BORNEO AND CAMBODIA
Below are a few invertebrate photos from birding tours in Cambodia (with Naturalist Journeys) and Sabah, Borneo (with Avian Journeys) during January and early February, 2015. It was the dry season in Cambodia (insects sparse) and the very wet season in Borneo (photographic opportunities sparse). And, of course, pausing to take a photo meant possibly losing the rest of the tour group forever (or missing a great bird). That said, I did see some nice insects (birds, mammals, plants, etc.).
All shots except one were made with a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V point-and-shoot; occasionally lighting or resolution are sub-par but I blame myself or nervous subjects - not the camera. All organisms (except for the head shot of a grasshopper) are free-flying/crawling. Photos begin with butterflies and a few moths, followed by dragonflies and damselflies, then grasshoppers, ending with some odds and ends. Scroll down to whatever interests you.
At the very end, I include a few of the many websites I found helpful during the naming process; nonetheless, some species, especially grasshoppers, remain mysteries to me. A number of members of the International Brotherhood of Itinerant Naturalists, in the U.S. and various countries in Asia, have been very helpful, taking time to examine as-yet unidentified photos and suggest names. For sharing their expertise with butterflies and moths, or simply passing the link to their lep friends, I thank Gee Chartier, Les Day, Narca Moore-Craig, Stéphane De Greef, Pat Sullivan, and Paul H. Nielsen. People who helped with dragonflies, grasshoppers, or other taxa are mentioned below. To the rest of you, thank you in advance for corrections or names for unidentified species.
BUTTERFLIES AND SEVERAL MOTHS
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The Common Snow Flat, Tagiades japetus (Hesperiidae) basking at sunny trailside, Poring Hot Springs, Sabah, Borneo (26 January 2015). |
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A large, crepuscular, red-eyed skipper (Hesperiidae), possibly White-tipped Skipper, Erionota hiraca, photographed at dawn, Kinabatangan Jungle Camp, Sabah, Borneo (29 January 2015). |
Pale Palm Dart or Pale-orange Darter, Telicota colon (Hesperiidae). Sunny riverside trail in town, Siem Reap, Cambodia (7 January 2015). |
The Common Grass Dart, Taractrocera maevius (Hesperiidae). Poring Hot Springs, Sabah, Borneo (26 January 2015). |
An unidentified grass skipper (Hesperiidae). Poring Hot Springs, Sabah, Borneo (26 January 2015). |
A skipper (Hesperiidae) in a roadside hedge. Florican Grassland reserve SE of Siem Reap, Cambodia (10 January 2015).
A large skipper (Hesperiidae) feeding at a banana blossom, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (1 February 2015). |
A somewhat disheveled Great Mormon, Papilio memnon (Papilionidae). Angkor Wat, Cambodia (8 January 2015). |
Blue Jay (a. k. a. Lesser Jay) Graphium evemon (Papilionidae). Kinabatangan Jungle Camp, Sabah, Borneo (29 January 2015). |
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Striped Albatross, Appias olferna olferna (Pieridae) (pair in copula). Weedy riverside, Siem Reap, Cambodia (7 January 2015). |
The very widespread Small Grass Yellow, Eurema brigitta (Pieridae) Tmatboey, Cambodia. Dry dipterocarp forest (14 January 2015). |
Eurema laeta (Pieridae) (dry season form). Tmatboey, Cambodia. Dry dipterocarp forest (13 January 2015). The caterpillar host plant (not shown) is a small legume in the genus Chamaecrista. The same genus grows in our driveway in Arizona and is the host plant for Tailed Orange. |
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A Psyche, Leptosia nina (Pieridae) pauses for a moment from its low, bouncy flight. Dry dipterocarp forest near the Tmatboey Community Lodge, Cambodia (13 January 2015). Distinctive in Asia, at least seven other members of the genus occur in Africa. |
Common Wanderer, Pareronia anais (Pieridae). Understory of dipterocarp forest, Angkor Wat temple complex, Cambodia (8 January 2015). |
A lycaenid in the genus Allotinus. Allotinus unicolor rekkia has been suggested by eliminating the other known Cambodian species. Dry dipterocarp forest at the edge of a sunny trail. Veal Krous Vulture Restaurant camp near Dong Plet village, Cambodia. (15 January 2015). This was the only individual seen during the trip. |
Caleta manovus (Lycaenidae), a Bornean endemic. Roadside in wet dipterocarp forest, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (2 February 2015). |
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Common Pierrot, Castalius rosimon, Tmatboey Community Lodge, Cambodia. Weedy garden area in dry dipterocarp forest (13 January 2015). |
A lycaenid, perhaps in the genus Catopyrops. Kinabatangan River at Kinabatangan Jungle Camp, Sabah, Borneo (30 January 2015). |
A nice fresh Jamides, perhaps J. celeno (Lycaenidae). These were common at trailside in dry dipterocarp forest, Tmatboey, Cambodia (13 January 2013). Thanks to Pisuth E. at the Siam Insect Zoo for the suggested id. |
A hairstreak in the genus Arhopala, resting below a dead leaf about six feet above the ground. Tmatboey Community Lodge, Cambodia (14 January 2015). |
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The large and surprisingly leafwing-like hairstreak Arhopala centaurus, working the sandy driveway for minerals. Tmatboey Community Lodge, Cambodia (13 January 2015). |
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Acytolepis perhaps ripte. Two or three were seen at forest edge, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (1 February 2015). |
The Eastern or Oriental Grass Blue, Chilades pulti. This was the only shot I got of this very different blue. Cleared area behind Tmatboey Community Lodge, Tmatboey, Cambodia (13 January 2015). |
Lesser Grass Blue, Zizina otis sangra, understory of dry dipterocarp forest near Tmatboey, Cambodia (13 January 2015). |
Lesser Grass Blue, Zizina otis sangra. Garden of Mondulkiri Hotel, Krong Saen Monourom, Cambodia (17 January 2015). |
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Lesser Grass Blue, Zizina otis sangra, Tmatboey, Cambodia (12 January 2015). |
A nice fresh Gram Blue, Euchrysops cnejus, Tmatboey, Cambodia (14 January 2015). |
Tiny Grass Blue, Zizula hylax, Tmatboey, Cambodia (14 January 2015). |
I believe this metalmark is Abisaria echerias, a species rarely recorded in Cambodia. I also photographed it at Prey Vang. Dry dipterocarp forest, Tmatboey, Cambodia (13 January 2015). |
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The pretty little metalmark Zemeros emesoides, on the entrance road to Gomantong Caves, Sabah, Borneo (31 January 2015). |
Athyma perius, often referred to as the Common Sergeant, photographed in the garden of the Hotel Mondul Kiri, Krong Saen Monourom, Cambodia (17 January 2015). |
A species of Neptis, perhaps nata. Soggy forest understory near river edge, Kinabatangan Jungle Camp, Sabah, Borneo (29 January 2015). |
Malay Lacewing, Cethosia hypsea, a common forest edge species throughout SE Asia. Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (upper 2 February; lower 5 February 2015). |
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The very widespread Common Eggfly, Hypolimnas bolina (male). Weedy river edge, Siem Reap, Cambodia (7 January 2015). The very different-looking female belongs to a mimicry complex and resembles poisonous milkweed-feeding butterflies. |
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Buckeye-type butterflies, locally called Pansies, are well-represented in southeast Asia, as these three photos suggest. Peacock Pansy, Junonia almana, Weedy river edge in town, Siem Reap, Cambodia (7 January 2015). |
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Grey Pansy, Junonia atlites, Weedy riverside in town where numerous, Siem Reap, Cambodia (7 January 2015). |
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Chocolate Pansy, Junonia hedonia, Poring Hot Springs, Sabah, Borneo. Ornamental plantings. (26 January 2015). |
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Clipper, Parthenos sylvia Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo. Ornamental plantings where common (5 February 2015). |
A male Archduke, Lexias pardalis; in shady understory. Note orange-tipped antennae but the pair of spots on the dorsum of the thorax is not visible. Understory of dry dipterocarp forest, Prey Vang, Cambodia (11 January 2015). |
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Mycalesis sp., perhaps M. janardana. Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (2 February 2015). |
A Mycalesis, I believe anapita, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (2 February 2015). Perched at forest edge. |
Ypthima sp. Poring Hot Springs, Sabah, Borneo. Trail in forest, (26 January 2015). |
Ypthima sp. Dry dipterocarp forest, Tmatboey, Cambodia (13 January 2015). Possibly same as next species. |
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Ypthima sp. Dry dipterocarp forest, Tmatboey, Cambodia (13 January 2015). |
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Ypthima sp. Tmatboey, Cambodia (13 January 2015). |
A satyr, perhaps in the genus Melanitis (or Mycalesis?). Dry dipterocarp forest, Tmatboey, Cambodia (13 January 2015). |
Another Melanitis (or Mycalesis?) satyr. Dry dipterocarp forest. Tmatboey, Cambodia. (12 January 2015). |
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Images on the Internet suggest this moth is Herochroma orientalis or urapteraria (Geometridae). At a light, Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Borneo (25 January 2015). |
Daphnusa ocellaris (Sphingidae) at light. Kinabatangan Jungle Camp, Sabah, Borneo (29 January 2015). |
A sphinx moth (Sphingidae) at light. Pat Sullivan has suggested Theretra as a possible genus. Kinabatangan Jungle Camp, Sabah, Borneo (28 January 2015). |
A sphinx moth (Sphingidae), apparently in the genus Panacra, attracted to a light. An illustration in Moths of Borneo Part 3 suggests it may be P. automedon, as the postmedial lines of the forewing constrict as they approach the abdomen and costa. Thanks to Pat Sullivan for honing in on the genus. Kinabatangan Jungle Camp, Sabah, Borneo (29 January 2015).
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DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES
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Rhinocypha humeralis (Chlorocyphidae) (male) Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo. Sunny roadside drainage channel (5 February 2015). |
Probably Euphaea subcostalis (Euphaeidae) (male). Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo. Small, sunny roadside drainage channel (2 February 2015). |
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The widespread jewelwingVestalis gracilis (Calopterygidae) (female) Siema Protected Forest, SW of Krong Saen Monourom, Cambodia. Trail edge in moist foothill forest (16 January 2015). |
Lestes nodalis (female). Understory of dry dipterocarp forest near reservoir edge. Prey Vang, Cambodia (11 January 2015). For the identification, thanks to Oleg Kosterin, who notes one previous record for Cambodia. |
Lestes praemorsus (pair in copula) at a shallow roadside seep, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (5 February 2015). |
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Agriocnemis rubescens (alcyone?) (Coenagrionidae) (imm. male) Kinabatangan Jungle Camp, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Borneo. weedy forest margin near river (29 January 2015). Thanks to Albert Orr for suggesting the id. |
A not quite mature male Agriocmenis lacteola (Coenagrionidae) in the dry, and partly burnt Florican Grassland reserve SE of Siem Reap, Cambodia. According to Oleg Kosterin, perhaps the third record for Cambodia (10 January 2015). The ghostly-white abdomen is distinctive. I got one slightly overexposed shot before the wind blew it away. |
Unidentified damselfly (male), Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (2 February 2015). |
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Onychargia atrocyana (Coenagrionidae) (male) perched on leaves at pond edge. Sepilok, Sabah, Borneo (27 January 2017) |
A male Ceriagrion cerinorubellum (Coenagrionidae) perched at the edge of a large pond just after a midday shower. Sepilok, Sabah, Borneo (27 January 2015). |
Teinobasis probably laidlawi (Coenagrionidae) (male). Small roadside pool where fairly common. Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (5 February 2015). |
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Ictinogomphus decoratus (male) (Gomphidae). Weedy edge of river flowing through town, Siem Reap, Cambodia (7 January 2015). |
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Brachydiplax chalybea (male) (Libellulidae) perched on water hyacinth at the edge of a large pond. Sepilok, Sabah, Borneo (27 January 2015). |
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I initially identified this as a male Brachydiplax farinosa (Libellulidae), but Pisuth Ek-Amnuay at the Siam Insect Zoo suggests B. sobrina, based upon the number of antinodal crossveins. It was perched on water hyacinth at the edge of a large pond. Sepilok, Sabah, Borneo (27 January 2015). |
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Brachythemis contaminata (Libellulidae) (male upper, female lower), a common species at river and lake edges. Floating Village, Tonle Sap River near Siem Reap, Cambodia (9 January 2015). |
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Crocothemis servilia (Libellulidae) (male) eating a small beetle. River edge in town, Siem Reap, Cambodia (7 January 2015). |
Agrionoptera insignis insignis (Libellulidae) male (upper) perched low over water at small artificial pond, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (2 February 2015); female (lower) on branches about 8 feet above ground at forest edge, Kinabatangan Jungle Camp, Sabah, Borneo (29 January 2015). Thanks to Pisuth Ek-Amnuay at the Siam Insect Zoo for correcting my initial id. |
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Neurothemis fulvia (Libellulidae) (male - upper, female - lower). Moist foothill forest, sunny trail edge, Siema Protected Forest, Mondul Kiri, Cambodia. (17 January 2015). |
A colorful male Neurothemis , I believe ramburii (Libellulidae), at a shallow, muddy roadside seep. Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (2 February 2015). Neurothemis tullia was seen at several sites at both pond and river edge. This male was at the edge of the reservoir at Prey Vang, Cambodia (11 January 2015). |
Apparently a female of Orthetrum glauca. Gomantong Caves entrance road, Sabah, Borneo (31 January 2015). Thanks to Albert Orr for suggesting the identification, which remains tentative, but seems to fit. |
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The very common and widespread Orthetrum sabina (Libellulidae) (male) perched at ground level at river edge. Siem Reap, Cambodia (7 January 2015). |
Rhodothemis rufa, male. Pond edge, Sepilok, Sabah, Borneo. The large tibial spines differentiate it from Crocothemis, and an incomplete antinodal crossvein in the forewing (arrow) distinguish it from similar red Urothemis and Orthetrum (27 January 2015). |
Tyriobapta torrida (Libellulidae) (male) Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo. 3 February 2015). This species is often found on tree trunks but I saw males perched low over the water at two small ponds. |
GRASSHOPPERS
Note: All grasshoppers and the crickets were photographed during daylight hours.
Erucius sp. (Chorotypidae) at bright forest edge. Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (3 February 2015). Thanks to Hugh Rowell for pointing me towards this genus. |
A very small but adult grasshopper (Chorotypidae) on vegetation bordering a small pond at forest edge. Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (3 February 2015). |
A pygmy grasshopper (Tetrigidae). Poring Hot Springs, Sabah, Borneo (26 January 2015). |
A pygmy grasshopper (Tetrigidae). Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (2 February 2015). |
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A large grasshopper, presumably in the genus Acrida (Acridinae), that mimics dry grass. Dak Dam vicinity, Mondul Kiri Provence, Cambodia (17 January 2015). |
Unidentified grasshopper in a sandy, cleared area at the Tmatboey Community Lodge, Tmatboey, Cambodia (13 January 2015). |
This grasshopper is in the genus Oxya and is, or is very similar to the Rice Grasshopper, Oxya japonica (Oxyinae). Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (1 February 2015). |
A grasshopper in a grassy field on a river bank. Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (4 February 2015). |
A female grasshopper similar to, and sharing the red hind tibiae of Pseudoxya diminuta (Oxyinae). Tmatboey, Cambodia (12 January 2015). |
A female grasshopper near forest edge, Kinabatangan Jungle Camp, Sabah, Borneo (29 January 2015). Pisuth Ek-Amnuay at the Siam Insect Zoo suggests Phlaeoba infumata (Acridinae) for this stunning dry grass mimic, as well as for the next two images. Garden of the Hotel Mondul Kiri, Krong Saen Monourom, Cambodia (17 January 2015). |
Phlaeoba infumata (Acridinae) (see above) Garden of the Hotel Mondul Kiri, Krong Saen Monourom, Cambodia (17 January 2015). |
Phlaeoba infumata (Acridinae) (see comment two photos above). Guest lodge at Prey Vang, Cambodia (11 January 2015). |
A female grasshopper with distinctive tibial pattern and color. Pisuth Ek-Amnuay at the Siam Insect Zoo suggests Aiolopus thalassinus tamulus. Prey Vang guest lodge, Cambodia, adjacent to dry dipterocarp forest (11 January 2015). |
An acridid grasshopper (female) on open, sunny ground with sparse plant growth. Tmatboey, Cambodia (14 January 2015). Image rotated 90 degrees left. |
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Grasshoppers, likely in the genus Stenocatantops (Catantopinae). The Orthoptera Species File Online recognizes S. splendens for Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (5 February 2015-above, 2 February 2015-below). |
Pisuth Ek-Amnuay at the Siam Insect Zoo suggests Xenocatantops humilis (Catantopinae) for this distinctive grasshopper. Manioc patch near forest edge, Siema Protected Forest, SW of Krong Saen Monourom, Cambodia (16 January 2015). |
A male grasshopper, apparently in the widespread genus Trilophidia (Oedipodinae). Weedy river edge in town, Siem Reap, Cambodia (7 January 2015). Pisuth Ek-Amnuay at the Siam Insect Zoo suggests T. annulata for this photo. A female grasshopper, apparently in the genus Trilophidia (Oedipodinae). The Orthoptera Species File Online recognizes Trilophidia nigricans from Borneo. Sunny trail edge, Poring Hot Springs, Sabah, Borneo (26 January 2015). |
Perhaps a member of the genus Traulia (Catantopinae) perched at forest edge where reasonably common. Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (1 February 2015) |
A male, perhaps in the genus Traulia (Catantopinae). Gomantong Cave entrance road, Sabah, Borneo (31 January 2015). |
A female acridid grasshopper, perhaps Phlaeoba (Acridinae). Gomantong Caves entrance road, Sabah, Borneo (31 January 2015) |
A female (Acridinae?), perhaps the same genus and species as below, Poring Hot Springs, Sabah, Borneo (26 January 2015). |
A male, apparently in the genus Phlaeoba (Acridinae). It resembles P. antennata found in Singapore. Poring Hot Springs, Sabah, Borneo (26 January 2015). |
An large acridid in the genus Valanga and almost certainly Valanga nigricornis, (Cyrtacanthacridinae). Thanks to Hojun Song for suggesting the identification. Poring Hot Springs, Sabah, Borneo (26 January 2015). |
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Atractomorpha psittacina (Pyrgomorphidae) (female) Kinabatangan Jungle Camp, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Borneo. Open, weedy forest margin. Note: The id. is based on range as there are numerous species in the genus but perhaps only one in Borneo. (29 January 2015). |
A colorful male, I believe also in the genus Atractomorpha, at sandy road edge. Tmatboey Community Lodge, Cambodia (14 January 2015). |
A pair of diurnal crickets in the genus Nisitrus; perhaps N. vittatus (Eneopterinae). These were abundant on roadside vegetation. Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (5 February 2015). |
MISCELLANEOUS
Tiger Leech, Haemadipsa picta, perhaps the most talked about member of Borneo's diverse fauna (2 February 2015).
A fly, perhaps a tachinid, deep in the forest. Mt. Kinabalu Nat. Park, Sabah, Borneo (25 January 2015). |
A robber fly (Asilidae) resting on a roadside curb. Mt. Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Borneo (24 January 2015). |
A nymph of the Red Stink Bug Pycanum rubeus (Pentatomidae), along the Gomantong Caves entrance road, Sabah, Borneo (16 February 2015). |
A fulgoroid planthopper in the family Ricaniidae. Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (1 February 2015). |
Another fulgoroid planthopper in the family Ricaniidae. Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (4 February 2015). |
A fulgoroid planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae. Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (1 February 2015). Thanks to Lois O'Brien for comments on fulgoroids. |
A very common roadside leafhopper. Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (2 February 2015). |
The rather bizarre scarab beetle Dicheros bicornis borneensis which showed up at the breakfast table one morning - presumably attracted to a light. Kinabatangan Jungle Camp, Sabah, Borneo (30 January 2015). Thanks to Mike Quinn and Pat Sullivan for comments on this wonderful bug. |
A spectacular male three-horned dynastine scarab in the genus Chalcosoma. Pisuth Ek-Amnuay at the Siam Insect Zoo suggests Chalcosoma moellenkampi as the id. This beetle was photographed by my partner Karen at the botanical garden, Mt. Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Borneo (24 January 2015). The site was surrounded by wet, montane forest at approx. 5,270' elevation. |
A Lesser rice bug, Leptopcorisa acuta (Alydidae). Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo. This species was very common on roadside vegetation (2 February 2015). Thanks to Pisuth Ek-Amnuay at the Siam Insect Zoo for the id. |
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A Longbean pod bug, Riptortus pedestris (Alydidae), roadside vegetation. Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah, Borneo (4 February 2015). Thanks to Pisuth Ek-Amnuay at the Siam Insect Zoo for the id. |
SOME USEFUL INTERNET RESOURCES FOR SE ASIA
Asia Dragonfly:
http://www.asia-dragonfly.net/References.php
Butterfly Circle Checklist:
http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/
Butterflies of Borneo. Photos by L. C. Goh:
http://www.pbase.com/lcgoh/butt_borneo&page=all
Butterfly Circle's Butterflies of Singapore:
http://butterflycircle.blogspot.com/
Dragonflies and Damselflies of Thailand (by Dennis Farrell):
http://thaiodonata.blogspot.com/
Dragonflies of Cambodia (by Hanns-Jürgen Roland):
http://www.dragonflies-cambodia.com/
Dragonflies in Sabah (by Wong Chun Xing):
http://wongchunxing.com/DragonFly/INDEXDragonFly.htm
Exotic butterflies photographed by Oleg Kosterin:
http://pisum.bionet.nsc.ru/kosterin/exotic/exotic.htm
Moths of Borneo (J.D. Holloway):
Odonata of Peninsular Malaysia (by C.Y. Choong):
http://odonata-malaysia.blogspot.com/
Orthoptera of Fraser's Hill, Peninsular Malaysia. (2014. Ming Kai Tan and Khairul Nizam Kamaruddin, National University of Singapore. 94 pp. 13.2 MB download):
http://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/nus/pdf/lkcnhmbooks/orthorptera_fraser%E2%80%99s_hill.pdf
Orthoptera Species File Online:
http://orthoptera.speciesfile.org/HomePage/Orthoptera/HomePage.aspx
Samuibutterflies. Photos by Les Day (primarily) and Antonio Giudici:
http://www.samuibutterflies.com/home/
Siam Insect Zoo and Museum: Updated Shorthorned Grasshoppers from Thailand, Family Acrididae, Order Orthoptera (by Pisuth Ek-Amnuay):
http://www.malaeng.com/blog/?p=14795
Singapore Butterfly Checklist:
http://www.butterflycircle.org/sgchecklist.htm
Sphingidae of Southeast-Asia:
thaibugs:
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