Chien C. Lee

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  • A Pygmy Loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus) makes a meal of a giant stick insect (Tirachoidea sp.).  Although primarily insectivorous, these nocturnal primates will also feed on fruit, sap, flowers, lizards, and nestling birds.  Captive. Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh, Vietnam.
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  • A predatory Robber Fly (Cophinopoda sp.) waits on a blade of grass for passing insects. South Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Feared by some, revered by others, the Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) is surely one of Madagascar's most bizarre lemurs. Unique among primates, the Aye-aye's front incisors grow continuously like a rodent, leading to the early belief that they were some sort of gigantic nocturnal squirrel. Equally unusual are its long bony middle fingers which are used by the animal to tap tree trunks for the sound of insect grubs inside and then extract them like a fish hook. Unfortunately, Aye-ayes have become gravely endangered from habitat loss and persecution by people: they are often killed on sight due to the superstition that they are an omen of death. Tomasina, Madagascar.
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  • 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).
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  • 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).
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  • A male Whitehead's Broadbill (Calyptomena whiteheadi) returns to its nest where it passes food to the hungry chick. Both male and female care for the nestlings, providing insects and fruit, as well as removing fecal pellets. This scarcely-seen species is the largest of all the green broadbills (reaching 27cm in length) and is endemic to the montane forests of Borneo. Sabah, Malaysia.
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  • At only 12cm in length, the Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx fallax) is one of the smallest kingfishers. It is a bird of the forest, feeding on small lizards and insects, and is endemic to Sulawesi and a few offshore islands, although scarce and patchily distributed. Gorontalo, Indonesia.
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  • Although the vast Australian outback is famous for its aridity, poor soils, and tortuous heat in summer, a surprising number of colorful creatures make this habitat their home. One of these is the aptly named Splendid Fairy-wren (Malurus splendens), a dainty yet bold bird that lives in small groups that hunt insects among the desert scrub. Despite the male’s gaudy plumage (as shown here), he will supplement his courtship efforts by wooing the female with pink or purple flower petals he has carefully plucked. Shark's Bay, Western Australia.
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  • A Gursky's Spectral Tarsier (Tarsius spectrumgurskyae) perches outside of its tree hole roost. These tiny nocturnal primates emerge every evening to hunt for insects. Tangkoko Nature Reserve, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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  • The impressive Sailfin Lizard (Hydrosaurus celebensis) is the largest agamid lizard in the world, reaching over 1 m in length.  They are very agile swimmers and are seldom found far from rivers.  They feed on leaves and insects. Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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  • The Western Tarsier (Cephalopachus bancanus borneanus), also known as Horsfield's Tarsier, is a small nocturnal primate occurring in the lowland forests of Sumatra and Borneo. They are carnivorous and feed mainly on insects, but occasionally take birds and bats. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • With an adult size usually under 405g, the Pygmy Slow Loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus) is the smallest of all lorises. It is strictly nocturnal and survives on a diet of insects and fruit. Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam.
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  • A Hardwicke's Woolly Bat (Kerivoula hardwickii) returns to its roost in a pitcher of Nepenthes hemsleyana. This recently discovered mutualism benefits both parties. The bats obtain a secure shelter safe from predators and rain, and the plants derive a significant portion of their nitrogen from the bat's droppings. Belait, Brunei Darussalam (Borneo).
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  • This large Huntsman spider (Gnathopalystes sp.) has captured a walking stick (Hermagoras hosei). Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Marauder Ants (Carebara affinis) attacking a beetle grub. The minor workers are assisted by their larger sisters, the majors and super-majors, which use their powerful mandibles to cut the grub into smaller pieces. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Huntsman spider preying on camel cricket, with parasitic midge. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Lynx spider (Hamadruas superba) preying on plant bug (Alydidae). Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Marauder Ants (Carebara affinis) attacking a beetle grub. The minor workers are assisted by their larger sisters, the majors and super-majors, which use their powerful mandibles to cut the grub into smaller pieces. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Rufous Mouse Lemur (Microcebus rufus), feeding on katydid. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • A predatory Toxorhynchites mosquito emerges from the liquid in a pitcher of Nepenthes ampullaria. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Iridescent Bark Mantis (Metallyticus splendidus). One of the most beautiful of all praying mantises, these rare mantids are unique in their metallic coloration. They are found on and underneath bark of rainforest trees and are believed to prey exclusively on cockroaches. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • When threatened, the Knob-tailed Gecko (Nephrurus levis) raises its body off the ground to appear larger in size. Cape Range National Park, Western Australia.
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  • Endemic to the mountains of central Sulawesi, the stream-breeding Loka Flying Frog (Rhacophorus monticola) is highly variable in coloration. South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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  • Endemic to northern Borneo, the Black-and-crimson Pitta (Pitta ussheri) is a shy forest bird which feeds on worms and other terrestrial invertebrates. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Spiny-tailed Gecko (Diplodactylus ciliaris). Exmouth, Western Australia.
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  • Australian Green Tree Frog (Ranoidea caerulea). Queensland, Australia.
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  • Crab spiders of the genus Amyciaea are excellent mimics of Weaver Ants (Oecophylla), their preferred prey. In this manner they are able to both avoid predators and easily approach within striking distance of the ants. North Maluku, Indonesia.
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  • A species of bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus cf. mikianus) from the Mamberamo Basin in western New Guinea. Papua, Indonesia.
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  • A study on perfection in mimicry: a Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus). One of 14 species of leaf-tailed geckos endemic to Madagascar, this nocturnal insectivore utilizes its incredible camouflage to hide among dead foliage by day. All Uroplatus geckos are under severe threat from deforestation and over-collecting for the international pet trade. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • Named in honor of singer-songwriter David Bowie, this large huntsman spider (Heteropoda davidbowie) occurs in rainforests from Thailand to Sumatra and 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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  • Red-bearded Bee-eater (Nyctyornis amictus), male. Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Two-banded Chameleon (Furcifer balteatus), female. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • A pair of Lesser False Vampire Bats (Megaderma spasma) roosting near the entrance of a shallow limestone cave. Named because of their superficial resemblance to true vampire bats (which are restricted to Central and South America), Megaderma are insectivorous and do not drink blood. This species sometimes attains a large size (nearly 35g in weight) and is known to occasionally take more substantial prey including lizards, small birds, mammals, and even other bats. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Short-horned Chameleon (Calumma brevicorne), female. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • A master of camouflage, the Mossy Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus sikorae) is almost completely undetectable when it is at rest on a small tree in the forest understory. Frilled flaps of skin along its body break up its outline, making it appear nearly seamless with the tree on which it rests. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • Closeup portrait of a Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko). Uthai Thani, Thailand.
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  • Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis ceylonicus). Southern Province, Sri Lanka.
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  • Rough Chameleon (Trioceros rudis). Ruhengeri, Rwanda.
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  • An inhabitant of montane cloud forest, this unusual harvestman (Phareicranaus curvipes) possesses claw-like pedipalps for securing prey. Henri Pittier National Park, Venezuela.
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  • Madagascar Green Lynx Spider (Peucetia madagascariensis). Canal des Pangalanes, Madagascar.
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  • With over 320 described species and probably as many more yet awaiting discovery, New Guinea hosts a staggering diversity of frogs. This unidentified tree frog (Litoria sp.) was photographed in the moss forest of a remote mountain in the northern Jayawijaya Range. Highland Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Endemic to the mountains of northern Borneo, the rare and secretive Dulit Frogmouth (Batrachostomus harterti) is known from only a handful of specimens and sight records. Like other frogmouths it is a nocturnal insectivore and by day sleeps motionless on a branch disguised as a cluster of dead leaves. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • 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).
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  • Variable Cross Frog (Oreophryne variabilis). Widespread in Sulawesi, the loud calls of this tiny bush frog are a common sound in cool and wet mossy montane forests. South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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  • A large colony of Wrinkle-lipped Bats (Chaerephon plicata) emerges from a cave at dusk. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Jumping spiders of the genus Portia prey almost exclusively on other spiders, which they hunt using their superior eyesight and deceptive mimicry of a piece of detritus. They are also capable of drumming spider webs in specialized patterns, luring the host spider to within striking distance. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A Lesser False Vampire Bat (Megaderma spasma) roosting near the entrance of a shallow limestone cave. Named because of their superficial resemblance to true vampire bats (which are restricted to Central and South America), Megaderma are insectivorous and do not drink blood. This species sometimes attains a large size (nearly 35g in weight) and is known to occasionally take more substantial prey including lizards, small birds, mammals, and even other bats. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Bornean Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus borneensis). Bukit Sarang Conservation Area, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • White-lipped Bright-eyed Frog (Boophis albilabris). Masoala National Park, Madagascar.
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  • A master of camouflage, the Mossy Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus sikorae) is almost completely undetectable when it is at rest on a small tree in the forest understory. Frilled flaps of skin along its body break up its outline, making it appear nearly seamless with the tree on which it rests. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • Northern Leaf-tailed Gecko (Saltuarius cornutus). Queensland, Australia.
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  • Dull-green Shrub Frog (Pseudophilautus viridis). Central Province, Sri Lanka.
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  • A Lined Gecko (Gekko vittatus) perches in its rainforest habitat on the island of Halmahera, central Indonesia. Sometimes referred to as the "Skunk Gecko" because of its distinctive coloration, these are popular animals in the pet trade and large numbers are collected and exported yearly from Indonesia and the Solomon Islands. North Maluku, Indonesia.
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  • 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).
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  • A Feline Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles insignis) rests in a dense thicket of vegetation by day. This unusual family of nocturnal insectivorous birds, whose center of distribution is in New Guinea, is neither closely related to owls nor nightjars, and are placed in their own order. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • A pair of Lesser False Vampire Bats (Megaderma spasma) roosting near the entrance of a shallow limestone cave. Named because of their superficial resemblance to true vampire bats (which are restricted to Central and South America), Megaderma are insectivorous and do not drink blood. This species sometimes attains a large size (nearly 35g in weight) and is known to occasionally take more substantial prey including lizards, small birds, mammals, and even other bats. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Giant Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus) from Masoala National Park. Antsiranana, Madagascar.
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  • Short-legged Ground Roller (Brachypteracias leptosomus), one of several families of birds which are completely endemic to Madagascar. Mantadia National Park, Madagascar.
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  • A male Black-naped Monarchs (Hypothymis azurea) at his nest. In these flycatchers both male and female will share equal care in tending to the nestlings. Krabi, Thailand.
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  • Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus leucomelas). Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Central Provice, Botswana.
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  • A shy bird of the rainforest floor, the beautiful Blue-headed Pitta (Hydrornis baudii) is endemic to Borneo. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia.
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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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  • The rare and little known Rough Horned Frog (Pelobatrachus edwardinae) is endemic to Borneo. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Two-banded Chameleon (Furcifer balteatus), female. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Superbly camouflaged, this lichen huntsman spider (Pandercetes gracilis) lies in wait for prey on the trunk of a tree in the Arfak Mountains of New Guinea. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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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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  • 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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  • Parastheneboea neglecta, a rare stick insect known from only a few specimens from the rainforest of western Borneo. Batang Ai, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Stick insect (Orthomeria superba), male showing parasitic mites. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Epidares nolimetangere, male. With over 300 recognized species, Borneo is the richest area in the world for stick insects (order Phasmatodea). This species is endemic to Borneo and a number of color variations have been found throughout the island, such as this pure red form originating from central Sarawak.
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  • Leaf insect (Phyllium agnesagamaae) , male. Unlike their larger and more heavily bodied female counterparts, male Leaf Insects (family Phyllidae) have fully developed wings and are capable of flight. Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • An undescribed species of moss-mimicking stick insect from the montane forest of Sulawesi. South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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  • Stick insects (Dajaca monilicornis), mating pair. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Stick insect (Dinophasma braggi), male. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Mossy stick insect (Phobaeticus foliatus), juvenile female. Mount Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • In a habitat that would be deadly to most other insects, the freezing temperatures high on the slopes of Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador are home to a very unusual walkingstick: Monticomorpha flavolimbata. Feeding on páramo vegetation that is frequently crusted over with frost, this species has been recorded at altitudes of up to 5000m, making it the highest elevation known for any stick insect. Presumably its dark coloration helps it to more efficiently absorb the sun’s fleeting warmth.
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  • Orthostheneboea exotica, female (Previously Parastheneboea), a moss-mimicking stick insect endemic to Borneo. Sarawak, Malaysia.
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  • A master of camouflage, this rare stick insect (Trychopeplus laciniatus) is perfectly suited for its arboreal lifestyle in the mossy forests of Central America. It feeds exclusively on the foliage of several epiphytic orchid species. Cartago, Costa Rica.
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  • It can be argued that the perfection of camouflage is largely driven by the acuity of a predator’s vision. In many insects, such as among the great diversity of stick insects (phasmids), this selective pressure probably derives from the keen eyesight of insectivorous birds. Here, a female phasmid (Hermagoras sigillatus) from the Bornean rainforest performs a remarkable crypsis by folding her front legs forward, their expanded flanges matching together to form the resemblance of a decaying twig. This disguise not only breaks up the outline of her head (at bottom in this photo), but also conceals her antennae which otherwise could give away her disguise. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Touch-Me-Not Stick Insect (Epidares nolimetangere), male. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Leaf insect (Phyllium zomproi), juvenile. Highland Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Stick insect (Dinophasma saginatum), mating. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Among the most cryptically camouflaged of all invertebrates, leaf insects (Phyllium spp.) are difficult to find in their natural habitat. Many new species have been described from Southeast Asia in recent years. This is a subadult female (P. arthurchungi) from the rainforest of northern Borneo.
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  • Mating pair of stick insects (Staelonchodes sodalis) showing extreme dimorphism between male and female of the same species. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Mossy stick insect (Neoclides laceratus), female. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo)
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  • Stick insects are often thought of as being some of the most cryptically-colored of all animals, an adaptation that enables them to blend in perfectly with their surroundings and avoid detection from predators. However, some species such as this red-and-blue Calvisia sp. from central Borneo, take a completely different approach to defense; its bright coloration likely warns of a noxious chemical defense. Predators are quick to learn that prey insects which aren’t hiding themselves, are probably hiding a surprise instead. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A juvenile leaf insect (Nanophyllium australianum) from the rainforest of Iron Range National Park. Queensland, Australia.
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  • A juvenile leaf insect (Nanophyllium australianum) from the rainforest of Iron Range National Park. Queensland, Australia.
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  • Remarkable moss mimicry of a Madagascan stick insect (Antongilia lacinata). Visual camouflage adaptations such as this are predominantly aimed at protection from diurnal predators, hence these insects usually conceal themselves by day on mossy tree trunks. At night they roam about on the understory vegetation completely exposed while foraging for fresh leaves to feed on; their extravagant crypsis inconsequential in total darkness. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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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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  • Giant Prickly Stick Insect (Extatosoma popa). Highland Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Mossy stick insect (Taraxippus samarae), female. Limón, Costa Rica.
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  • Mossy stick insect (Phobaeticus foliatus), female. Maliau Basin Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Phyllium bioculatum.  Leaf insects (family Phylliidae) are found in tropical forested areas in South and Southeast Asia.  They are slow-moving foliage eaters and rely on their incredible camouflage for defense.  West Java, Indonesia.
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  • Stick insect (Paraloxopsis korystes) showing superb cryptic camouflage. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Leaf insect (Cryptophyllium oyae), male. Usually considerably rarer than the flightless females, male Phyllium can also be distinguished by their narrower body shape and long antennae. The taxonomy of many Phyllium species remain poorly studied due to how infrequently they are observed. Ha Giang, Vietnam.
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  • Long antennae are an important sensory apparatus for many insects but they can be a hindrance when it comes to concealing yourself. Some species, such as this mossy stick insect (Antongilia lacinata), have given them up (having only short antenna) in favor of better camouflage, probably a good trade-off considering this insect isn't highly mobile anyway. Photographed exactly as found on a mossy tree trunk. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • 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).
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  • The Bullet Ant (Paraponera clavata), a big reason why hikers in the Amazonian rainforest always proceed with trepidation when stepping off the trail into thick vegetation. One of the largest ants in the world, this species is infamous for its ferocious sting which some (unfortunate) individuals consider equivalent in pain to being shot. The ant's sting contains a neurotoxic venom and has been rated by biologists as the only perfect "4+" on the Schmidt Sting Pain Index, making it the most painful of all insect stings. Coca, Ecuador.
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