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)
44 images found
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • 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.
    cld1807870.jpg
  • 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).
    cld2218664.jpg
  • 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).
    cld1602329.jpg
  • 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).
    cld1802917.jpg
  • 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).
    cld07091995.jpg
  • Malayan Lacewing Butterfly (Cethosia hypsea) caterpillars utilize warning coloration to signify to predators that they are unpalatable. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld07040431.jpg
  • 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.
    cld1813644.jpg
  • 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).
    cld1910872.jpg
  • 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.
    cld1807663.jpg
  • 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).
    cld1723482.jpg
  • 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.
    cld1719951.jpg
  • 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.
    cld1509017.jpg
  • Newly hatched Red Stink Bugs (Pycanum alternatum) cluster together to amplify the effect of their aposematic warning coloration. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1503544.jpg
  • 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.
    cld1919494.jpg
  • 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).
    cld1912557.jpg
  • The bright colors on the hind wings of this tiger moth (Areas galactina, female) warn of its distasteful nature. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld10112562.jpg
  • Bright colors warn potential predators of the painful stinging bristles worn by this slug moth caterpillar (family Limacodidae). Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1602679.jpg
  • 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).
    cld1825522.jpg
  • 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).
    cld1825510.jpg
  • Lanternfly (Pyrops heringi), displaying its brightly colored hind wings when disturbed in an attempt to startle predators. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1603000.jpg
  • 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).
    cld1910905.jpg
  • 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.
    cld1812850.jpg
  • 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.
    cld09021456.jpg
  • 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.
    cld1813254.jpg
  • Slug moth caterpiller (Parasa sp.). Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
    cld2011131.jpg
  • 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).
    cld1407152.jpg
  • Banded Malaysian Coralsnake (Calliophis intestinalis). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld2208146.jpg
  • Madagascar Fire Millipede (Aphistogoniulus hova), found in the rainforest of Masoala National Park. Antsiranana, Madagascar.
    cld1509203.jpg
  • 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.
    cld1719850.jpg
  • Giant ladybird beetle (Synonycha grandis). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1603686.jpg
  • 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).
    cld1602318.jpg
  • Wasp moths (Amata pseudextensa), mating. Mount Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1926027.jpg
  • 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.
    cld1719880.jpg
  • Marojejy Mantella (Mantella manery). Marojejy National Park, Madagascar.
    cld1621452.jpg
  • 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).
    cld1512706.jpg
  • Mangrove Cat Snake (Boiga dendrophila). Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1824480.jpg
  • 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).
    cld1411413.jpg
  • The warning coloration of these juvenile Leaf-footed Bugs (Prionolomia sp.), which have a noxious taste to predators, is accentuated by their tightly grouped behavior. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld07102820.jpg
  • The gaudy colors of this iridescent shield bug (Chrysocoris sp.) warn predators of its ability to secrete a noxious odor when disturbed. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld09111064.jpg
  • 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).
    cld1816009.jpg
  • Covered in gaudy colors to warn of her painful sting, a female velvet ant (Odontomutilla grossa) scurries about the rainforest floor in search of a nest to parasitize. These are not ants at all but actually a type of wasp (family Mutillidae) in which the females are completely wingless. Eggs are laid in the nests of other wasps or bees where they feed on the larvae of their host. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
    cld1416017.jpg
  • 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.
    cld1924599.jpg
  • Like a glittering jewel of the rainforest, the almost unnatural colors of a Eupholus weevil (E. mimikanus) probably serve as a warning to predators of its distastefulness. Considered by many to be among the most beautiful weevils in the world, most Eupholus are endemic to New Guinea.
    cld1715923.jpg
  • 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).
    cld09082253.jpg