Chien C. Lee

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  • 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.
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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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  • Dendrobium cuthbertsonii. This tiny epiphytic orchid sports flowers which are much larger than the entire plant itself. It offers no nectar and is theorized to attract pollinating birds by its mimicry of similarly-sized and colored Rhododendron flowers which occur in the same habitat in the montane forests of New Guinea. Papua, Indonesia.
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  • A juvenile Broad-headed Bug (family Alydidae) showing mimicry of a small ant. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The Three-striped Ground Snake (Pseudoxyrhopus tritaeniatus) is certainly one of the most beautiful of Madagascan endemic snakes, but why is it colored this way? Bold red stripes are frequently used as an aposematic warning, indicating to other animals of severe danger. It is curious then that not only is this species completely non-venomous but there are in fact no other dangerous snakes in Madagascar that this could possibly be a mimic of. An interesting theory points to the co-occurrence of large red toxic millipedes in the same forests – could these actually be a mimicry model for this snake? On an island legendary for its biological curiosities, nothing seems beyond the realm of possibility. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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.
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  • Some of the most recognizable of all insects, ladybird beetles are brightly colored to warn predators of the potent alkaloids present in their blood, making them not only foul-smelling but also quite toxic. In a classic case of mimicry, this tiny spider (Paraplectana sp. - probably an undescribed species), carries out a convincing masquerade by means of its similar coloration and bulbous domed abdomen. East Kalimantan, Indonesia (Borneo).
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  • Borneo's orchid flora is estimated to comprise as many as 3000 species. Many remain unnamed and undescribed by science, including this tiny species (Bulbophyllum sp.). Although many Bulbophyllum flowers entice pollinators by unusual, often foul-smelling, odors, the bug-like appearance of this species' flowers may play a role in luring insects, a case of Pouyannian mimicry. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Broad-headed bugs (Riptortus sp.), juveniles showing mimicry of Oecophylla weaver ants. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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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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  • 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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  • Camouflage or a more cunning mimicry? Although cryptically patterned, this flatid planthopper from the Madagascan rainforest doesn't appear to blend particularly well against the tree bark on which it rests. However, a closer examination of its lace-like texture reveals that it is covered with filamentous white tufts, giving it a remarkable resemblance to an insect corpse that has been consumed by an entomopathogenic fungus. Given the abundance of such fungi in these wet forests, and their undesirability as food, this may be a clever strategy to deceive predators. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • The bold patterns on the wings of this ricaniid planthopper bear a striking resemblance to the legs and body of a black spider. This mimicry may serve to ward off potential predators such as jumping spiders, which are highly visually-oriented hunters. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Ant-hunting spider (Mallinella sp.) predating a Giant Forest Ant (Dinomyrmex gigas ssp. borneensis), which it also mimics. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A deceptive beauty: this tiny epiphytic orchid (Dendrobium cuthbertsonii), which bears flowers that last for up to nine months and are larger than the entire plant itself, offers no nectar reward for visiting pollinators. However, it appears remarkably similar in appearance to nectar-rich Rhododendrons which have flowers the same color and size and grow nearby. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Wasp-mimicking moth (Atrijuglans hetaohei). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Wasp-mimicking moth (Xestocasis sp.). Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Ant-mimicking mantis (Acromantinae), nymph. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Picture-winged fly (Cleitamia sp., family Platystomatidae) with spider-like patterns on its wings to deter predation from spiders. Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • In possession of one of the most painful stings in the insect world, tarantula wasps (Pepsis spp.) are avoided by just about every animal in the forest. This makes them a great thing to be mistaken for, especially if you happen to be an otherwise defenseless katydid such as this (Aganacris velutina). The katydid not only mimics the wasp’s distinctive coloration of a shiny black body with bright orange wings and antennae, but also its quick and jerky movements, making it appear decidedly ‘un-katydidlike’. This is particularly amazing considering katydids are family of insects normally renowned for their remarkable camouflage colorations. Canandé Reserve, Esmeraldas, Ecuador.
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  • Ant-mimicking tiger beetle (Neocollyris sp.). Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Asian Ant Mantis (Odontomantis sp.). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Flightless tiger beetle (Tricondyla sp.). South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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  • Lion Beetle (Ulochaetes leoninus). California, USA.
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  • Painted Antnest Frog (Lithodytes lineatus), a mimic of toxic dendrobatid frogs. Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • Assassin bug (Zelurus sp.) which mimics a spider wasp. Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • Rarely encountered due to their subterranean habits, Dwarf Pipe Snakes (Anomochilidae) are very little studied and are known from only a small handful of specimens. In addition to their bold coloration (which may serve to mimic venomous coral snakes), they also a false head on their tail to deflect attacks away from their true head. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Jumping spider-mimicking moth (Nymphicula sp.). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • It’s hard at first glance not to be fooled by the appearance of this wasp-mimicking katydid (Aganacris nitida), which is modeled after a stinging thread-waisted wasp (Eremnophila spp.). To enhance the effectiveness of this masquerade, the katydid also copies the wasp’s quick erratic movements, as most other katydids (especially camouflaged ones) move rather slowly. Katydids possess no chemical or otherwise painful defenses, and make for particularly good meals for predators, which is the driving force behind their remarkable disguises. Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • Red-headed Reed Snake (Calamaria schlegeli schlegeli), a small soil-dwelling species which feeds on frogs and slugs. 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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  • 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).
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  • Planthopper (Rhotana marmorata), showing wings that mimic the appearance of a jumping spider which is one of their primary predators. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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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. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Although completely non-venomous, the Painted Mock Viper (Psammodynastes pictus) defends itself by aggressively striking if threatened. It often hunts aquatic animals such as frogs and fish by perching on a low branch over the surface of the water. Central Kalimantan, Indonesia (Borneo).
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  • Jumping spider-mimicking planthopper (Rhotana hirashimai). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • This seed bug (Metochus schultheissi) is the same size and color as the stinging Diacamma ant it shares its habitat with. Kubah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Despite its appearance and usually fearsome disposition, the Dusky Mock Viper (Psammodynastes pulverulentus) possesses only a weak venom and is not dangerous to humans. It feeds on lizards and frogs. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Ant-mimic Crab Spider (Amyciaea forticeps), male. Kubah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • When threatened, the harmless Ceylonese Pipe Snake (Cylindrophis maculatus) employs a clever trick: it flattens its tail and raises it to expose the bright checkered pattern underneath. Not only does this divert attacks away from its vulnerable head (which remains hidden beneath), but these bold color patterns resemble venomous coral snakes (Calliophis sp.). Central Province, Sri Lanka.
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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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  • Jumping spider-mimicking caddisfly (Nectopsyche tuanis). Cartago, Costa Rica.
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  • Rarely encountered due to their subterranean habits, Dwarf Pipe Snakes (Anomochilidae) are very little studied and are known from only a small handful of specimens. In addition to their bold coloration (which may serve to mimic venomous coral snakes), they also a false head on their tail to deflect attacks away from their true head. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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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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  • Ant-mimicking mantis (Hapalopeza sp.), juvenile. Kubah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo)
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  • Tiger moth (Cratoplastis diluta), mimicking a firefly beetle (Lampyridae). Esmeraldas, Ecuador.
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  • Tiger moth (Correbidia sp.) which mimics a toxic net-winged beetle (Lycidae). Esmeraldas, Ecuador.
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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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  • 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).
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  • 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).
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  • Bird Dropping Crab Spider (Phrynarachne decipiens) preying on cockroach (Ectobiidae). Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Bird Dropping Crab Spider (Phrynarachne sp.). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Rafflesia tuan-mudae, male flower. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Nearly mature flower buds of Rhizanthes lowii, just several days before opening. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • 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).
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  • Rafflesia keithii. With blooms up to nearly 1 meter in diameter, this parasitic plant produces some of the largest flowers in the genus. It is endemic to Sabah (northern Borneo). Twin blooms such as this are a rare occurrence. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A giant bloom of Rafflesia arnoldii, the largest flower in the world, unfolds its petals in the Sumatran rainforest.  It takes nealy 2 days for the flower to fully open. West Sumatra, Indonesia.
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  • After developing as a large bud over many months, this flower of Rafflesia cantleyi will take just 24 hours to fully open, and last for only 3 days before withering. Perak, Malaysia.
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  • 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).
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  • Ceylon Bird Dropping Crab Spider (Phrynarachne ceylonica), female at nest. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Bird Dropping Crab Spider (Phrynarachne sp.). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • 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).
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  • 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).
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  • Rafflesia keithii. With blooms up to nearly 1 meter in diameter, this parasitic plant produces some of the largest flowers in the genus. It is endemic to Sabah (northern Borneo). Twin blooms such as this are a rare occurrence.
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  • 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).
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  • Rafflesia keithii. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • 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).
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  • 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).
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  • Rafflesia hasseltii, developing bud. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • 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).
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  • Sun Glass Frog (Hyalinobatrachium aureoguttatum), male. Esmeraldas, Ecuador.
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  • Lined Pipe Snake (Cylindrophis lineatus) also known as Blanford's Pipe Snake, a rare species endemic to Borneo and known from only a few specimens. When threatened, this species defends itself by raising its tail which is thickened and colored to appear as a head. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Darkling beetle (Cuphotes erichsoni), mimic of unpalatable fungus beetles (Gibbifer spp., Erotylidae). Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • Wasp moths (Amata pseudextensa), mating. Mount 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 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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  • Wax-tailed Planthopper (Pterodictya reticularis). The waxy filaments may serve to mimic an insect that has been keeled by parasitoid fungi, and thus dispel a predator's interest. Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • Sun Glass Frog (Hyalinobatrachium aureoguttatum), male hiding on the underside of a leaf. The pattern on the back of this species mimics a cluster of the frog's eggs, which help to deter attacks by predatory wasps. Esmeraldas, Ecuador.
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  • Walker's moth (Sosxetra grata). Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park, Ecuador.
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  • Sun Glass Frog (Hyalinobatrachium aureoguttatum), male hiding on the underside of a leaf. The pattern on the back of this species mimics a cluster of the frog's eggs, which help to deter attacks by predatory wasps. Esmeraldas, Ecuador.
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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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  • The mimicry of a dead leaf is so precise for the Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus), they can often hide effectively in plain sight. It has been untested to what degree these geckos actively select a substrate that matches their individual patterns, but U. phantasticus appears to typically hide among dead foliage which suits it perfectly. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • With forests full of keen-eyed predatory birds, many of Madagascar’s smaller creatures have evolved incredibly cryptic appearances to evade detection. In the case of this Ghost Mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa), the remarkable leaf like mimicry serves also to conceal it from potential prey, which will be seized and eaten alive if they venture too close. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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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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  • When approached by a potential predator, these amazingly camouflaged leaf grasshoppers (Chorotypus sp.) align their flattened bodies with the leaf they are perched on and remain completely still to accentuate their mimicry. Kubah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Males of the Madagascar's Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus) can usually be distinguished by their elaborately notched tails, a trait which gives them better mimicry of a leaf that has been partially eaten by insects. Exactly why this is a sexually dimorphic feature in these geckos is unknown, but in some animals different camouflage patterns in males and females can arise where each sex spends their time hiding in different locations and thus face differing selective pressures on their appearance. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • The mimicry of a dead leaf is so precise for the Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus), they can often hide effectively in plain sight. It has been untested to what degree these geckos actively select a substrate that matches their individual patterns, but U. phantasticus appears to typically hide among dead foliage which suits it perfectly. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Males of the Madagascar's Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus) can usually be distinguished by their elaborately notched tails, a trait which gives them better mimicry of a leaf that has been partially eaten by insects. Exactly why this is a sexually dimorphic feature in these geckos is unknown, but in some animals different camouflage patterns in males and females can arise where each sex spends their time hiding in different locations and thus face differing selective pressures on their appearance. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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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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  • Attending to its web only at night, the Twig Spider (Poltys elevatus) rests by day, tucking its legs and remaining completely motionless. Its bizarre elongated abdomen gives it the amazing mimicry of a shriveled petiole, allowing the spider to remain undetected by predators. 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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