables them thus to hide in plain sight, usually perched exposed on the upper surface of a leaf. Not only does the spider itself look (and smell) like dung, but it also skillfully uses its own silk to simulate white stains of the splatter of a bird dropping – at times even crafting ‘drip lines’ down the furrows of a leaf. This disguise not only helps them avoid predators but it also attracts hungry flies which are hoping for a meal. Most spiders usually discard the remains of their prey after consuming them, but Phrynarachne sometimes incorporate the carcasses, as shown here, into convincing extensions of their facade. Kubah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1505201.jpg
  • Although widespread in and eastern Australia, White’s Tree Frog (Ranoidea caerulea) is uncommon in New Guinea, being found only in the savannahs and subtropics of the extreme southern coast. This large frog, sometimes affectionately referred to as the Dumpy Tree Frog, has become popular in the pet trade due to its docile behavior. This “tameness” is likely due to the frog’s natural defenses: it can secrete a toxic compound from its skin when disturbed. While not dangerous to humans, this substance has been proven fatal to some insects and may be effective at protecting the frog from biting flies as well as larger predators. Wasur National Park, South Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
    cld1715490.jpg
  • Blooming only once every three years, a corpse lily (Amorphophallus hewittii) opens its enormous inflorescence in the lowland rainforest of Borneo. The white spadix generates its own heat which helps to disperse its rotting stench to attract flies and beetles as pollinators. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1612088.jpg
  • The bizarre bloom of a Rhizanthes (R. lowii) unfurls its odorous and sinister-looking petals. A member of the Rafflesia family, this rare plant is also completely parasitic, living within its host vine and possessing no leaves, stems, or roots of its own. Like the more well-known Rafflesia, the flowers mimic a rotting animal carcass to attract carrion flies as pollinators. Measuring perhaps 30cm across, the bloom is only open for a few days before dying. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1500900.jpg
  • Producing the largest flowers in the world, the parasitic Rafflesia plant has no leaves or roots and lives entirely upon its host Tetrastigma vine. Each flower, which can take over 6 months to develop, is open for less than a week, during which it emits a fetid odor and attracts masses of flies for pollination. This species, Rafflesia pricei, is endemic to Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld08091918.jpg
  • The interior of a giant Rafflesia flower (R. tuan-mudae). With petals sometimes spanning over a meter in diameter, Rafflesia are the world's largest flowers. Flies, which act as pollinators, are attracted to the color and stench of the bloom, which mimics rotting meat. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld05120647.jpg