Natural History Notes

Phyllagathis rotundifolia Phyllagathis rotundifolia is a fairly common plant in forested areas, where it thrives in the humid and relatively dimly lit understory. A herbaceous member of the Melastomataceae family, it is a compact and sprawling plant often found along shaded trails. Its glossy, oppositely arranged leaves, with their prominent parallel veins, bear a resemblance to those of Clidemia hirta , another member of the melastome family. However, P. rotundifolia has broader leaves and exhibits a darker green pigmentation, an adaptation that helps it capture the scarce light available in the understory. Flowers of Pyllagathis rotundifolia The plant produces tiny yet striking purple flowers, held in panicles, creating a vivid contrast against the dark forest floor. Due to its neat, compact growth and attractive foliage, it is also cultivated as an ornamental plant. Plants within the Melastomataceae family are known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In the ...

  Tropical Swallowtail Moth Among the most striking members of the swallowtail moth family (Uraniidae) is the Tropical Swallowtail Moth ( Lyssa zampa ). Its overall coloration is relatively subdued, but its impressive wingspan, which can reach up to 6 inch, makes it unmistakable. The prominent "tails" on its hindwings can also cause it to be confused with the swallowtail butterflies found in the same region. This nocturnal species is commonly encountered at rest, hanging upside down along forest trails during the day. It is also known for occasional mass emergence and is readily attracted to lights, sometimes even entering homes at night. Its larvae feed on trees of the genus Endospermum and other members of the Euphorbiaceae family, with pupation occurring among the leaf litter.  Acropteris swallowtail moth In contrast, swallowtail moths of the genus Acropteris are significantly smaller and brighter members of the family. Their delicate creamy-white wings are marked with ...

Acanthaspis assassin bug nymph The nymph of some assassin bugs in this region employs a form of camouflage known as “ant piling.” For example, the nymph of  Acanthaspis sp. collects and carries multiple empty ant exoskeletons on its back as part of this disguise. Additionally, it first coats its upper body with layers of soil particles, dust and tiny plant debris using its hind legs. This behaviour distinguishes the Acanthaspis nymph from another assassin bug species, Inara flavopicta , which does not apply these layers of soil and sand, and whose backpack of ant carcasses appears noticeably cleaner. Beyond serving as visual protection from predators, this form of camouflage may also function as olfactory camouflage, helping to mask the nymph’s scent. Nymphs of the Acanthaspis assassin bug can be found in forested environments, on tree trunks and on the ground.

A wolf spider carrying its egg sac. Wolf spiders do not build webs to trap their prey, but like huntsman spiders, they actively stalk and ambush them. Their eyes are perfectly adapted for this hunting strategy, being arranged in three rows. The two large, forward-facing median eyes in the posterior row and smaller lateral eyes positioned at the sides enable them to scan their surroundings for prey, which includes insects and other small invertebrates. A female wolf spider with spiderlings on its back. Though they don’t spin hunting webs, wolf spiders do produce silk which they use to construct egg sacs. After hatching, the spiderlings climb onto their mother’s abdomen, where they remain for a week or two before dispersing. Members of the family Lycosidae, wolf spiders are typically small (most under one inch in body length) and often brown with darker markings  They thrive in diverse habitats, from forest floors and sandy stream banks to rocky crevices and low vegetation like ferns...

  Male and juvenile Asian Koel The male Asian Koel might be mistaken for a crow by a normal person, but this rather large cuckoo can be distinguished by its broader tail, ivory-colored bill and striking red eyes which are visible up close. Juveniles lack the red eyes and females are primarily brown with paler streaks and spots. Unlike many native cuckoos, it avoids dense forests and instead seems to thrive in human settlements such as suburban areas, villages and agricultural lands. Female Asian Koel During the breeding season, the male becomes especially vocal, emitting its loud, distinctive call that sounds like its namesake, ko-el . Its call has also earned it local names, such as Kaa-waw bird in Thailand, Sewah Tahu in Malaysia and Burung Tuwur in Indonesia. As a brood parasite, this bird lays its eggs in the nests of other species, particularly crows and mynas, which share the same habitat. This breeding strategy allows it to conserve valuable energy that would otherwise be sp...

  Five-bar Swordtail Both swordtail and swallowtail butterflies are grouped into the same family, namely  Papilionidae which is distinguished by the protrusions on their hindwings. In the case of swallowtails, these extensions often form twin tails reminiscent of a swallow’s forked tail. Swordtails, as their name implies, showcase a distinct, single sword-like extension which can clearly be seen in the Five-bar Swordtail ( Graphium antiphates ), for example.  It also differs from many swallowtail by their iridescent wings with green and yellow bands against a black background. Common Mormon Swallowtails such as the Common Mormon ( Papilio polytes ) has a somewhat broader wings, though they are not as quick as swordtails but still a strong flier.  Their wings are mainly black, with pale streaks visible up close on the forewings, while the hindwings have white streaks punctuated with red crescent markings. Interestingly, the female of this species exhibits a form of mi...