tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2972309310125977692024-03-08T10:51:33.317+08:00Creatures Big & SmallI've always love nature. Nature has opened my eyes to the wonders of the world. There's always something new to discover and learn. Nature is always full of possibilities. This blog is a documentation of the animals I encountered on my nature explorations and I welcome all to share in my appreciation of Singapore's wild fauna.matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-54927490542875314842011-11-21T16:55:00.028+08:002011-11-22T14:20:35.935+08:00Katydid Asiophlugis species<div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The intensive work on Orthoptera from the past one year has produced several new findings including some species that are new to science. These are either published already or in the process of being so.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677373149739068450" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 268px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXUWDp-HN7vm8TKFzONd-hEbhhYpx-hX6neHGpYvEpYwKu3OM0HhvQxOdPaHh5qt6j2R0GsedC-MHaiXJ3FOp7IfifyW_2y-sySiaYAgQ5cH9YQ6Ht1D98bOkEf5CTdpVQtAsQsz784gA/s400/1.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-style: italic;">Asiophlugis temasek</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br />One of the new species is a little katydid, named <em>Asiophlugis temasek</em> after the old name for Singapore. This species measures only about 11mm in length and mostly found within our nature reserves. It is cryptic in behaviour, usually roaming on the underside of leaves. This tiny insect is quite charming. It is of emerald green with two large bulging eyes.<br /><br />Including <em>A. temasek</em>, Singapore has three species from this genus. The other two is <em>Asiophlugis rete</em> and <em>Asiophlugis thaumasia</em>. The marvelous katydid mentioned in the Singapore Red Data book is actually <em>A. thaumasia</em>.<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677373328727907106" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 264px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCT6izKutWLlUiq7W5tuc0nw5RZGAgYgx0HlumpLVey1pc_UWw2FpWhBgJzK0a-JBbHrSnPJi-X2YNTNY-zx8sPsU0ruKUtMhvpBEi81NUmPAa3Jiim_qxH2z_yqrGXjPc7frGt0GSJuwN/s400/3.jpg" border="0" /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677373741043360594" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 375px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1pwe82wRH9wnasO7iGj4uN3KhKNlzmxnR82tusKQ0-bYPKq5Nz3xKAm4PsCxRkt4Ivp4FdphVOMXdPXHyMp5DjqlaX3clcvGPPZ9RmmBgnchxNNHA-8RxNH_JCDx0Rw9gfMPU7iN5Ece/s400/2.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Asiophlugis thaumasia</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /><br />Because they are so poorly studied, very little is known about their biology. Hence its always interesting to witness aspects of their behaviour. Recently we managed to shot a short video of an <em>A. thaumasia</em> performing a brief waltz dancing. Simply delightful</span><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cusewjn%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cusewjn%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cusewjn%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>ZH-CN</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:SimSun; panose-1:2 1 6 0 3 1 1 1 1 1; mso-font-alt:宋体; mso-font-charset:134; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 680460288 22 0 262145 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:"\@SimSun"; panose-1:2 1 6 0 3 1 1 1 1 1; mso-font-charset:134; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 680460288 22 0 262145 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:45.0pt 90.0pt 45.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hWIp4civkYo?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hWIp4civkYo?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="420" height="315"></embed></object></span></p><br /><p align="center"></p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Actually what it is doing is generating motion parallax. The sideways head movements are means to judge distance and depth perception. In this instance, the head movements allow the little katydid to aim for an accurate targeted jump.</span><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><em style="font-family: lucida grande;">Asiophlugis</em><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> species are predatory but its still uncertain how they actually hunt. Perhaps they can ambush prey with a mighty leap? It would be very fascinating to document. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><br /><br /><br /></p><p></p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures and video taken at: Central Catchment Nature Reserve, December 2010; Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, November 2011<br /><br /><br />References:<br /><br />Davison, G. W. H., P. K. L. Ng & H. C. Ho (eds), 2008. <em>The Singapore Red Data Book: Threatened Plants and Animals of Singapore</em>. 2nd Edition. The Nature Society (Singapore), Singapore<br /><br />Gorochov, A. V. & M. K. Tan, 2011. New katydids of the genus <em>Asiophlugis</em> Gor. (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from Singapore and Malaysia. <em>Russian Entomological Journal</em>, 20(2): 129–133.<br /><br />Kral, K., 2003. Behavioural–analytical studies of the role of head movements in depth perception in insects, birds and mammals. <em>Behavioural Processes</em>, 64:1-12.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Tan, M. K., 2011. The species of <em>Asiophlugis</em> Gorochov, 1998 in Singapore (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae). <em>Nature In Singapore</em>, 4: 233-239</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com122tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-66997699871471978112011-07-20T11:38:00.016+08:002011-07-20T22:27:50.100+08:00Neurobasis chinensis (Green Metalwing)<div><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" >Local extinction. These are the two words most dreaded by Singapore’s nature conservationists. It simply means an animal or plant which used to exist in Singapore no longer does and so a part of our natural heritage is lost. In local context, an animal is presumed nationally extinct if it has not been recorded for the last 50 years.<br /><br />For odonates, we have lost a few species but perhaps the greatest lost of all is the brilliantly stunning damselfly, <em>Neurobasis chinensis</em> (Green Metalwing). This species belongs to a damselfly group that has amazed naturalists since it was first discovered sometime in the 18th century by scientists. It’s easy to see why. The gleaming flashes of metallic green wings as the males fly along a forest stream in their repertoire of territorial and courtship behavior is a sight to marvel. So much have these damselflies capture the wonder of naturalists that a book specifically dedicated to them was published four years ago. </span><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631278797996676130" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 238px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ts5gs35rmYtjZbDBpcfxeP07HoaTl2zi2Op-KLqh-hdM-JC9JoOieuPVTHNF1n7PHRyaLkhkubA51u5LDpBxAvxMB7plAW0Evow3rsahgFLMnUxC78JHGEgUxhN7adwueKkAycjsrHzS/s400/1.jpg" border="0" />I’ve seen <em>Neurobasis chinensis</em> in Peninsular Malaysia but not really been able to take clear photographs or videos till a recent trip to Langkawi. Males of <em>Neurobasis </em>genus will patrol and defend territories very vigorously at sunlight spots along streams . When displaying to each other, males will reduce the beats of their hindwings thus displaying the metallic iridescent green colour in its full glory under sunshine. In this way, males would chase each other along a stream in overlapping flights, wild chases, or tight spinning circles.<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631279012523501906" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 285px; text-align: center; font-family: lucida grande;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMJeKkoPiNC18bFAUYPZx48UbWkuLHn4rQlDhol8BGhJUX47f49mv3aEannKvyJJlswnKjJBLRiA29NjYENccdYwc35TKooFgYQFOLl4y3LnYVUt91vWUS_djZOat4OY5t3ThPNQE6C02/s400/2.jpg" border="0" /> </span><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" >Sometimes a perched male may be challenged by an intruder. When this happens, the defending male will have his abdomen raised with the tip pointing down while the intruder hovers just in front. Both males will then flash the hindwings. The video shows this behaviour and we can see why these damselflies are so enthralling to observe.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; font-family: lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/u1sFiSs_has?hl=en&fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><br /><em>N. chinensis</em> is extensively distributed in South and Southest Asia. It is one of about 14 species in the genus. <em>N. chinensis</em> can inhabit a wide variety of habitat, from unspoiled mountain forest streams to slightly disturbed lowland sandy streams. Unfortunately it was last recorded from Singapore in 1970. The last known habitat within Macritchie reservoir’s streams was destroyed due to heavy siltation during the construction and subsequent expansion of the PIE. So it is now a 41 years gap of sighting. Technically the damselfly is not presumed nationally extinct till the dreaded number hit 50 years. But researchers have thus far failed to find the species and to the best of our knowledge, habitats suitable for <em>N. chinensis</em> to thrive no longer exist. Impoundments of rivers for reservoirs and heavy siltation from various constructions encroaching onto our nature reserves have taken their toll. But maybe, just maybe, someone might spot it one day before the 50 years is up.<br /><br />We hope some resilient population of this damselfly, fittingly dubbed “Birds of Paradise amongst Odonata”, are still hanging on somewhere in Singapore.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /><br />Pictures and video taken at: Pulau Langkawi, July 2011<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />References:<br /><br />Davison, G. W. H., P. K. L. Ng & H. C. Ho (eds), 2008. <em>The Singapore Red Data Book: Threatened Plants and Animals of Singapore</em>. 2nd Edition. The Nature Society (Singapore), Singapore<br /><br />Murphy, D. H., 1997. Odonata biodiversity in the Nature Reserves of Singapore. In Proceedings of the Nature Reserves Survey Seminar. <em>Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore.</em> 49:333-352.<br /><br />Orr, A. G. & M. Hämäläinen, 2007. <em>The Metalwing Demoiselles (Neurobasis and Matronoides) of the Eastern Tropics: Their Identification and Biology.</em> Natural History Publications, Borneo.<br /><br />Tang, H. B., L. K. Wang & M. Hämäläinen, 2010. <em>A Photographic Guide to the Dragonflies of Singapore.</em> Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Singapore. </span><br /></div>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-48693600292975819192011-01-16T15:56:00.010+08:002011-01-17T11:21:22.729+08:00Barred Kukri Snake, Striped Kukri Snake<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Snakes of the genus <em>Oligodon</em> are commonly known as Kukri snakes. They are so-named due to the curved hind fangs at the back of their mouth. Those fangs evolved to suit Kukri snakes’ diet of chiefly eggs. As the eggs are swallowed, they would be pierced open by the special fangs. The fangs’ shape reminds one of the famous Kukri knife used by Nepalese.</span><br /><div><div><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Singapore has three types of Kukri snakes: Brown Kukri (<em>Oligodon purpurascens</em>), Striped Kukri (<em>Oligodon octolineatus</em>) and Barred Kukri (<em>Oligodon signatus</em>).<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Of the three, Striped Kukri snake is the most common and can inhabit suburban areas. Sometimes road kills are encountered, like this poor soul from 2006.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562690482126509202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTbAe-XQZ1cAUfvZF0qI0o7-8b35FdTjg7_NTQokQuCFPZh2h4iLHrbZsmVle_cAYLnJjuw1blAHap9Hm7RtphJ806gafT7qncHCYdpcu07RRn8903ImLEw4UDf62XNO5MGZk7cmdwt8F/s400/1.JPG" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The other two species prefer forests in the nature reserves and thus rarer. Local books list them as ‘restricted to a few areas and rare’ and ‘critically endangered’. Perhaps of the two species, Barred Kukri snake is of more significance because Singapore is the type locality and knowledge on its biology is scarce.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">So it was with great pleasure that a Barred Kukri snake was seen recently during a survey. The bright reddish-brown bands on its back are certainly attractive. And as the cameras clicked away, this elusive forest dweller slowly slipped back into the forest darkness. Thus ending a rare glimpse into another one of nature’s mysteries. </span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSYeBbA-ODa-hFDqN1Mzv15TtG_MYo3HFuge2krzJOyb9rqfhHEk5fVbVeg3hyYsUe3tX6Wl3XlmHxNnGteNHmTGs65oAzRKfU48CCAaJu8g7NmIcGTM3R3k9p7owBJu5rBQoXfvRZcBx/s1600/5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562694718543378642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 330px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSYeBbA-ODa-hFDqN1Mzv15TtG_MYo3HFuge2krzJOyb9rqfhHEk5fVbVeg3hyYsUe3tX6Wl3XlmHxNnGteNHmTGs65oAzRKfU48CCAaJu8g7NmIcGTM3R3k9p7owBJu5rBQoXfvRZcBx/s400/5.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOj6E-iWiaz8RSyH67Y8iOWPF5yAen8Iej-lvo60JM3A8zmbiGc8gg-JNEKtEFbR7yqH4rOSJYALHN21EfLJb_x5_mRllisaIKROGFp4CLwZ_NYz4w_RoDiz40QAwC4cOk3Ay48hdfV4VD/s1600/4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562695272777727890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 385px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOj6E-iWiaz8RSyH67Y8iOWPF5yAen8Iej-lvo60JM3A8zmbiGc8gg-JNEKtEFbR7yqH4rOSJYALHN21EfLJb_x5_mRllisaIKROGFp4CLwZ_NYz4w_RoDiz40QAwC4cOk3Ay48hdfV4VD/s400/4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></span></div><div></div><span style="font-size:100%;">Pictures taken at: Eng Neo, June 2006; Central Catchment Nature Reserve, December 2010.<br /></span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">References:<br /><br />Baker, N. & K. K. P. Lim, 2008. <em>Wild Animals of Singapore. A Photographic Guide to Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians and Freshwater Fishes</em>, Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte Ltd, Singapore.<br /><br /><br />Davison, G. W. H., P. K. L. Ng & H. C. Ho (eds), 2008. <em>The Singapore Red Data Book: Threatened Plants and Animals of Singapore</em>. 2nd Edition. The Nature Society (Singapore), Singapore</span></div></div>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-35368585712363906312011-01-02T19:05:00.024+08:002011-01-02T20:19:25.921+08:00Agrionoptera insignis , Agrionoptera sexlineata<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Different dragonflies species adopt different survival strategy during the vulnerable stage of metamorphosis and emergence from larva to adult. The majority of species leave the water either partly or completely before emergence. This behaviour is most likely meant to expose the thoracic spiracles to air respiration. But the amount of time a pharate adult (one that has changed from larva to adult but still within the old larval skin) spent outside of water before emergence varies. For most species, the time spent is usually on the day before emergence but some species have been known to stay out of water for up to 14-20 days. I’m not exactly sure the reasons behind this time variation and haven’t read up enough literature on this aspect of dragonflies biology. Thus recent emergence of two closely related species is interesting to note.<br /><br />The first to emerge is <em>Agrionoptera insignis</em> (Grenadier). The larva was completely out of water for up to three days. During this time, it explored various spots on the driftwood, usually resting at a spot (blue arrows) for a few hours before moving on. In those three days, it seemed to be selecting an emergence spot meticulously. Either that or some parts of the larva was still undergoing changes to adulthood and so not yet ready for emergence.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557554238486794210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWAfYEOtqHn8tA3FJngMAcmLaDdWP8W6K9TpNyh9onvrvKY8etPagDfLfB8gdcrBMd77tUty28K93BJew-Bd6Qoq0AdQYHZ0J-b35mVMNgcTetWdzYcvxuLL9D_YxJuqLG6z9hBZ0PUr8/s400/1.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 328px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557554493483580258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWYdJJbs__KQAch0d9WH2VExOd1_wLoTcWzJlLbrR6jkoO-L0w66j6qy-EjmkppxPE5YCv6ou5mV45iJ3Z5SUgvzCE-IQeHyZdRFu7uhBTNfiz8SqY2Z9uebWY4gJBUvm18wbXqoOcqhd/s400/2.jpg" /><br /><div align="left">Emergence into an adult female finally occurred on the fourth day.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 368px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557554748610976978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOF-zA9Z2yMcxD_bBnoTmi_7CYfAIi_pKKUwfQw6XKTCLkxslFNNT0yLre564da56P5gw_zPjm89WeBdbtCZTFa_RUNx8n3ocV_VoilmC7nSsf28ANbtqkr3rYUw81sUkwS6gPqw8dKEo/s400/3.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 366px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557554955667406994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxs81jqzbTI6MhO4I26rG7iHaLrv7bPkgY5F4RTv1TLgmYFswuCaSUNJasHPePk9FZ1wktIDbMivJRJdvVWkQrRyCKZfjgXKcV7blg2t9-UoKqcxpkhXE5GsEp0xi5JEyH57uSBiuMadn/s400/4.jpg" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557555221704803874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRKG2JhL5AIfyOq1C-ldUoeNFo4OW5w5J_CmVfnXfCLgm_2Wg5fJEdRAIdt6BCuJbHcMYyLj3XRebYHvw1xaznRpYKwyeX14j5GOG5xtW-qQWEOgpYrhFjZoB6IezuprPb3eNKqLz-eFT/s400/5.jpg" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 313px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557555532477496274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpEa5U4BJPVocGU-6CFhtIaf40ATf6hdKzG59elhbLLWTyP8Zg-_MdoXI_CNq83BmYpLrDJ57mU4F_OZ5EctONVZlChY1Tl664kt5ezaIF3TSCEVd8-om7BSfBqYHxkJF-RQEP1Vzfx0V/s400/6.jpg" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557555731273892610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iiMkC_qA12Iqt-HeiAQQ36Z1BXYGQzJVrsTOkfSkBkUAQl-qv7u1SuJHHlSVfgWEDHw_VR3-2VBtN3pxsX4LxdZCGTTMGTrRdfibblxabuFYHdLHeESETQxULowrrFLLdUJ5PNKEZ28W/s400/7.jpg" /><br />Next up is a close relative from the same genus: <em>Agrionoptera sexlineata</em> (Handsome Grenadier). For this larva, the emergence was quick and straightforward. I spotted it out of water at early evening and by the next morning, the fine-looking adult male has emerged.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557555913791340674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6T8zr_iPfoHM7hngG5IfLcTqgo0VV8J_L_wRZNT1X5EIgyhRRXzL8S2xW5p-e7wLXssaqGshjoKJImKjcedYHyZq6OCOlwrh7JBwNicK4tvCiSWS8cSdFLyVqh2z-SJpDHz8UceleHMR/s400/8.jpg" /><br />Its interesting how two similar and related larvae assumed different pre-emergence behaviour. But this is just a one-off observation and thus can’t constitute any concrete conclusion. Hopefully future larvae studies by other odonatologists can provide clearer understandings. The larvae emergence of both species is captured beautifully by Dr. Choong here:<br /><br /><a href="http://odonata-malaysia.blogspot.com/2009/05/emerging-agrionoptera-insignis.html">http://odonata-malaysia.blogspot.com/2009/05/emerging-agrionoptera-insignis.html</a><br /><a href="http://odonata-malaysia.blogspot.com/2009/01/agrionoptera-sexlineata-larval.html">http://odonata-malaysia.blogspot.com/2009/01/agrionoptera-sexlineata-larval.html</a><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557556163192197122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCIjkj7r8atRb_0dfSzw3OvsgfLyPf-5D_oxoBHhx8jcZsaI463UBq-6MjUBIhX1V6HHS_sgptJ9euXd9HRj_0LAzysiIX9DnvkByiiGQXQi3qCKyqi126EYqhhpgl1tENn1atFExULTw/s400/10.jpg" /><br /><div align="center"><em>Agrionoptera insignis</em> (Grenadier)</div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557556759260097442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iKxR0PP9jGAqKISpB-xdkh411MvizOS9ABkSKFe0HztdGMo6BCteJdJfYEEk2mUniSCYUFNp5G3NXTS9kum94myZYi3h0lEd81a_QV9LDYJVU5_Klz_IVRSHsw3v6RAhyaKRMVhqMqHs/s400/9.jpg" /><em>Agrionoptera sexlineata</em> (Handsome Grenadier)<br /> <br /></div><div align="left">Although both <em>A. insignis</em> and <em>A. sexlineata</em> are listed as uncommon in the Singapore dragonfly book, the former is definitely more often encountered in the field and widely distributed while the latter species is more localised.<br /></span><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557557102356298034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPHU7rpkahxlzidAFQ5xROO7Ru54TrywXzi_SQO8tdN63uuAeDstcui0Clqnq9g-lzWs5Rsj47ZOBmZDGPinhDGEFqnHOa-GECvuVXTOLwcvxxpjy6St-M_bE2EasLeF3zZ0o11bQfJGf/s400/11.JPG" /><em></em></div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>A. insignis</em> female </div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557557504450701682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOXbZq6IjlkOL94qFM94BSA1_S7l5bKWniZwCl_ipOgBT9lzG377eRclpC1ra6rzrLCB_KK4oINVct6Pp6Z9iIhn0QYemkYVG9IHPkBZR-ZPH1nAda9x2IexaV4pwuzsLVCy3BhythpkL/s400/12.JPG" /><em>A. sexlineata</em> male<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures taken at: ex-situ, December 2010; Central Catchment Nature Reserve, August 2009 & December 2010.<br /><br /><br /><br />References:<br /><br />Corbet, P. S., 1999. <em>Dragonflies: Behaviour and Ecology of Odonata</em>. Cornell University Press, New York.<br /><br />Tang, H. B., L. K. Wang & M. Hämäläinen, 2010. <em>A Photographic Guide to the Dragonflies of Singapore</em>. Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Singapore.</span></div><div align="left"> </div></div>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-5029326334276839002010-12-13T14:20:00.078+08:002010-12-13T16:06:52.083+08:00Orthoptera<div align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Orthoptera (meaning ‘straight winged’) is an insect order which includes grasshoppers, crickets, katydids and relatives. This huge group makes up a significant biomass of terrestrial fauna. In the ecosystem they play a crucial herbivory role (although certain species are omnivorous or even carnivorous) as well as prey items for all sorts of predators from spiders to birds and lizards. </span><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550066737934247250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 330px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Nx9y_OQymDw2pJ3PewO4BVBZ7fvbM8pcu4lR9R99eDi_PDlxEEIojlWa9X_4lGIxkooldI3QtE11hJWnx_CDKCgMfV_QSkQh-f2f2oq82D8hZuAYzYrlFEYG2bP1fUpohR377wjvp4CA/s400/Conocephalus+longipennis+%2528female%2529++1.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><div align="center"><em>Conocephalus longipennis</em> (female) feeding on grass seeds<span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> </span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550067375209364530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 321px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfcTZqjaAL_3rjGbSdbqPVDt-9gOZx0H_eqM8G-RXnic1OfJpVKs57Y9PyE84yFHMwADGwXfwy1vgyyI51RyjFvK44yC2ICzZNMZ4ap1lbiuM5kNejDfn39DNSHB_RksRLXEk1JjZIrAc/s400/Hexacentrus+unicolor+%2528female+nymph%2529+2.jpg" border="0" /><em>Hexacentrus unicolor</em> (nymph) feeding on an insect<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Orthoptera is poorly studied in Singapore. The last person to do any significant work on them is Prof. Murphy 10-20 years back. Being less colourful and charismatic compared to other insects like butterflies or dragonflies, orthoptera has not attracted the attention of local nature enthusiasts. But not anymore as Tan Ming Kai, a young, mostly self trained orthopterist has started to make important progress in this field. When young, I used to catch small grasshoppers and rear them in small plastic tanks but mostly unsuccessfully. Now thanks to Ming Kai, I was able to look at them in a new light.<br /><br />Around 100 species has been recorded in Singapore from surveys in the past months. Several species looks the same and so not easy to identify. It does takes lots of practices in the field before I can even identify the more common species. Some features like shape of the head, length of antennae and slight difference in body patterns can be diagnostic. Females usually have very long ovipositor at the rear end for egg-laying into the soil or plant materials. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550067856873463202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFVwbEhNHy6wHc4TSIbJMBZLhbFDlDJHtQR9VtEK_ViRFxBqJ8GsX51MZAD1WSwXvlRrF0pj8Et1ncMoVlMkidBJsBybEdv7PKy5T8MVK9doMqwh_UzBkaapXtTpJnmnRgtY7U5EWX3Qs/s400/Ducetia+japonica++3.JPG" border="0" /><em>Ducetia japonica</em><br /><br /></span><p align="center"><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550068183143672578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 332px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dzK6WCQBT64PJoDHj2LvwnoXoohWX-LhlqAV6cRX74wVQiutYeGpJKjuiZXUUPr_i9BKWtvvGTIrm_Ii9bWuV2_m8l58We_y9UcrRiF-BL1phXLD57TLQ2ehq7ZDm8dgMr5QHCq8oMO4/s400/Eneropterinae+%2528Gryllidae%2529++4.jpg" border="0" /> Eneropterinae (Gryllidae)<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550068460607899794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMR-QpPIIVx2_PWiitu-jOazOc2LBIERBp4z-KEz6QzjlSZ0yQlFR39pgtf4YUtAAhOdEwGzBBgS350E_bPhoKSON8p0L8wnw2C-xfH1Yyfmm7MUZsEORqOY4pFDtGMwsV8XUQmZHDWR4/s400/Tagasta+marginella+%2528nymph%2529++5.jpg" border="0" /><em>Tagasta marginella</em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550068831652445074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 368px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcx7-857Z6d3wenCxfjRpMdHwe4jiwf62G05dufPbOyO3qAJnAOq4eSO-VIcPgoqhlelR25pW6jMgXhBGnxgQmm57wtybyLsjjEWBSi1RwLHHu3wyMMyKu8LfkgEkHO2Btw3PHgJLcxCW/s400/Conocephalus+melaenus+%2528female%2529++6.jpg" border="0" /><em>Conocephalus melaenus</em> (female)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Even though most species are uniformly green or brownish, there are some with really nice colours and patterns.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550069104495172434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAVBUjbbUrUE6AHQ9SAVdKfV-vNPbw1RgUZFOaG8xvZmQwsVnBFI47SVMzxwduB1PXnsHsp4ugO4lAiNBXwkaibWT-Bp66s34tDGKe6_qMwu-rxP_L-C_2F4moOSBMuIXzmVRbFrIK4IM/s400/Traulia+azureipennis++7.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>Traulia azureipennis<br /></em></span><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550069443748612466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 323px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTG2_IGhBYH6oF2AW1MwASm9aEN2XKlLt46hUY63zbFG5DAPhdk05D1wOjTGQ0XhZ7uP1WbG9ZdvQlE9kQQsqSKSF_wD3tN0yqUmdkxl3pxlUrlWZMoi8ZSnyCerybnnPSKa4fDBSXyj8/s400/Xenacatantops+hulilis+%2528nymph%2529++8.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>Xenacatantops humilis</em> (nymph)<br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550069756029796642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 303px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmnuCvLmZf83EB9E_fZFeaL-7_ZNn8218lUb53LRI6PuaHFpxxUkwOr2QJ4PrnjoSHwlaeAnC1MLC1Py_snMS5yEKbv3oJ2JUXxH6OZ4GlvQidFUqUep9a_s3zlTHl4kECJxyMEPCHimY/s400/Nisitrus+vittatus++9.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>Nisitrus vittatus</em><br /><br /><br /></p><p align="left">Certain species are superb at camouflage, mainly trying to be like leaves. For example, <em>Chondroderella borneensis</em> will open its wings onto a leaf to flatten its profile thus becoming almost invisible. Simply amazing!<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550070038424850434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 363px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXuxXCrqeOaCxAPni_njmFSyxyLrLf4XyHYiMSwU94AS4kiJ4iTEbTd_tCodGK9XIl_pLsok28HhHekw13bAnE1eFvbjZI-GHVcRKHAu4ophdxVvwkmx3Cy3IT5yEYqJVPATIL8eNK2ut/s400/Systella+rafflesii++10.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>Systella rafflesii</em><br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550070316816651330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 396px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWeNwNEq7TbF2F1N1nQ9LHfOx7JyU94GTd8_BpJxkAo_PWathIsb6t-pfPbquSJDkXnFlJc_ky8k1ygTjG_lLwXMrwegNG91Ay6wn_VTyi1tOOj6-vzBW-aMJx6Q9JN3ilpbWFt1BU0xr/s400/Chondroderella+borneensis+11.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>Chondroderella borneensis</em><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">And as insects do, orthoptera go through a series of moult before reaching adulthood. Normally there are four to six nymph instars stages before adult. One way to recognise a nymph is their developing wings point downwards whereas adults’ wings point either upwards or backwards.</span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550070661839617410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 351px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJifPQ-3B1Zhn5ro3F7bXXlA5ERp0X82-Wlez54_edwdk1M6RSGNcp1pGIkxVYQrFUY2QbrDXp-OyApwowmq018sM0JxvlywPFUkCQV8MTEnoLhgM3l_3CJe4uEZLNhCcylHu_PXsOmcTi/s400/Conocephalus+melaenus+12.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>Conocephalus melaenus </em>moulting<br /><br /><br /></p><p align="left">Among orthoptera, crickets and katydids are the most vocal. Their calls and songs serenade as one takes a night walk in the forest or grassland. The vocalisations are produced by means of stridulation where they rub their hind legs against the forewings or rubbing one wing against the other. </span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></p><p align="center"><object height="344" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ecx_X6bFUn8?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ecx_X6bFUn8?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="420" height="344"></embed></object></p><p align="center"><em>Mecopoda elongata</em></p>Local orthoptera research has been given a new lease of life by Ming Kai. There is already one scale cricket species described from Singapore by a foreign researcher but now a local guy studying local orthopteras are poised to describe other new species from here. This humble, largely ignored insect group is facing an exciting new dawn.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550070969192888242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_R6F-R1oWwEZaLE9RnzahpJhgK6YiQFDmkUmgzGfnVcyq_9Plb_UMeJ40hCJJofizH15YIZ9bdj8BY1p6t2l-ElIhdUp1beYv-ppEAB1dlJjFy2vYnLELBaAdapkVTNBXO0s1GuGXVIE/s400/Larnaca+species+%2528Gryllacrididae%2529++13.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>Larnaca</em> species (Gryllacrididae)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p></span><p align="left">Pictures and video taken at: Central Catchment Nature Reserve, September 2010, November 2010, December 2010 ; Dairy Farm, October 2010; Kranji Marshes, June 2010, August 2010.<br /><br /><br /><br />References:<br /><br />Ingrisch, S., 2006. New taxa and notes on some previously described species of scaly crickets from South East Asia. (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Mogoplistidae, Mogoplistinae). <em>Revue Suisse de Zoologie</em>, 113(1): 133–227.<br /><br />Tan, M. K., 2010. Orthoptera of the vacant lots in Bedok South. <em>Nature in Singapore</em>, 3: 69–81.<br /><br />Tan, M. K., 2010. Orthoptera in Pulau Ubin. <em>Nature in Singapore</em>, 3: 245–268.</p>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-51849810950199559122010-08-30T16:59:00.038+08:002010-08-31T10:09:51.391+08:00Singapore dragonflies & their African relatives<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Three months back, I was on work assignment in Nairobi Kenya for 13 days. Most of the work time was spent in the United Nations compound. Within the huge UN complex, many artificial but well vegetated ponds exist. It thus gave me the opportunity to explore African dragonflies. Although common species in Africa, they nevertheless filled me with joy and a sense of adventure upon seeing something new. I can now make a comparison on Singapore’s dragonflies and their relatives across the Indian Ocean.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511127944791970610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmatTBqXF0KnK_FI0akjrb0CZa5OcyVV_Zig_clA4anWRvPyxyqiL-m3JqTwdR44gNL5BeA7m4Jm5f3SRG1m29wH9P0b6NKdvNu1HJ3Jb0qAX3RN2QzEirxq0GX3BwiQlQxvIbRJzoKBJs/s400/P1080345.JPG" border="0" /></span> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Damselflies from the genus <em>Pseudagrion</em> come from a large widespread subfamily Pseudagioninae. We have four species here including a very rare one, <em>Pseudagrion rubriceps</em> (Orange-faced Sprite) which now seems to exist only at the pond in Toa Payoh Town Park.</span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511128443446503538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 301px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLBsKW0K4gNoSHjyiHxLkpYhVLU6fWk3xCk_3bBsI4qzdSt_JOjh4g1ceNjMtzy_wQj3JlW8_fv213fKswIANyVaEJU_JrMo6_TJiBe9T9QKic50AAeAH0JEYuF4BrdostE_0Poe46n1O/s400/1.jpg" border="0" />I saw three relatives in Nairobi. One of them is <em>Pseudagrion salisburyense</em> (Salisbury Sprite) that has a range from interior South Africa to east, central and western Africa.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511128719848606754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 367px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Z8y8sgV-Xal-oLwINHDpAqfn1J-cgZUWcKXKmcXVFpjnpUbZ5g3ZksTA-hJED9UfYRNobNfvG80vlbRQ2oAFk4FcvROhH05CoZR83R8eYRBt_W2gz53cwh3uJxg7peTazsRJH0429pyh/s400/2.jpg" border="0" /></p><p></p><em>Pseudagrion massaicum</em> (Masai Sprite) is an extremely beautiful damselfly. Males have red eyes, orangey thorax, green markings along the abdomen and blue abdomen tip. Surely one of the most colourful damselfly I’ve seen.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511128857815098098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLTF_qphvJSINi-3F0KQ_SObwrpU78Ea5mypHCqt1LbjCEGq-ry8XEy7Z81800SER4hFMeDU_Vm2-WzR7h1ZqRZqcq5QPN86TFMdSubLwqLNXqztWUiz1Vx-FbVjUHTlXtnmAER0K6otg/s400/3.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511129180827914034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 255px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPzhbv1hdHpRU0OEzNewzqyXgpIcA9rUzlOJLYObVsg1wRs0_aJvaWxxIIXeuLDs_9jJk5gN8rwCuvHYtD6fpvFygI9KCEPJMYKKmDBD4SQ0mgRiOXDje3ApbApBylFN86W6Q9l2H2Mtq/s400/4.jpg" border="0" /><br />The last <em>Pseudagrion</em> species can’t be identified with certainty. Its either <em>P. spernatum</em> or <em>P. kersteni</em>.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511129353047691746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50pyEUYJ9SrEJiiMzVoLeDNHFB5-HG-2TEewcADCq8bgl4OReChBQavTE-OIu1BKE5r2FCVHISsk3KUchj8acQRZsZI-pmD9qiDeaMgkuiGsNt9rERGvJR4aW-CQAlrqq_jkTn0_EuqVR/s400/5.jpg" border="0" /><em>Ceriagrion</em> is another large genus but only two species are in Singapore. <em>Ceriagion chaoi</em> (Fiery Coraltail) in Singapore is very much like <em>Ceriagrion glabrum</em> (Common Citril) from Africa. Their colour scheme is very similar but <em>C. chaoi</em> has a brighter red abdomen and olive thorax.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511129516437018162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxj_TySJataWWmxeWqgmv_X_s5naxEzqBAh9zgb5IbqYaCCe5w1BO6_wdgYJunw6yPlJP7O2iriOZQoYbyYxEXnYF3tqxeZSP4JgiFkMJSxRmOQqB6-W5XyFLc_juELtn9uLnW2bOB9y7/s400/6.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511129656998024802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsBxV-GZazi4gf40i4zmFXcCjWmSL6Op03fkN1okOhkiZIT56nVAR8JL26vzCcHagCcv1a4nrjzl159hLmcKoyIU0sq7kMXBzawov-I0P4iUGT1UzParZncyplKnj9SextBnAFjqSayVc/s400/7.jpg" border="0" /><br />Dragonflies of the genus <em>Trithemis</em> are from the subfamily Trithemistinae or commonly called Dropwings. There are more than 50 <em>Trithemis</em> species worldwide, and they are essentially African but five have made it to Asia. Singapore has three species. One example is <em>Trithemis festiva</em> (Indigo Dropwing). Here, this species is predominately stream loving and have adapted very well to large canals and storm drains.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511130029412994594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 312px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOl40z5yxVYjcQ2H9dLOghWHrqp1-0M5z9s7cGTAiKDl-s3Wne564FFxgx7UGeeIzQauo1VsqgsT0zr-DTz6obhIKFAgVz6l-nC4DIaCEniOip9d11VT4bRutiun2FoYIhbu2ZzxJy3qv/s400/8.jpg" border="0" /><br />In the UN compound, I observed four species, one more than the whole of Singapore. The four are: <em>Trithemis arteriosa</em> (Red-veined Dropwing), <em>Trithemis</em> cf. <em>dorsalis</em> (Dorsal Dropwing), <em>Trithemis stictica</em> (Jaunty Dropwing) and the prettiest of the lot <em>Trithemis kirbyi </em>(Kirby’s Dropwing).<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511130240275161426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 316px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtefIE70GRCrjsarEWFL1XOQswnWPMaK5gG6Ggs942nEn_ZIzzK-9ln7ItBi926GqNvqZPqtUenuBnqs4O1ZjhNz2WZDujSgTqtKdTy309P2KrQYBPlvS8H2oU8rbeiTYdrVvg9qodI4I/s400/9.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511130406340786386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 301px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAMuWHPsI9VKreQNilPEzBo46TjFmopL9t0z_qsEoF4GkcC3z0pxqaNFBqjtc7tV-DkRFBOazQJCdwLzBD8QZmtEqhvESkQWaElaYGSUapStIoKYZwhfq5vwaf2KnFSiTG_Oy_gZulvKU/s400/10.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511130569078714242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 357px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1A4TKZq5DNVZBkq6AiQ0LkBo8PtlkhtSD3dS5y4ORcs7wfSN4upxXagjRZwcBz1tGpqZXwusPfSCScSudYofZnYIyMfWYVPAKuhOY-317EpU7u0xlvG-36G9Jgw_-68VR49QMzdVrFyG6/s400/11.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511130732254994482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 289px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0CAYdyrti6ZsNdeF3rcoNTowP912vrk6t0UHe5uZ9y15JYmt1C_eiG5K3JFDyJUS6ALpYqelI5NXB8LW_C0b2_t2WDXzt_2lbPVx6_Dx5Ki5RkABL8JPFiFQv1qmRwaNYO_yi2PjV0ZE/s400/12.jpg" border="0" /><br />The widespread genus <em>Brachythemis</em> is from the subfamily Sympetrinae. Singapore has one representative, <em>Brachythemis contaminata</em> (Common Amberwing). Wherever <em>B. contaminata</em> occurs, they are always in great numbers and have a habit of flying close to the ground especially the females and immature males.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511130928070906562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 324px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituYYJhOmbDiEAk9_D7tJr-qvAWOnbfnv7OV7tbB27wqMgkbPOx0ebPTak8kkquN9by3fR8gGdS1J7eYvx-cshHZFGYw_79Hy7AMSuReC71yhuKL2hYdL6CPflfbWxNXT6b3shI51lbxx4/s400/13.jpg" border="0" /><br />In Africa, <em>Brachythemis</em> dragonflies are also known as Groundlings. One species from Nairobi is <em>Brachythemis leucosticta</em> (Banded Groundling). Males have banded wings while females have clear wings.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511131084788128994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 296px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUXxUwlwOC7tNZ-S7aD5-_ap-gDCclLMkBmQAc7DLfgFEhaOAfeQOX91LkWYjxSBwOs8972UaKAQIPQzdF4UYDgiGOLecB3jOxS5Bq5aIjV3-dOIM9pn6zJpqNe-qDQD-1hKc9sBtVM9O/s400/14.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511131251026792994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 347px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVurjvP22zvy0NGDHfuR8O7pZga-Xf_S4-xGJDBcnZvbw6TsUZaovwNNc1sK6ruZmFQul84fwnL4-it7beMmQFojVRFSGh5OAaRy8xx6uYHfYRq_xBg21qA94LKvDyRBxVyRqx0tjQrQqJ/s400/15.jpg" border="0" /><br />Probably the most common dragonfly genus in Singapore is <em>Orthetrum</em> (subfamily Libellulinae). We have five species, all of which can be easily seen. In Asia, some <em>Orthetrum </em>species have evolved reddish colour in mature males. However pruinosed blue in mature males is more common in the genus, for example our <em>Orthetrum luzonicum</em> (Slender Blue Skimmer).<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511131627155389970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 271px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-FxMcPKzhSCUTxticXshnOS3XFlhF_PM5dAi4JEFZCBZg1CPZMMXeUwoi5jXWgvkGlh0XA-cBgvwhrI67Tofs2pyLltrcXeanU2tCnluErKaJUwJiL__P3BbuXL45d5FdQFgKEUtagK5/s400/16.jpg" border="0" /><br />African <em>Orthetrum</em> species are mostly pruinosed blue Skimmers thus making their identification much more difficult compared to in Singapore. I saw one species in Nairobi, <em>Orthetrum julia</em> (Julia Skimmer) where an immature male has greenish thoracic markings.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511131983118771986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 328px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKortsJemBGQPXDtfa9t68gNJr5zPU8n4wldKIdrjSe3uh8Zysq7i1Lthc-rtRb4MrhAGm1Z7nmBC6SRUDeVB-ZWxI4inL3BvYo7-aBAdtN0q7-7ofAyIIkJe8TBlTAwnQxOZklxeNkC-/s400/17.jpg" border="0" /><br />Aeshnids of the genus <em>Anax</em> are highly territorial. While in Nairobi, I spotted one big dragonfly speeding around a pond in a patrolling flight and immediately I knew it is an <em>Anax</em>. Very fortunately, it perched and I got a clear picture of this handsome <em>Anax imperator</em> (Blue Emperor). It is positively more colourful than Singapore’s <em>Anax guttatus</em> (Emperor). And a bonus, an ovipositing female was sighted the next day.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511132223797069922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 360px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU24K_ADufZvKzs509J0voxH6tRZtT5-tb98D_UVB1qEgL6f2-kFZVviX-4vbkqvkFlL63agtQKWwpvFpOTbWggeA7RoCxQmkhWkexeA_Ke5KR3WNCmxMt55ysA_POygWZWgsn34J4eky/s400/18.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511132437699946866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 374px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmqHRvMbI-Nj-qHQ14iDTUWL57WeG58oE04pPEWBO4fr-QHS-uydPU9Camjm3FAyVtEg-SoB5nHQwsOMck_4KtZx5OEJRUeZmL6RMxNP5HTOfF5vf_lUhtJVbQY-Pkkpy_hRyRKDpoGGa/s400/19.jpg" border="0" /><br />Aside from those highlighted here, I observed 15 species in total. It was great to see those African relatives. There’s much more to learn on dragonflies knowledge beyond Singapore. Furthermore through these sightings I got acquainted with Klaas-Douwe B. Dijkstra and Viola Clausnitzer. Both of them are experts in African dragonflies and very friendly in helping to confirm the species. Not forgetting Warwick and Michele Tarboton who generously sent me their guidebooks before I left for Kenya.<br /><br />Hence local dragonfly lovers should take all opportunities to spot dragonflies beyond Singapore. Remember, there’s about 5700 species in the world! </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures taken at: Toa Payoh Town Park, January 2009; Venus Trail, September 2009; Nairobi Kenya, May 2010; Bishan Park, July 2010; Kranji Marsh, July 2010<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br />References:<br /><br />Silsby, J., 2001. <em>Dragonflies of the World</em>, CSIRO Publishing, Victoria, Australia.<br /><br />Tarboton, W. R. & M. Tarboton, 2005. <em>A Fieldguide to the Damselflies of South Africa</em>. Privately published.<br /><br />Tarboton, W. R. & M. Tarboton, 2009. <em>South African Dragonflies. A Quick Guide</em>. Graphic Touch Guides, South Africa<br /></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-33072271450866222152010-06-27T19:08:00.012+08:002010-06-27T19:50:25.086+08:00Longhorn Beetle (Xylorhiza adusta)<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I find longhorn beetles exceptionally charismatic. The long antennae (although some species have short antennae) easily distinguish this group from other beetles. And it is those long antennae, the large size of certain species including some really colouful patterned ones that have enthralled generations of naturalists. The Chinese has a very apt name for longhorn beetles: 天牛. It means ‘sky cow’. The long antennae reminding them of cow horns and ‘sky’, I can only, or would rather, assume refers to the beauty of these beetles that can only be heaven sent.</span> <div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Longhorns are in the family Cerambycidae with about 35,000 described species worldwide. In larval stage they are mostly wood-borers and are thus considered pests in the forestry industry, especially so in western countries where introduced Asian species are considered invasive. But in their natural habitat, longhorns have an important role in the nutrient cycle in breaking down dying or decomposing woody plants. Most species can also feed on living trees. Adults feed mostly on young leaves and twigs.</span></div><div> </div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 287px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487414657540830066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJD7aD1bwYTEYkg1dl-Ij7297Yag5mVRDRrOzCTUGBOsgO6OxrHtbTKDJDIXgtL9vCSm0zmms_DowfgY7o0vF42j3D1WF1xSpIp97GoSBnRNfirGm3DeqGshP9ou501MWISRz6Gb6p-134/s400/3.jpg" /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Two recent species I saw. The first is <em>Xylorhiza adusta</em> from Sungei Buloh. It has a wide distribution in Asia, from India to China and down to Sumatra. Known host plants include Beautyberry trees (<em>Callicarpa arborea and C. macrophylla</em>); plant from the mint family (<em>Premna pyramidata</em>); <em>Viburnum odoratissimum</em> and <em>Wrightia tinctoria</em>: both a kind of small shrubby tree. All the above plants have not been recorded in Singapore but species from the same genus can be found here.</span></div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487415174323743778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvt7BBUzEuNt36BNYn-wQDLjPkUrP8-lsbwUkZLQ_lzMRNbwWgFgFqu8V-NMwPtfnM6in4cE3rkPoupVcVerV3XdX9s129pa_WjOC8d63jUrER9rVDcwKpra1CGKXnwhSFOLxhE5Ux3Gps/s400/2.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 394px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487415809007515170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrwgEVOvtGEhRjg_WdHYw-Xh4zYbP09j84ZeuR3l2Ofh-Xl50iogSRxELHk9wAvqHcCFmd2uzd0uMhsBhLYn8AEEjoW8SnMGcN5J5GNHrgXhh6lS8s4rP-ZtxvldJIMvRMdLI7ErmchGa/s400/4.jpg" /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I still can’t identify the other longhorn except that its probably <em>Acalolepta rusticatrix</em>. I saw it, of all places, at a pedestrian bridge along Lornie Road. </span></div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487416517486432402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66h-5BgbQPW79rfh-ECFno-vDStuAzvMivG4V2RwLLNKUDbgQvbv7EEVNOb1S3OUAc1ZuL17UlVL0vPbB3DNXEYQntuKFKzdxepmIJ2JmigmH8rKWp0yAwNOJhj1gfFJxvSZHG4t5QbYQ/s400/1.jpg" /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Alfred Wallace was a beetle lover and collected 132 longhorn species from Singapore. His collections form the basis of our local knowledge and today Singapore has an estimated 220 plus species although a significant number might already be nationally extinct due to habitat loss. Current information on Singapore longhorn beetles diversity is still sketchy with many knowledge gaps to be filled. A giant step forward has been taken with this website (</span><a href="http://www.singaporeinsects.com/index.htm"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">http://www.singaporeinsects.com/index.htm</span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">) created by the industrious Cheong Loong Fah.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures taken at: Lornie Road, March 2010; Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, June 2010.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">References:</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Chong, K. Y., H. T. W. Tan & R. T. Corlett, 2009. <em>A Checklist of the Total Vascular Plant Flora of Singapore: Native, Naturalised and Cultivated Species</em>. Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore, Singapore. 273 pp. Uploaded 12 November 2009. </span><a href="http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/raffles_museum_pub/flora_of_singapore_tc.pdf"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/raffles_museum_pub/flora_of_singapore_tc.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Duffy, E. A. J., 1968.<em> A Monograph of the Immature Stages of Oriental Timber Beetles (Cerambycidae). </em>British Museum (Natural History), London.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Ek-Amnuay, P., 2008. <em>Beetles of Thailand. 2nd Edition</em>. Amarin Printing and Publishing Public Co., Ltd, Bangkok.</span></div></div></div>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-16945914642766015152010-04-18T23:57:00.041+08:002010-04-19T01:07:44.771+08:00 Pseudagrion microcephalum; Ceriagrion cerinorubellum; Ischnura senegalensis; Pseudagrion australasiae; Podolestes orientalis; Euphaea sp.<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">It is easy to recognise the larvae of damselflies. Compared to a typical dragonfly larva they are slimmer and less robust. More notably, damselfly larvae have three very distinctive caudal lamellae, also called external or larval gills, at the end of the abdomen. These are absent in dragonfly larvae.<br /><br />The caudal lamellae have a variety of functions. They aid in respiration, function as fins during motion and can even break off in times of escape much akin to the discarded tail of a fleeing gecko. And just like a gecko’s tail, a larva can grow back its lost lamellae. The lamellae aid, but are not essential in respiration. Thus it is not unusual to see larvae missing one, two or even all of its lamellae just like the larva of <em>Pseudagrion microcephalum</em> below.</span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461522599458680114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-UadeC3PLCcY-bYdkWf4xGOfhHzAILwol4GfNLsQkvfScQvTGhOkNwppwuqdlB48EbGN0l6sY-Jd3XwRdbkhL-PakGGgR2yfPmKh0mxzJEqsj5qXTYYUPJsxHIkPqAocUzyc7vFRme3X/s400/Pseudagrion+microcephalum+Larva+(male).jpg" border="0" />The shape and size of caudal lamellae will change as a larva grows. In many species, the lamellae will become smaller relative to abdomen length but expanding in width and more tracheated, hence having a bigger role in respiration.<br /><br />Size, length, shape and patterns of caudal lamellae are essential tools in identifying species. Most damselfly larvae have lamellae which are flat and vertical like those of <em>Ceriagrion cerinorubellum, Ischnura senegalensis</em> and <em>Pseudagrion australasiae</em>. The brownish spots on the lamellae of <em>C. cerinorubellum</em> are examples of patterns which can occur. <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461522818378858082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMkdrN71ZuU8knP3VDtIf0hvFvj1tLRVzl89YAMWE7jr4SvYqr2xRe5DTafeuN_macYhk9Ae3HO1cOZ9vr94gYOx2rUXHUMKc6MUOBKpf8y6WW8rt79XKBJa0zXsu2Rt8wlHQuSjczdJH/s400/4.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461523037115582450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzFmVec_T9m8XxBPUK1wJ8M3Y5NgVdxFM6VA0u8tXglm-3ReS0PgFixznt7FNcdsl8ul1thj_dSvXNx2RceOPkEpk76DFMNGGTQlrKBboD5mOVpIFC132BricT1soR9Jp5AbfUV1k4LNR/s400/Ceriagrion+cerinorubellum+(female).jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461523274250795650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXBHeHneyJQ5qmYphyphenhyphenaUaqRm1vAcaWhgwHEOJgZ41N238p2AgpQ1_vZJcjNct1v-2KO_QD8ESLRZqp7LF80D1495jQrKiQFYK_fE77AC1DZmSzkI9B4xNIFEuV2tOqWDrdGBGD1nvwdtO/s400/Ischnura+senegalensis+(female)+Larva+180609.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461523483128842514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygTFA2Yo-iZsu7Qh9VscJAqIMG69ZDwarff0fnuv-fT1W_arLdOjk5NBIKj-xuZqeVHV9uRgER8R_mhqtzkivcd5stIZ6AdxuOZ0iEKrPrAuOCmPx63XAtOMeM3xi-qyN-omlyEcFBe-Q/s400/Pseudagrion+australasiae+Larva+(female)+261009+p.jpg" border="0" />Meanwhile, damselflies of the <em>Euphaea </em>species have their caudal lamellae in the form of swollen saccoids with a terminal filament. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461523664433969698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 312px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9HfkwUvcXqZog6394UOnMpQnPNE1DvNN5oqLrgBp3aEvC5FYbbFIi6oGYLfhEG3wu5CxdeXrLbkm74S2H0oXH9zClJ2-4wxtOOlo5YWBa9eVrlAkgV-jteLp-axyHUDn9NQIP3cBab3I/s400/Euphaea+species+(probably+E.+impar)+Larva+240809.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461523809892029682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 334px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhkWQCOnPG2Nm7JBNCYAL0kGtxsnfZfD1A5GpUpfiwvi6S1Q30Ar9PoS9fsse43W3rNs6Mtmb-2uJ41b9cQp2gprpMK7bbgFygdUM4P4vyOEZQEwrjP1mXOx_t_5VPR7aLAhIpjX8-uda/s400/Euphaea+species+(probably+E.+impar)+Larva+240809+pic.jpg" border="0" />Recently larva of the damselfly <em>Podolestes orientalis</em> is described. The species is from the family Megapodagrionidae and members from this family have their caudal lamellae in a horizontal plane. This character is unique to the family although not all species in the family have horizontal lamellae. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461524083629663602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 338px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp43uUyUwBFV1TpPaMMD00HH91dSKgDXBDmj6j457pOiQiWkknqB_L0KD5kwu6Emnu-lIpb-rZWIcEeHmNEye9uGrV4gAxinuljPwgx6xQg9ySL4F0QLE5uNJDAvnHJu3HIGZicjDUJTRO/s400/Podolestes+orientalis+Larva+(female)+091009.jpg" border="0" />I find the fan-like shape and banded patterns of <em>P.orientalis</em> lamellae very eye-catching. The larvae are now known to inhabit submerged leaf litter at the edge of shallow pools where they raised their abdomen upwards and have their lamellae splayed near the water surface. In this way, horizontal lamellae may be better adapted to aid respiration near the water surface in an otherwise low oxygen leaf litter forest pool. <em>P. orientalis</em> is a rather common species in our forests.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461524306359705330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9pmVgnLFMs5XkqkMdCwGPk1oNjq_l51Hubl502YUagTP5DKXZ2q2T5LKynoDnHEv_j8YtYkipdJeqgDGmHCkeqZ4MRLSqKoA3evRqm7T6yuy1tKA8_YZb8cVX0KoknpmheUZW4Xe0mGy/s400/Podolestes+orientalis+Larva+(female)+121009+pic77.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>The larvae of many odonate species remain unknown and undescribed. Further discoveries will help scientists shed more light on the evolutionary history of this wonderful insect group. </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures taken at: Ex-situ, June 2009; September 2009; October 2009<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></div><br /><div>References:<br /><br />Choong, C. Y. & A. G. Orr, 2010, ‘The larva of Podolestes orientalis from West Malaysia, with notes on its habitat and biology (Odonata: Megapodagrionidae)’, <em>International Journal of Odonatology</em>, vol. 13(1), pp. 109-117.<br /><br />Corbet, P. S. & S. J. Brooks, 2008. <em>Dragonflies</em>. HarperCollins Publishers, London, UK.<br /><br />Kalkman, V. J., C. Y. Choong, A. G. Orr & K. Shutte, 2010, ‘Remarks on the taxonomy of Megapodagrionidae with emphasis on the larval gills (Odonata)’, <em>International Journal of Odonatology</em>, vol. 13(1), pp. 119-135.<br /><br />Orr, A. G., 2005. <em>Dragonflies of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore</em>, Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia</span></div></div>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com152tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-19284748229476750602010-02-07T20:15:00.009+08:002010-02-07T20:34:31.943+08:00Brahminy Blind Snake<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Nature never fails to astound me. It is not always necessary to venture into forests to see some of the most amazing creatures, they can be right here in our backyard.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435475108255465570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 341px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrk0XXvxK3mpjy8_jI5AdH8pNpvT3A1RYBoNZJAFHBVZWwR-tzU0TQvDqr6o2T4T62FXHl0m_D0b7USeePyRlRH2P8RAHyrrR2_3mt_S7UQQHADOgEH6d3l82S_JLBk2wsy7oK0Q-hW5s/s400/pic3.jpg" border="0" />A gardening session by a colleague unearthed this incredible Brahminy Blind Snake (<em>Ramphotyphlops braminus</em>). This is one of the smallest snakes in the world, with a total length averaging about 13cm only. It is easily mistaken for an earthworm but trained naturalists will be able to tell it doesn’t have a segmented body. Instead the body is smooth, cylindrical and on closer examination, the presence of scales. And it is much more active than an earthworm is.<br /><br />Apparently it is not blind but has tiny eyes. Eyesight is not of utmost importance since this snake spends its time burrowing in the dim world of root masses and soil, hunting small insects especially ants and termites. I tried to see the eyes under a microscope. It’s a thrill to see two black minute eyes staring back.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435475305254893986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 367px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKUAEBuRFQmbDGis4t7J0p_l-v1TA8gCu_Hx0p89LVvittB2KgTKOgHHrOFHTazGyfpEC1TWaNZuSLFhtNTf4hbaCNoIlrYODbiuClfDSv26T3bPC1Hcj-JGu1aNXdrkb0nUUtBFN6AfA/s400/pic2.jpg" border="0" /><br />Another amazing aspect is this species is parthenogenetic, meaning females reproducing females asexually without fertilisation of eggs by males. In fact the Brahminy Blind Snake is an all female species. This is a common reproductive strategy in insects but not so in vertebrates. Some fishes, amphibians and of course snakes are known to be parthenogenetic.<br /><br />This snake is said to originate from Sri Lanka or southern India, but is now very common in most regions including Singapore thanks to our horticultural practices. Though common and widespread, its ecology hides it away from humans most of the time making this wonderfully intriguing creature a hardly seen rarity…..…unless we start digging through all garden plots.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435475508800549474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 396px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvktV3jfh335Qd_zfiVvCNpHGaOIHn0Uf0S3Znn0ZHkRHk0Qd-2GP9ZQK4m7Lj3KOytW4cp9dJRkFLVxJVM5xAP2KNxtI_an5srNQkR8d-R2Q-2ln6McFdmfVvM3LsD6Kga1efnja61w91/s400/pic1.jpg" border="0" />So if you are an avid gardener, do be gentle when encountering this snake. It is harmless, can be handled safely and is deserving of a home in our gardens. </span><div><div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures taken at: National Biodiversity Centre, December 2009.<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><div><br />References:<br /><br />Baker, N. & K. K. P. Lim, 2008. <em>Wild Animals of Singapore. A Photographic Guide to Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians and Freshwater Fishes</em>, Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte Ltd, Singapore.<br /><br />Wallach, V., 2008, ‘Range extensions and new island records for <em>Ramphotyphlops braminus</em> (Serpentes: Typhlopidae)’, <em>Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society</em></span></div>, vol. 43(5), pp. 80-82.matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-90435865173016000792010-01-17T17:53:00.024+08:002010-01-17T18:15:50.622+08:00Tetracanthagyna larva<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">An impressive larva I’m currently rearing has provided very fascinating insights into terrestrialism in dragonflies larvae.<br /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427646039045471378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2qTNi1JFSOgOcWLjhthN-TBpO-Gg0VlHBwAfn-pUx0CiwxoYN6ZrMiFzZfpRNV-3ofmY51EJaeNw5sa8kVYUu97kmSKDnQFoxZ6FtAp1oBS-ZGNtMBckfKtKIoAKGcuTOI7uX_FAhy0X/s400/pic1.jpg" border="0" />This aspect of larvae ecology is rather well known. There are several studies showing larvae inhabiting small streams or seepages in forest can have a diminished dependence on water. Some species in Japan live among wet rock and mosses beside streams, a species in Himalaya hang around wet ferns near waterfalls and one species from New Caledonia clings onto the underside of moist leaves away from any water body.<br /><br />Closer to home, larvae of the genus <em>Tetracanthagyna</em> exhibits semi-terrestrial behaviour. <em>Tetracanthagyna degorsi</em> from Borneo apparently leaves the water at night to perch head down near water surface, seemingly to catch surface swimming fishes. <em>T. waterhousei</em> is another species with similar habits. There’s a picture of its larva catching a fish while completely out of water in the Field Guide to Dragonflies of Hong Kong 2nd edition (page 211).<br /><br />The larva I have now also shows identical behaviour. Its hunting strategy is ambush. Most of the time it clings out of water with only the head partially submerged. From this position it waits, and when a shrimp moves near, wham! The forceful impact of its labium capturing the hapless shrimp fatally.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427646505653590274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYKhqBkNcO4Ne2pQs05viNcg4KOIr8FhGxCH1f2gZS1wh_1T2_xS1WvSrjWG-_4bejJwKfffLplIm8I1_EhSx5hIuVO_7mE0JtPRVO0dTfVpssI9v17KxI-XK6bSD6mRs4cqoCWqbPuR2/s400/pic2.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427646874542527442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 232px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4b_VfwRpC6HkCE2bxCOLYbW0kVugSmjsNPLYWuwteDzGTwjKWmvhDygMy5CU2Y75NH5DdKmyJ3pz379tpjFgaeTJgeeP-awoiuJW9xNopG5XwTagEBLmadNzOiNL8X9QihFHHPQ8NI5G/s400/pic3.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427647339326619042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 368px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhXXEm5gvzmLV38QWE3GqG36NnvFNlV4CpNATXrejvLkAFfyoGqo1wdaKEW31IvEL6D3e2t_MRv7YGmXJaUbLipd8j9x-4KIwV75RawsT1Yy2dDyT9F0_5wQatknNjguDfwMwSOaT6eN7/s400/pic5.jpg" border="0" />After capturing, the larva will occasionally move completely out of water to consume the prey. I notice the bigger the shrimp, the more likely it’ll move above water for consumption. And this becomes more frequent as the larva grows.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427647078162960482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Aes4_dPaVR6GpzEdY63PjZkClNTKo5Q92NCLVYP-Z9WosjV-5EmadsqzBZfIRlU1KgdCARGlYMqx9UIwXnd0E1WTzEaW56V_WEk1eYublN-Z67zKGTrUuuEY8oUThSHhN0-0UHl_uVAT/s400/pic4.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427647574238758002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNeGrEcMZnkt5tnzdZMX3Kfk-60UN8XmXtbBHYsXF1AS_Os5TCAhZQEMhPAi7HHeECGXSNkfuyDmTxItmW94kNOWwqpUAVke2QABDgKx5HKP9UlY_PZWh4YEGlhWIFDZ_z5ZujJSzmxWk/s400/pic6.jpg" border="0" />Those with a phobia for things creepy and crawly will find this larva utterly hideous. It is now almost entirely black, having adapted its colour to the surroundings; it currently measures about 6cm in length; and has a dragon-like frontal appearance. It might look monstrous but once emerged into adult, it will become the biggest dragonfly in the world in terms of wingspan and weight.<br /><br /><em>Tetracanthagyna plagiata</em> is the only species from the genus recorded in Singapore so this larva should be of the species. I didn’t have the chance to establish its gender accurately so hopefully it’ll emerge into a male as very few male specimens of <em>T. plagiata</em> exists in museums worldwide. It should emerge very soon as it has stopped feeding for the past few days.</span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427647707354302722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 382px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnmo2DcesflfTq9WsOEQgFJwOGjvdjtAKfDxxkbCrzTniygGdaZtBHnNC-WuNi1C-AQVy2VqzPDAxwqoGsN5R5YySPc4fGO-0-Lz1y1RtaaB0O7GVAJj6-knlpTp9-XJEfPd2Cgzo0pCm/s400/pic7.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures taken at: ex-situ, November, December 2009 & January 2010.<br /><br /><br />References:<br /><br />Corbet, P. S., 1999. <em>Dragonflies: Behaviour and Ecology of Odonata.</em> Cornell University Press, New York.<br /><br />Norma-Rashid, Y., L. F. Cheong, H. K. Lua & D. H. Murphy, 2008. <em>The dragonflies (Odonata) of Singapore: Current status records and collections of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research.</em> Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Singapore. 24 pp. Uploaded 07 Nov 2008 [http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/raffles_museum_pub/Dragonfly_of_Singapore.pdf]<br /><br />Orr, A. G., 2003. <em>A Guide to the Dragonflies of Borneo. Their Identification and Biology. </em>Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia.<br /><br />Orr, A. G., 2005. <em>Dragonflies of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.</em> Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia<br /><br />Wilson, K. D. P., 2004. <em>Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Hong Kong 2nd edn.</em> Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong SAR. </span></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-12768010274863744632009-12-01T20:40:00.010+08:002009-12-01T20:58:18.459+08:00Kopstein’s Bronzeback (Dendrelaphis kopsteini )<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">A recent survey at the Central Catchment turns out to be one of the best I’ve had this year. Rare creatures sighted, good weather and good companions made a perfect morning in the forest. We spotted three snakes that day. The stand out has to be this Kopstein’s Bronzeback (<em>Dendrelaphis kopsteini</em>).<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410248097940245106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 352px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4R1szr-Q2AFcpashJsPVXsnnbG3CZQo5bX81iCxN-lPMfXiVs2eHj__bd7U3Y3UBxoDhO0hKvsPrCcaCZnfCFRRsekfR_nuWEuVJLlWKipB_1RLykLWD8K9YI6zIILKfa-FIOcDI_QRm4/s400/pic2.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410248456551243938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPwhhA9s8NVaYk6OiIRkYLTtxqJjvKAx56HlhKGzVDF-6vfWe7djmtVzM62uVmgL-KBzZpX6V9aGjVXYneruBoiBKWxr4vFnCXtNJRPSbkEa04RoR5P9Cs-zAew4X2vZJutC83oW1375t/s400/pic1.JPG" border="0" />Also known as Red-necked Bronzeback, this species has always been confused with Elegant Bronzeback (<em>Dendrelaphis formosus</em>). It was only in 2007 that scientists sorted out the taxonomy and designated it as a separate species. We now know Kopstein’s Bronzeback can be distinguished from other Bronzeback snakes by its bright orangey red colour at the back of its neck. The species is widespread locally, being also present in rural or suburban areas. Although widespread, it is considered rare by Baker & Lim (2008) and has a status of vulnerable in the Red Data Book. Its distribution is from Thailand down to Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410249206849997314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w6CRWPZCUwHtLhEvr4t-W322nvhwdJNKpAaMrrenrV-z12qtiTDydFor5IaDFlzZb4Lyl6ukUW_ZmlT7q6wYFT9hlBlhBSRi5EVHWVFexBzuXIZ_qkqxhufcelexrtX8U83iLaK184ke/s400/pic3.JPG" border="0" /><br />We were very lucky indeed to chance upon this individual consuming a lizard. When we first saw it, it had already captured the prey. After a brief struggle, the snake proceeded with lunch, swallowing the lizard in a matter of minutes. Our presence did not bother it at all thus enabling me to get a close video. Spotting creatures in the wild is always great but a window into the midst of their daily activity is unquestionably a huge bonus. </span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><div align="center"><br /><object width="420" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8GsTj0Y1DuY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8GsTj0Y1DuY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="420" height="344"></embed></object></div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Kopstein’s Bronzeback is named after the Austrian herpetologist Dr. Felix Kopstein (1893-1939). </span><br /></div><div align="left"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures and video taken at: Central Catchment Nature Reserve, November 2009.<br /></div></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">References:<br /><br />Baker, N. & K. K. P. Lim, 2008. <em>Wild Animals of Singapore. A Photographic Guide to Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians and Freshwater Fishes,</em> Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte Ltd, Singapore.<br /><br />Davison, G. W. H., P. K. L. Ng & H. C. Ho (eds), 2008. <em>The Singapore Red Data Book: Threatened Plants and Animals of Singapore</em>. 2nd Edition. The Nature Society (Singapore), Singapore.<br /><br />Vogel, G. & J. Van Rooijen, 2007. ‘A new species of <em>Dendrelaphis</em> (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Southeast Asia’, <em>Zootaxa</em> 1394: 25–45.</span>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-53911376278686327222009-11-08T23:11:00.024+08:002009-11-08T23:48:50.131+08:00Neurothemis fluctuans; Trithemis aurora <span style="font-family:lucida grande;">How do dragonflies recognise members of their own species? Recognition of conspecifc is primarily through visual cues for dragonflies. They can recognise flight style, size, colours and patterns as well as ultraviolet reflection and optical density. The ability to recognise their own species is important as it enables dragonflies to defend territory and for a male to find the right female.<br /></span><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br />But sometimes, mistakes do occur. On a recent sunny morning in Singapore Botanic Gardens, a whole lot of dragonflies were active. There was about six species present and the area was buzzing. It seemed like an orgy was taking place as males grasped females for copulation and inseminated females were ovipositing. The males were also fighting each other for the females. Suddenly a tandem pair crashed onto a plant. A male <em>Neurothemis fluctuans</em> had grasped a female <em>Trithemis aurora</em>. The pair made several attempts to fly off but failed.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401751550400838322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 318px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVzjmrMPu92HnPOzuA069R0UGKgTiFw30KhbLDfROjbLCeFkX0sWyn2CDlVFi646Glri_4T0nKctHRjtXejeu4gtl6aqB47A4f0vLWOaXL4R-0Au9ELxH78zsAehlh45YA7alsdynr2br/s400/pic1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401751863483450674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 334px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3BC4CYBSLUr9ag8ZjmBM6hd177t3WoJhyS99nAt0q5gOO9PYJIiz2mjj77EY9VHQcdbm7l37uzQ2pqgNDJEMEO6OWWBncTHdkNaYk81y270z5ya8N1wdJEghomqkoPTFbK66SGKwic1c/s400/pic3.jpg" border="0" />Tandem link between different dragonflies species is prevented because of the incompatibility between a male’s anal appendages and a different female’s head. It is like a lock and key system; the right key must fit the right lock. In this case, it is obvious the male <em>N. fluctuans</em> couldn’t grasp the female properly. After several tries, the male realised its mistake and released the female.</span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401751699139375810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 327px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqQAAlRy6iptX0DK8AF8UQwLvx6q9-dwWOvAq-VU0ymfjVZh9WjODDeAmrbmgOc6UtDsQB4zlALYK5ohzkTI7AZdkzyEEWx2li9Q7REmxN63sYf8geG9u56jyGdKYMQj1-npyTeD99t0r/s400/pic2.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Both <em>Neurothemis fluctuans</em> and <em>Trithemis aurora</em> are very common species here. Both species are sexually dimorphic. Mature <em>N. fluctuans</em> males are reddish while the females are light brownish. For <em>T. aurora</em>, mature males are pink while females are yellowish.<br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401752883356398626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbn2PG9_n0kK_cVDSwadTk3Bo8An_Y9Fssh3vUJfDqtSTB3PfIxjc2wam4AURs2MtsFXjNj-go2aHGOewQQ37O4MdRdLZCfahtwtvhRU5ZZdVmtATVEEEoyfxm7iRzf6Fd-yDiA6aS4mf/s400/pic4.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401753133749091426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 325px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfMDoAWYbzd4QcztYfMCBNz8ylIRPPC-4Prrdi_YeM3clRgzxXeplzgZfIBj8Xw61BPgT7FAxizu8L_i6Ltkx2ctRNtGzVxYV2fPSYNjZzAvkAsa9imoDaEAtBT1dHrzqxHx12y-yrc7j/s400/pic5.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401753240789862834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 354px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_e_PIdA2iVZgqyA2rQ9ZQblG2uL1gZFFHK4gLkap3h7nGMOzEe8wagcz3d5wNTk4YNkFrEnSKFLYIAJY1dS1G6of-Ut0IC0uAu0gBrCfNxm9BqrVqukddusMJbEXf8EQHtkkVR_Tp89i/s400/pic6.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401753412057243986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 388px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGZGrVa9PC-I4otO7kUBU82uKIN09vdF88LIJt0-xWGm_DyZtl5_Mipl5BPV1izAmvZKHT20n1_pJ5JvtGQjuIbqlzsdxtj-jxoYOQ7dn4tssbzCh3pemLFA3waic23LkpaObQHDBZyoJ/s400/7.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures taken at: Singapore Botanic Gardens, 2009; Toa Payoh Town Park, 2009 & 2008.<br /><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">References:<br /><br />Corbet, P. S. & S. J. Brooks, 2008. <em>Dragonflies</em>. HarperCollins Publishers, London, UK. </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-21623834071884023202009-08-30T17:40:00.011+08:002009-08-30T18:30:49.695+08:00Brown Tree SnailRecently, the rarest land snail in Singapore was sighted in great numbers. They were all congregated on two trees in the Singapore Botanical Gardens (SBG), several of them mating with some observed among leaf litter. This is the Brown Tree Snail (<em>Amphidromus inversus inversus</em>).<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375691141502443522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZvesk86NGfGmUA75aqinQo1wSMJw6RnRSgJZ-5a__vuftwd_0KBG8OrnWijs0PzATJIbW1WPDrintYNme_8arQSe37JWcmo_qlulXgdiPaUtlVkKI4w0nDA2yJC_Asjbiioo-GmKQLGy/s400/P1020559.JPG" border="0" />This critically endangered snail is mainly arboreal, inhabiting trees within primary forests preferring humid and damp conditions. Only one population survives in Singapore, and that's in SBG. We are not sure how big the population is but I believe it is hanging on by a thread considering the snail is found only within a small area in SBG. My knowledge on land snails are limited so I wonder why its found only at SBG and not in our forest reserves too. As mentioned in the Singapore Red Data Book, a study on population size is long overdue and a concerted effort must be made to introduce a second population in the nature reserves.<br /><br />We have five <em>Amphidromus</em> species and subspecies in Singapore. The other one that is also rare is the Green Tree Snail (<em>Amphidromus atricallosus perakensis</em>) from the nature reserves.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375691448122589826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ogd0H4nDnTZdmaoG_9Zu6hhVz_TyiFdeR395sUM9ZG4uityNbP1itLaByRubrxEClMA-lF0NqpnKqkzaufbfV0byhyphenhyphennVuXGQ4sBl3So5yd_Ru8l6JkJE1F24F0MKpjYNRMRDFcx2a-7X/s400/P1020560.JPG" border="0" />As I took the pictures, passerby walked past. Some gave me curious glances but most ignored me. Many Singaporeans don’t know we have several species of flora and fauna eking out a last stand here. Many of these species are unspectacular and inconspicuous unlike the charismatic Colugo or the iconic Oriental Pied Hornbills. The extinction of a snail would hardly make a dent in an urban dweller’s life. But it’ll be a loud silent scream from our natural heritage.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375691838740194578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpF3X7P2znL_U2nnqV-Pw8_QZTy7deCR3LrbioKSvz8BkcZOhiC8bb1XSx2qMfvdsrjmyJzwMMXwO_J7BSYbTZctrkLUlB0vzpHXGFd9CvWo4EOYRTsZmybySllmD3YtKU2L7lN5IjqoAd/s400/P1020562.JPG" border="0" /><br />Snails in the pictures are individually marked for research purposes.</p><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>Pictures taken at: Singapore Botanical Gardens, August 2009.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>References:<br /><br />Lok, A. F. S. L. & S. K. Tan, 2008, ‘A review of the Singapore status of the Green Tree Snail, <em>Amphidromus atricallosus perakensis</em> Fulton, 1901 and its biology’, <em>Nature In Singapore</em>, vol. 1, pp. 225-230.<br /><br />Davison, G. W. H., P. K. L. Ng & H. C. Ho (eds), 2008. <em>The Singapore Red Data Book: Threatened Plants and Animals of Singapore</em>. 2nd Edition. The Nature Society (Singapore), Singapore. </div></div>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-2956016724642810142009-06-13T16:41:00.036+08:002009-06-13T17:24:18.422+08:00Orthetrum chrysis ; Larva Emergence<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346732901239504242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 341px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDB_Kvj64dFfcUXM_9MVYvBSftrrzfnxEkEcXzQOAARxBFTKu4Sn3M4XJBhIe-UMnIFbSEPSgGSbvuhrPuO8L1D7iWo9QfsDRgiHil-7T1Xlp9K4Hc000mC_KIvCiO3xnDRbTBMjyJKZb/s400/pic2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346733882842054418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcj6bU5OfOXuKaErMpaUwK0OJJ-EVTNUCE44uQBkoMLWzBFKKB6KiKhGOo9iaH1MG_-JaRbAwF41_S-Qg58SvBPgvz7LTrrvcjDz1NlZ9Ai-L2ImK1aKoCnUIU-VuvLGCI0s_3xpD0YFi/s400/pic3.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Although dragonfly larvae have been studied widely, this aspect of their life history still harbours unsolved mysteries. For example, there’s several dragonfly genus whose larvae are still unknown and not found or described. The best way to study larvae ecology is to rear them ex-situ. This requires patience, time and acquired knowledge through practice. Inspired by the excellent work by Dr. Ian Choong from Malaysia and encouragement from Yeh Wen-Chi in Taiwan, I decided to take on this challenge whole heartedly.<br /><br />Two to three days prior to emergence, a typical larva will stop feeding and climb partially out of the water. This is when aquatic respiration slowly change into atmospheric respiration. Once ready it will leave the watery environment into an aerial existence. After rearing this larva for 20 days, a miracle of nature finally unfolded. </span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346734099729717826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 334px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwGbBI8BfgpEjeVpksmLbh2Rl58e1tEZ2-gKDKrAaOH1bDexy4AVIFeuO100vdvOolxec49N9T-xtyfr_B5-I7Glszsdy8TOSgDegoraa9x-eDUMu5J0z0e3oYnO0vJFysbiSSCvDxqer/s400/pic4.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Tropical dragonflies mostly emerge at night to pre-dawn. There are four stages of emergence. The first is when the larva search for a suitable support, climbing upwards and away from water. At this stage, the cuticle is still intact.<br /><br />At second stage. the cuticle of the head and thorax split with the adult now pushing itself out of the moult (known as exuvia in dragonflies). Looking at the process, I actually sensed the dragonfly’s physical exertion. Slowly, the head, thorax and legs emerged with only the abdomen still inside the exuvia. Normally, a dragonfly would then rest for a while.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346734519646464306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 348px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeO4NbnnwyxnR8BHw7emQHNZTXFsxTlaEUoWjvj7uFG0o-OCMgQXQJ1MeiJhFHOvznD_v_awLFewxvn0Dwg9t-13oUhsC3_miP59VUaR-pWbZDbnke6TMnWPTXeHtY-sLeQqBGlNg0py5/s400/pic5.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346734908276909426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 394px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWDoQvrCm7a7k6zkSsha_hXF5XCVYnOZZ2AAvSjbSQwDlmi1wEtBaq0gnotHCJRiUyTBlxy1MMkEQx7QHqNq8YNSKfCBG2H888-4PI2t9X4_5Y9WmIYXO1SynD9QGuqXrr3smqlJuTo-u/s400/pic6.jpg" border="0" /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">When it has regained energy, it swung forward to hang onto the exuvia and pulled its abdomen out. This is the third stage. The dragonfly is now fully emerged but looks all wriggled and fragile.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346735187140163842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 378px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaxNwrKAyZK4YDXoutu354XJFhIPTEM8iNMYxhaNdsonRIvSVkiEY43a9SQDwHQpC726Ob-206X7dwoSQ1vstqtU8J4dfnRDekAVxr6FK1fs-Jr59kw36O0yErPdoQ9yLSFaHlrazaICB/s400/pic7.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346735405372244978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 329px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ndv5-GHGyHmKZcna1bMUDWwkoV-wSoOfj4s-evqSisKhnWm54Fr30mbjqSoM3dmjYFTukUbJGlfc3h7zI1aruzadNIKaXvUA_6JWZnN6eAtKbB-Zf0l8IoHCn3ShljwsZBvi4DQq3TQE/s400/pic8.jpg" border="0" />Finally in stage four, bodily fluids are pumped throughout the body to expand the abdomen and wings and also gaining full colour. Just like an ugly duckling, its wings open and transformed into a beautiful reddish female <em>Orthetrum chrysis</em>.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346735685654975650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WRqdqPY1ModYWJK_uBgC5P0tRB5CvkSuOkp4-8HxHYehlzVkplDT4O6VhB6LHjjZTfKjppbhrvmpmJHQi8urHI9Gt_26VsdgDSfAZdf5nPPZaNjndKB4tli3YXl3a670jxlwC1C8UXQP/s400/pic9.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346735932456712322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 374px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRg6aPDIIW57nQGXafNGqdfZeO5pxzewhlB2DIzNQzx_yGvY49RHkOv0s-jD1i0wD3rFyI_DFnLZGiDG4fSAJi7413IhbG15xWCnn_pe6a19PSQ5orN23BD-dVM4GCetcXdXZLhos_7uB/s400/pic10.jpg" border="0" /></span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346736193062418786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKyGIHILgT2euldKwuUi1tmZFe1eMsBq1G3e_jAC9yamNJuRAh-w-lcA8BOKuJK29XHKJ3QHGZfFuuRfoz2WbWVvk5jvkCi9R0cOm3RtwQ07Xs7AMOwdJ_ZFVwzmejCAeQNilcCWXzakP/s400/pic11.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The entire four stages require 1-2 hours. Sacrificing sleep from 4-6am to witness this event is certainly worth it. For a dragonfly, it now enters an aerial lifestyle of hunting, territorial fights and procreating the next generation.<br /><br /><em>Orthetrum chrysis</em> is a common dragonfly. Although mostly encountered at forest margins, we can also find them in well-vegetated park ponds. Of the several red-coloured dragonflies in Singapore, males of <em>O. chrysis</em> can be recognised by its red abdomen and blackish-brown thorax. </span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346732734979783250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 377px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznB3lpJ1X-q8l3Qv8YqRie6hvzfWonmNvuRjGOgaORk2-_t66D7Kpp8XfIGB_a9v14h1Kpoir0otM0H3yGAIuWwkmUjwJLhIhH1YQUx0rzKlcvmB84cMQM6O6W9cuSTfU-MzXAYXQquVe/s400/pic1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures taken at: ex-situ, May 2009 (larva and emergence); Bishan Park pond, September 2008 (adult male).<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br />References:<br /><br />Corbet, P. S. & S. J. Brooks, 2008. <em>Dragonflies</em>. HarperCollins Publishers, London, UK.<br /><br />Silsby, J., 2001. <em>Dragonflies of the World</em>, CSIRO Publishing, Victoria, Australia</span>.</div></div></div></div></div>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-16860661651525728752009-05-03T14:18:00.021+08:002009-05-03T15:41:08.124+08:00Anax guttatus (Hairy Emperor); Aeshnid LarvaI reckon the most impressive of Singapore’s dragonflies are from the family Aeshnidae. There’s about 400 species worldwide. They are characteristically robust in built; are fast strong fliers making huge sweeps around their habitat; and several species are crepuscular. Nine aeshnid species have been recorded in Singapore. <em>Anax guttatus</em> (Hairy Emperor) is the most common as it can be found in open habitats of big ponds or lakes. Species of the genus <em>Anax</em> are well-known for their territoriality. In many ponds here, it is rather easy to encounter a huge dragonfly patrolling a pond by flying along the pond margin with great speed and purpose. Chances are it is the Hairy Emperor, appropriately named by the way it seems to lord over a pond.<br /><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331479502511184306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizz2j0BORIH-_9YMinYnCD4plnq2JHPm5RtTqJtX6tCAgWc9Oa39B3UtcqmiAvcUajeOQNpOvxTx-EBx62ndB-MDn_6VMXFFYEUicKqGA5I1WIZWEuNzS-PeK7OIFyZGRmvRmJBupTaa5a/s400/pic1.JPG" border="0" />Aeshnids are unlike most other dragonflies in that females will insert their eggs into plant tissue. This ovipositing mode is the same as damselflies. Aeshnid females have well-developed ovipositors to cut minute slits into plant tissue for egg insertion. This behaviour is seldom seen so I was very fortunate to witness an <em>Anax guttatus</em> with colleagues recently. The videos show a female ovipositing into the floating plant stem. <em>A. guttatus</em>, when not flying at speed, is quite easy to recognise with its overall greenish colour and blue pattern on the abdomen. Up close, it is a beautiful and impressive dragonfly.<br /></div><div align="center"><object height="350" width="420"><param name="movie" value=" http://www.youtube.com/v/RVvXSlWKFJs"><embed src=" http://www.youtube.com/v/RVvXSlWKFJs" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="350"></embed></object></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="center"><br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value=" http://www.youtube.com/v/Q1tKrDu6_hY"><embed src=" http://www.youtube.com/v/Q1tKrDu6_hY " type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="350"></embed></object></div><div><br />The larvae are another fascinating aspect of these insects. Depending on their behaviour and microhabitats, anisopteran larvae are typically recognised into four broad categories: claspers; sprawlers; hiders; and burrowers. Aeshinids larvae are generally claspers as they cling onto submerged vegetation or twigs. They are elongated with large prominent compound eyes. The shape and position of those eyes can be used to identify aeshnids larvae to genus. <em>Anax</em> species larvae have large forward facing oval-shaped eyes. They are very aggressive, excellent hunters. Apparently they can also change their colouration with each successive moult to suit their surroundings for better camouflage. I think this emerald green <em>Anax</em> larva is particularly eye-catching.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331489434750281426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwmAwkgUApCvk1Nn7QjO7cvo-UsBkBPwzsbdK4H40yIhNbtVlWSHz29iXT8VLuRB1C89LeUpQtkCOOsVqWTNuvPbv-P0Yl_EtU535FmmVkv9mA3lpwAyUkFm-KEcK2NL-ah7ls0xxumTX/s400/DSC_1177.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331491474358963666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiva_J-vWfFtvYUJsNGE5TpkNYncp75-sJGH2i3K2ug2tWbH0Z-a4YAd-Faomp2tYR956ZV0oP3PUuFohHfg4ao-ICIj0AF6_UdvighDgeJik6xp4n4bhW-n9xBCpIcF8-waBwNxJJjKLff/s400/DSC_1178.JPG" border="0" /><br />The labium is unique to odonates. It is basically an extensible organ with hook and pincers to ensnare prey. It is like an energy storage mechanism which can be released with speedy accuracy. Sight and labium co-ordination required by a larva to capture prey is undoubtedly precision of the highest order.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331491773403235842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 395px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4V_dvqqbaA2az3xsXrGQfowqpiEdrQTrqSKXLKRkqjw00brRZBiYTQFK3YHcpJIB_uAqHPBCvi5CtHasfu6zYtfWxEYXE_ZWwQ-KDaHueuGHy5M5CcDH-sCwUEfBPL2JuUJNV10EObNW/s400/pic2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p>Pictures and videos taken at: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, April 2009 (<em>Anax guttatus</em>); ex-situ, April 2009 (<em>Anax</em> larva).<br /><br /><br /></p><p>References:<br /><br />Corbet, P. S. & S. J. Brooks, 2008. <em>Dragonflies</em>. Harper Collins Publishers, London, UK.<br /><br />Norma-Rashid, Y., L. F. Cheong, H. K. Lua & D. H. Murphy, 2008. <em>The dragonflies (Odonata) of Singapore: Current status records and collections of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research.</em> Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Singapore. 24 pp. Uploaded 07 Nov 2008 [http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/raffles_museum_pub/Dragonfly_of_Singapore.pdf]<br /><br />Orr, A. G., 2003. <em>A Guide to the Dragonflies of Borneo. Their Identification and Biology</em>, Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia.<br /><br />Orr, A. G., 2005. <em>Dragonflies of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore</em>, Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia<br /></p></div></div>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-33900004409806573812009-03-20T22:50:00.021+08:002009-03-21T01:23:50.571+08:00Raphismia bispina (Bispina Skimmer)<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Thanks to Ria and the Semakau Book team, we had a chance to explore the back mangroves of Semakau a few weeks back. Because of the mangrove’s general good health, I was expecting to find the mangrove specialist <em>Raphismia bispina</em> (Bispina Skimmer). Thus it was a delight to finally spot two blue males flying within a sunlight spot among the prop roots.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315283506996445970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRpg-b0lcI7ldv1f4bF2HCtW-TnkJ7beFNYhAO9Uvrd7e7Lk_IxTirlO7_XW3zQRd_Qu8LnJZxfXxEiDbzoEeJL2E2thP5S3_U_A8O5O0E8uF-bVdAArwz1jMiY6dDefHaVtx4m5dhLi0/s400/pic2.jpg" border="0" /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span> <div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315283767587944722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 308px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqQyQyw-jIgIlngXQdGvjfcbWCuti23jKK049Ol1Pbsjso9JZnJZn5H0PZNwqy-ZUMHUvKMpL1ekTQ4FOx-zXKCGn_kLUIRGeRVhArfiVqoxB59HvnSW-Mw_zMFZh4byasPZ6TNVDrxWc/s400/pic1.jpg" border="0" />This dragonfly is one of two or three species in Singapore that have adapted to back mangrove habitats. It is an inconspicuous dragonfly where males usually perch for long periods defending their territories. Although widespread throughout Sundaland, it breeds only in salty water of back mangroves. It is therefore highly specialised and rather rare. In Singapore, <em>R. bispina</em> is classified as uncommon and has been recorded from only a handful locations.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315283912572493250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 330px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixiyEGbtoDeWbLOrWOg2gBM1OBNX7Qeuw1J68If6gAKj_xXNIfm0nt_smBjoiXqxga-cIqJ0tY53qDxXhtY3eNChJkw_MOWqDRR4LPi0u-v76CcSPBdfxV7hqzWpX3KT_h9kEoT0ivcE4O/s400/pic6.jpg" border="0" />Two features are used to distinguish this species from others. <em>Raphismia bispina</em> has two downward pointing spines behind the hind legs at the rear of the synthorax. It also has two bifid process projecting from beneath abdominal segment S2. It’s difficult to see these tiny features unless there’s a close-up photograph.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315284115315286466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSngie7-n8X8CbTZP0PD7XdhyjPUAvl7r-ndb4_iIeNk3ac_Rlm1ZFSbPSQL7WTRGs3xbAdH9syE433-oAXeT1bYeV_Q1KLX13CjzwqJ8U_PIiY0nizR_n4zTwIgUN30QRvpft1lYRAA85/s400/pic5.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315284292039046882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 326px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwRSlU4Z5HFWC44PFQDFchumFIwG0kLFcvMqxI0UNkIi700_UGUHKAekZ3ozNLPsULOjugsKpFYyLLhRCu4RPpHdowIhkASvFGiHjpj_Cq_gEDN66RzrscY7iakSGK4ZFKNhbYn3xNfV2/s400/pic4.jpg" border="0" />We were lucky to observe a female while on the way out. She has mottled yellowish patterns on the thorax and yellowish streaks running down her abdomen. Like the male, she perched patiently on a branch and we could see that she’s gleaning for prey. She awarded us with good close-up shots and her vulva scale beneath the abdomen tip was visible. This ‘spout’ like structure is where eggs leave the females during ovipositing. Vulva scale is not found in those dragonflies that oviposit into plant tissues.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315284407126783042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 314px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREL7rR7_ahf8KKMZMjwE1E-B2STtK62yMgKpWQEM6lOT4Jfhp7-fJQISeT688nYMyYeP-q91KPxq4Zhgrkhr3XMXCaJ9D1fVKGRTAtr1NWUrCGq8tE99o5VuujBS0JsDbJ6XSTQZd7X4j/s400/pic3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://dragonsndamsels.blogspot.com/2009/03/raphismia-bispina.html" target="new">Mr. Joe Pan</a> from Sabah also had a recent wonderful encounter with this mangrove specialist. In Borneo, <em>R. bispina</em> is known only from the extreme northern tip and Brunei.<br /><br />Dragonflies larvae are typically hyperosmotic regulators in fresh to moderately saline waters. According to Corbet (1999) most species adapted to brackish habitats generally occur in waters not exceeding 8.6% of the salinity of seawater. It will be interesting to investigate if this is also true for <em>R. bispina</em>.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures taken at: Pulau Semakau, February 2009<br /><br /><br />References:<br /><br />Corbet, P. S., 1999. <em>Dragonflies: Behaviour and Ecology of Odonata</em>. Cornell University Press, New York.<br /><br />Dijkstra, K-D. B. & R. Lewington, 2006. <em>Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Britain and Europe</em>, British Wildlife Publishing, United Kingdom<br /><br />Norma-Rashid, Y., L. F. Cheong, H. K. Lua & D. H. Murphy, 2008. <em>The dragonflies (Odonata) of Singapore: Current status records and collections of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research.</em> Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Singapore. 24 pp. Uploaded 07 Nov 2008 [http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/raffles_museum_pub/Dragonfly_of_Singapore.pdf]<br /><br />Orr, A. G., 2003. <em>A Guide to the Dragonflies of Borneo. Their Identification and Biology</em>, Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia.<br /><br />Orr, A. G., 2005. <em>Dragonflies of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore</em>, Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia</span></div></div>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-65221091196305219532009-03-06T01:27:00.014+08:002009-03-06T01:42:49.609+08:00Banded Phintella<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnZM5NEYJGgNpW5n2HWePRfuazJIHr2Hk-NT_HLr-fSqnMRYdAqTyb8aFFfI7LiBahyphenhyphenH-FiynbWZVOUj2949pwTviBfOGkjPMjqmJE3Y0JnJdIsuBkpfOrmjDylsbaHUnwrPVZ1lRuh3D/s1600-h/pic2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309757183616804418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnZM5NEYJGgNpW5n2HWePRfuazJIHr2Hk-NT_HLr-fSqnMRYdAqTyb8aFFfI7LiBahyphenhyphenH-FiynbWZVOUj2949pwTviBfOGkjPMjqmJE3Y0JnJdIsuBkpfOrmjDylsbaHUnwrPVZ1lRuh3D/s400/pic2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Jumping Spiders are one of the most efficient hunters of insects. They have superb abilities to spring onto prey with precise accuracy. This precision is mostly thanks to their keen eyesight. The eyes arrangement is such that they have an almost 360° field of vision. Two huge front eyes give jumping spiders a telephoto-like system while eyes at the sides are akin to stereoscopic wide-angle lenses. A Banded Phintella (<em>Phintella vittata</em>) shows very clearly the ever vigilant eyes ready to process an all-round image, directing the spider to make the next precise jump.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309757523316361042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 324px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mewOq_9QUH1eMgsQgK9ueGI_R3g_jCChQ4Yeb-n2uRGfoOJDB8fkc066kJu2m9VssOUWMgzSkcqNGAaxDXl8dVyBOprofjzLqen4pGPmYs4WjcMy7FIuOTTWtqzz-vd-jQP4pU85P7rh/s400/pic1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309759251163332194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 376px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__NN2ASLrxWOQ-wer92hg_QQM9fQa6rsBMx3wlhYvLdwiJzHsvOlrk01qKuwJrMbE8H2awa2LzGv1pyzbpyqcFyGTfnKGhA8Rk-7a6DZAontBZju9M8fRruHIhgGueRmxK5fRdcXrSJFx/s400/pic4.jpg" border="0" />I love the slight golden tinge on its carapace and abdomen. A closer look reveals a streak of blue on the femur. This makes the spider even more attractive. Using innovative experiments, local researchers have shown that females of another jumping spider species (<em>Cosmophasis umbratica</em>) would spend a longer time observing ultra-violet (UV+) males than UV- males regardless of which male display more actively. This suggests for that species, male UV influence plays a role in female-mate choice. Perhaps similarly, the iridescent bluish leg femora would help a male Banded Phintella in attracting the opposite sex.<br /><br />Banded Phintella can be encountered at gardens as well as forested habitats.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Pictures taken at: Central Catchment Nature Reserves, February 2009<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div>References:<br /><br />Koh, K. H. J., 1989. <em>A Guide to Common Singapore Spiders</em>. Singapore Science Centre, Singapore.<br /><br />Lim, M. L. M., J. Li & D. Li, 2008. ‘Effect of UV-reflecting markings on female mate-choice decisions in <em>Cosmophasis umbratica</em>, a jumping spider from Singapore’, <em>Behavioral Ecology</em>, vol. 19 (1), pp. 61-66. </div>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-44203139511258794242009-01-18T20:42:00.015+08:002009-01-18T21:10:39.109+08:00 Libellago aurantiaca (Red Jewel)<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">In the streams of our nature reserves lives a damselfly affectionately known as Red Jewel. This is because the males are dazzlingly colourful and in bright sunshine, the metallic reflective patches on their wings sparkle as they fly along a flowing stream. </span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292615117098332514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69NBxNoDTh3N1j-a-sBNtIZexSYsn1sT98jbZIZBIwKJMUwEpoq8sXvU9IV-DnYKQTic9OPwIDsQpUcUbj_HIc8YwIMkxmpvBOcwjiTztFqi5wfdF9TeDAPIae7Y2XYFlUGhjar-AehsK/s400/Libellago+aurantiaca%40Lorong+Banir+Stream+231108+pic2.JPG" border="0" /> Jewels are from the family Chlorocyphidae which consists of about 140 species worldwide, most of them distributed in Asia, Africa and Australasia. These damselflies, with the exception of the genus <em>Rhinoneura</em>, have their abdomen shorter than their hindwings thus separating them from other damselfly species. Another characteristic feature is the presence of an upturn snout which I feel gives them a rather cartoon-ish appearance. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292616163089635634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 396px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGNd2UYpzFxtljGWT9gvOGrgn-AD4Hoa2kLYV66R583_qNL6hTnyzblDy0IKkfIvr9-h2cGuo-HZEW2k_5nO-WBAYv74XQEJRxDzXq6UakZRuYceV3jU3IQ91Y5kL4ezEokQI5Jax0E94/s400/111.jpg" border="0" /><br />Singapore has two Jewels species: the red abdomen <em>Libellago aurantiaca</em> and the rarer violet abdomen <em>Libellago hyaline</em> (Hyaline Jewel). </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292616835489464146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 363px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOFELi1caLz1Bnk61yGhInUbkAnbnn4QGzFJrsZZrZB17lb2GkH3tXkebXLMa6-DvI4LllR_VIQ3l2FcatrDEvbh7uu-VFxyXBOZWkXvlCtU_isZtGy8imvEqKGd_HwjImpYhJlvYrcma/s400/qqq.jpg" border="0" /><br />Red Jewels inhabit and breeds in clear swift flowing forest streams. Males are more commonly seen perching on logs or leaves on or near the water. They are highly territorial and disputes between males are settled by the most elegant way. In bright sunshine, males would confront one another hovering at almost the same spot. Facing each other but never coming into contact, these bouts of territorial displays can last for hours or as long as sunshine penetrates the forest canopy. The tangos are always conducted at sunlit spots, presumably to best showcase their striking colours.<br /></p><p align="center"><object width="420" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mOpskce5MJg&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mOpskce5MJg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="420" height="344"></embed></object></p><p align="center"><object width="420" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VPbZzsLe3f4&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VPbZzsLe3f4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="420" height="344"></embed></object></p><p>Among Singapore’s damselfies, Jewels are perhaps most susceptible to habitat degradations. They require unpolluted swift streams for breeding and with a sedentary lifestyle, are not known to travel far from where they breed. Populations can therefore become isolated easily and some streams in our reserves have already lost their Red Jewels when the streams’ natural flow is altered by human impacts.<br /><br />Conserve our fragile forest ecosystem and we’ll protect the forest’s Jewels. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures and videos taken at: Central Catchment Nature Reserves, November 2008<br /></p></span><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">References:<br /></div></span><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Norma-Rashid, Y., L. F. Cheong, H. K. Lua & D. H. Murphy, 2008. <em>The dragonflies (Odonata) of Singapore: Current status records and collections of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research</em>. Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Singapore. 24 pp. Uploaded 07 Nov 2008 [http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/raffles_museum_pub/Dragonfly_of_Singapore.pdf]<br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Orr, A. G., 2003. <em>A Guide to the Dragonflies of Borneo. Their Identification and Biology</em>, Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia.<br /><br />Orr, A. G., 2005. <em>Dragonflies of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore</em>, Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia<br /><br />Silsby, J., 2001. <em>Dragonflies of the World</em>, CSIRO Publishing, Victoria, Australia.</span></div>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-51382484217113281852008-11-15T03:46:00.029+08:002008-11-15T12:32:39.757+08:00 Devadatta argyoides <span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Competition to find a mate and reproduce the next generation is always very intense in the animal kingdom. Sometimes even a successful mating might not necessary guarantee the offsprings are sired by the original male.<br /><br />Males of dragonflies and damselflies are especially adapted to displace the sperm of the previous male from a female. The discovery of sperm displacement in odonates by Prof. Jonathan Waage in 1979 is considered a significant finding in odonatology. Since then, it is now known there are four distinct ways a male can displace a rival male’s sperm: 1) physical removal by means of hooks or horns on the penis; 2) moving rivals’ sperm to sites in the females where its least likely to be used; 3) stimulation of female to induce sperm expulsion; 4) flushing out of rival’s sperm using the copulating male’s sperm.<br /><br />These are fascinating behaviours. An earlier <a href="http://singaporefauna.blogspot.com/2007/05/ceriagrion-cerinorubellum.html" target="new">post</a> mentioned this casually. Recently, I observed the copulation of <em>Devadatta argyoides</em>, enabling me a better understanding of sperm displacement.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268611932316981730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoO_X0Eo0Ktqszvu3Wb7xpQCneUBQlkpwwUWObUek6mTkdWRDZ2q5AIQllTSPU1ViHGvZIhgbCyYTFB5MkwNdegCWyj3OYFoahAftjaZAVf2xUYDPcb70Amv48-w31cnakoHe8XHngZITB/s400/rrrr.jpg" border="0" /> <em>Devadatta argyoides</em> is from the family Amphipterygidae. This is a small and primitive family with only one species present in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. In fact Singapore is the type locality for this damselfly. It is rather common and usually found perching near small forest streams.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">This couple had just gotten into tandem when I first spotted them. The male then flew with the female in tow for a short distance before perching above the stream. Slowly the female bent her abdomen to form the 'wheel’ thus interlocking their genitalia. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268612213145907954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 350px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EjCz8_9NCh5rNYrjOAbhsuWXOeZxwx4lTI08IokWAojeBo7Hu20XOH1pazb_CMAURhzYNjsxY-smrccv8DDKTvMBDJ8XY2p80sDqMwN57stux9nwziwVO5h1-5x2m2kloH6GYX-L0_B9/s400/www.jpg" border="0" /></span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268612527897670690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCULhMfIFfzlb7uaQRVjFf5dFSSlXJ1SoHs1pg4d01qzGhDh43BVpmWmRl0pQpwVvz8i70L2-EvkEdZV_FNful_-wBLQ1V2l-PPEj1DwCOvZhT-F8fqgLLrotUfQF7dix-uOuUHZGima4/s400/eeee.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Almost immediately, the male started displacing rivals’ sperm. This can be seen clearly by the male abdomen’s active movement. It lasted for about 2-3 minutes before the male stopped moving to transfer in his own sperm.<br /><br /><p align="center"><object height="350" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jagy5qLptks"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jagy5qLptks" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="350"></embed><br /></object></p><p align="left">After copulation, the couple separated with the female flying off a distance away. The male did not seem interested in mate guarding nor did the female oviposit after I followed her for almost 10 minutes. I’m not familiar with the mating system of <em>D. argyoides</em>. Perhaps during this post-copulatory rest, the female was assessing the male’s guarding capacity, or the suitability of ovipositing site, or she’s manipulating the recently received sperm for fertilisation and evaluating its quality. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268612791264737426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJghV0aE_fO5u8nr9IuU1DnIXcxJZ5TvCAoQhMcb6xe-zrwdKeE5pHYxLwfAcxZF6dMh285E2ohVmULqWhCEq4jtJ1lkOBvrWPFv4-t5cfxCtWOCOzKxrX2E9g8afhdPJ2eFLGhXd7alGj/s400/qqq.jpg" border="0" />The mating systems in odonates are varied with six systems currently recognised by scientists. There are lots more to discover on odonates mating behaviour especially species rarely encountered due to their elusive nature. </span></p><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures and video taken at: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, October & November 2008<br /><br /><br /><br />References:<br /><br />Corbet, P. S. & S. J. Brooks, 2008. <em>Dragonflies</em>, HarperCollins Publishers, London, UK.<br /><br />Lieftinck, M. A., 1954. ‘Handlist of Malaysian Odonata’, <em>Treubia</em>, vol 22, pp. 1-202.<br /><br />Orr, A. G., 2003. <em>A Guide to the Dragonflies of Borneo. Their Identification and Biology</em>, Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia.<br /><br />Orr, A. G., 2005. <em>Dragonflies of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore</em>, Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia</span>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-57837704186327852062008-11-09T15:49:00.028+08:002008-11-09T16:45:59.056+08:00 Vestalis amoena; Vestalis amethystina <div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEu1mFSHoQYkTqzhmU_S3UQ-HUVgUjoIzSqGWIVYtxHgczG8JcYKqRTVaoHUfnS7PzbEV-V4R_j1MZKs3bRbINQXIS0ojIEyzUvExWRjG869OUos23yQZk16sMez_8edNBW1nBZ6ccG2z/s1600-h/Vestalis+amoena+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266564660059004722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEu1mFSHoQYkTqzhmU_S3UQ-HUVgUjoIzSqGWIVYtxHgczG8JcYKqRTVaoHUfnS7PzbEV-V4R_j1MZKs3bRbINQXIS0ojIEyzUvExWRjG869OUos23yQZk16sMez_8edNBW1nBZ6ccG2z/s400/Vestalis+amoena+1.JPG" border="0" /></a><em>Vestalis amoena</em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Among Singapore’s damselflies, species from the genus <em>Vestalis</em> probably have the most attractive wings. Depending on the viewing angle and reflecting sunlight, the clear wings of these damselflies can appear to sparkle with purplish iridescence. We have two species in Singapore, <em>Vestalis amoena</em> and <em>Vestalis amethystina</em>. Both species look very much alike with the same metallic green colouration. In fact, the nine species known to exist in Sundaland are so similar in appearance that even differences in wings venation, body colouration and male penis structure are too ambiguous for species recognition. The only sure way to distinguish the species is by examining the male’s anal appendages.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266565158797805090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 312px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqn58Y6yLPsbLUgVCGjGKGnyVa0nTwktIpAihHAD-KoEUiN4xqz5ItX7p9pWLQ5n_BgYnIDuaWA0Yy34pdDr7B4Ra0DtOKfa7KI3K8YOfEgw4v4-lVk3DkmBDj_nBa3hI1JHviMdo1452/s400/Vestalis+amethystina+2.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>Vestalis amethystina<br /></p></em></span><p align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Although it seems difficult but with a good digital camera giving a close-up shot of the male’s anal appendages, it is actually rather easy to identify our two <em>Vestalis</em> species in the field without having to capture them. For <em>Vestalis amoena</em>, the appendages are less curved towards each other and appear shaped like a horseshoe.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266565986477970146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 334px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu44R6_8P9YyInIdS9RMgOP5BkkZYwsNUpB9ckHMElCM6DlfjEwJVLq8mL4jH5LsEbcUuwsFzw_zyj0d-HpJr-4C0zzCk-PpLO8j_Y5AkNaFOXVpX9auvOSgceMFfYuWeS1_YAt1ewv5H/s400/11111.bmp" border="0" /></p>On the other hand, <em>Vestalis amethystina</em> has their appendages more curved towards each other. Females can be separated by the yellow labium of <em>V. amoena</em> and black labium of <em>V. amethystina</em>.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266566228130800114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 379px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY-6TWhhLZ4-kzQtv3j11EtHuoBCb105XPZnEeacyfo-MxKbUQsZObVz-NPi5QkT5lxPNUeR_yxvkRshu48WRRkx_fx8pMsv2VjJCw1PNiS_HUD715sU3zDBaE0MV6eNMjDpVd8NCSUwK/s400/222.bmp" border="0" /><br />The geographical distribution of these two species is interesting. Both of them occur together from southern Thailand, Malay Peninsula to Sumatra. But <em>V. amoena</em> extends into Borneo while <em>V. amethystina</em> does not. In Borneo a close relative <em>V. amaryllis</em>, not found in the Malay Peninsula or Sumatra, exists. So it seems <em>V. amaryllis</em> became isolated in Borneo, differentiate into an independent species and occupies an ecological niche before <em>V. amethystina</em> could establish itself.<br /><br />In Singapore, both <em>V. amoena</em> and <em>V. amethystina</em> occupy similar habitat: flowing streams in dense forest vegetation. However <em>V. amoena</em> is reportedly less common than <em>V. amethystina</em>. This seems to be very true as I encounter <em>V. amoena</em> less often during regular trips into the nature reserves. One very possible reason is that <em>V. amoena</em> prefers larger and faster flowing streams.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266566578833555090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLSZWJ8S-D8vtOopPiiqPmlIN8MRLe5LONrtRN-i-VPHcN3mnVRrJTC6bClrjj0cnqHjizPWsI0h0m4AB_I6Cnrh_GfZx_42Hjtr4ULJykS8yi8XKlq1UWnSiCgVGk2zRzntOtdL5eipz/s400/stream.JPG" border="0" />As forests degradation occurs, silt and sediments become accumulated causing streams to flow slower thus making it a more suitable habitat for <em>V. amethystina</em>. Historical records show that <em>V. amoena</em> was once found in Ulu Pandan. This is a perfect case in point of how much forests we have lost and how vulnerable forest damselflies are. </span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures taken at: Central Catchment Nature Reserve, June 2008. </span><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">References:<br /><br />Laidlaw, F. F., 1931. ‘A list of the dragonflies (Odonata) of the Malay Peninsula with descriptions of new species’, <em>Journal of the Federated Malay States Museums, Singapore</em>, vol 16, pp. 175-233.<br /><br />Lieftinck, M A., 1965. ‘The species-group of <em>Vestalis amoena</em> Selys, 1853, in Sundaland (Odonata, Calopterygidae)’, <em>Tijdschrift voor Entomologie</em>, vol 108, pp. 325-364.<br /><br />Orr, A. G., 2003. <em>A Guide to the Dragonflies of Borneo. Their Identification and Biology</em>, Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia.<br /><br />Orr, A. G., 2005. <em>Dragonflies of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore</em>, Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia</span>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-59834004881738014692008-10-01T13:09:00.010+08:002008-10-01T13:18:49.965+08:00Asian Toad<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Singapore has about 24 native species of frogs and toads. The common species are of course very adapted to human landscape. They are more often heard than seen, especially after a period of heaving rainfall when males broadcast their desire for females. Occasionally though, a few individuals will stumble into our urban dwellings. </span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252048998240077906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuvTiarqYeLmzk4ogzqzPbxPbBBzwAV84qd7nGfKPImmfa07xzgn7NlbItY5tSyXewLtAliepUKNw_Me9r22sY3-bxilIOE4hPqrOD-crOK4DliqSJ3krlsUW-FRTDOb4cm16XGTINbPN/s400/Asian+Toad%40National+Biodiversity+Centre+220508+pic2.JPG" border="0" /> Few months back, an Asian Toad (<em>Duttaphrynus melanostictus</em>) made an appearance in my office. More precisely, it paid homage to a small corner. It was certainly a strange one. Throughout the whole time, it just sat there facing the wall with a contemplating look. It seemed overwhelmed by the wall and can’t decide what to do next. And it just stayed there the whole day and was so engrossed it totally ignored the mosquito sucking blood from its lower back.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252049299364311426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNPud91b2tIbwkCin0WUSODJ_TpdnlkTX13rfszZgtx0q0LEy9CEpR11HPUOOn1dv_F98C7_ZzbVC72YeYeJHMR3NHynqPFrZLa-L5gNvCIw35dN1kM4mCx0f6AuhVxAtSitTC0c2hXkg/s400/Asian+Toad%40National+Biodiversity+Centre+220508+pic1.JPG" border="0" />There must be a scientific reason why it chose to sit at the corner throughout the day. But animals do strange things. Not all behaviour has to be explained and it is this erraticism that makes wildlife so fascinating.</span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252049542295078242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyMtQMEDwofPnC2fSLXzVc04jHk3Fo9gE-3UWCtINKvLd_zwrHeFwaZ8rgEdWBnex-xM6e1mr1TX5ZKCVwmBPLznCEaxakUHubVQ161fXv4V8PazOCzIPWNpXkMCwVpqLsTVfTlPtWQrA/s400/Asian+Toad%40National+Biodiversity+Centre+220508+pic3.JPG" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures taken at: National Biodiversity Centre, May 2008<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br />References:<br /><br />Baker, N. & K. K. P. Lim, 2008. <em>Wild Animals of Singapore. A Photographic Guide to Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians and Freshwater Fishes</em>, Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte Ltd, Singapore. </span></p>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-88414456534872555902008-08-28T20:08:00.017+08:002010-01-19T14:18:48.119+08:00 Drepanosticta quadrata <span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Damselflies from the family Platystictidae usually need close examination in particular the wings venation and anal appendages to identify the species confidently. Platysticids generally occurs in primary forests near small streams and the larvae have a distinctive disproportionately large head.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239540405840087922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xpNExtcvnYRL3a0ZiuEUlnPnhKmQRpUssmg6WIy6ajjfAgTjy3KwGyj6ohW8iSb7p0uegBbUaCiHFzqiXWtu6PJ0d73rsFafxN0Prlm0tH2D5fbYNSc9G0Wi0Pg2WCTh3AI1cKBXoRrJ/s400/1111.jpg" border="0" /> Within this family, the genus <em>Drepanosticta</em> is represented by eight species in Peninsular Malaysia. They usually fly close to streams, flitting within the forest understory. Both males and females typically have a blue spot at the abdomen base in which the shape of the spot can serve to identify some of the species from Peninsular Malaysia. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266333907086232674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 314px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhTQhO9R4LniDsDCht-2Y4_m6cl7ZnIC56S6pnkkCLG9WU5k6-u5ef5CnRlIU6S-bsps94pjqC6uC5ztpE3841IHOXtfEZQaoZjCpZzupE7yXNVldqCl-qd95lB5HGNdpVRTBYhTJEFv1/s400/1111.bmp" border="0" /><em>Drepanosticta quadrata</em> has a blue spot with a triangular pointed tip. This species was described from Singapore and according to references is known only from Singapore. This would thus make this damselfly a Singapore endemic. Even so, the website </span><a href="http://www.asia-dragonfly.net/"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">http://www.asia-dragonfly.net/</span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> has this species as also occurring in China and Myanmar and has pictures of females from Johor. More work is perhaps needed to shed light on the true distribution of this damselfly as Albert Orr himself noted <em>Drepanosticta</em> spp. as data deficient with many species needing identity clarification. </span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239540970976764306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjm4_yic9WO6RZpMdWL4IBqiPmopqb0mdsMOIzK05KUlb7aBvXF_krn4WCoBpfmJdo0ihimej6BlMaeWgLUiiVFHCYCoqqATBYYEF2e4E9G6rBiZk2DAmXg3bKAjBftQFNL_Q9LZN3iY1Z/s400/Woodcutter's+Trail_2008Aug17_RobinNgiam_DSC_0051_Drepanostica+quadrata.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures taken at: Central Catchment Nature Reserve, August 2008<br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color:#3366ff;">Update 2010Jan19th: </span></div><div><span style="color:#3366ff;">The blue marking on abdominal segments S8-9 is variable among species of this genus. <em>D. quadrata</em> is not endemic to S'pore. In fact, it is believed that <em>D. quadrata</em> and <em>D. fontinalis</em> could be the same species. (thanks Dr. Ian Choong)<br /></span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">References:<br /><br />Orr, A. G., 2003. <em>A Guide to the Dragonflies of Borneo. Their Identification and Biology</em>, Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia.<br /><br />Orr, A. G., 2004. ‘Critical species of Odonata in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei’, in Guardians of the Watershed. Global status of dragonflies: critical species, threat and conservation, eds, V. Clausnitzer & R. Jodicke, <em>International Journal of Odonatology</em>, vol 7(2), pp. 371-384.<br /><br />Orr, A. G., 2005. <em>Dragonflies of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore</em>, Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia</span></div></div></div>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-90251377659372048102008-08-03T20:34:00.010+08:002008-08-03T21:24:40.027+08:00 Octopus species<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">This year is the <a href="http://iyor08singapore.blogspot.com/" target="new">International Year of the Reef</a> and this coming National Day weekend, local marine lovers are having a series of talks and exhibitions to launch the event. This will be a great opportunity to highlight the amazing marine biodiversity Singapore has to the otherwise uninformed general public.<br /><br />As part of the event, I’ll contribute an effort on this humble blog by drawing attention to the octopus, a creature which has always fascinated me with its amazing camouflaging abilities and known intelligence.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230281116798379650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZG93MA73m7koAs-pdAJCSnxbe4HzN7eNy0YEYW6X4T14OERXrqZlo1ruq285Ne_-0ad4EGBB_JvnLGTXlWPRgCqN_YiA9g1eUgTo0fMk60rjqDM_JdoOb4pClyCPKTPLiEojQS8OSnei/s400/P1060547.JPG" border="0" /> </span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Octopuses can be found in a wide range of habitats. Many smaller species occur in rocky shores and coral rubbles where they forage in exposed pools during low tide periods. Most are excellent at camouflage and are able to match the colours of their surroundings with astounding dexterity. The video of this animal hunting says it all.<br /><br /><p align="center"><object height="350" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OD8T4kG-EUI"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OD8T4kG-EUI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="350"></embed> </object></p><div><p>All octopuses use a strong neurotoxin at their salivary glands to immobilise prey when their long eight arms fan out into the nooks and crannies while hunting. The fast colour changes are presumably to camouflage it against predators although I remember reading somewhere that the changing colours are also a reflection of their ‘mood’.<br /><br />Identification of octopuses to species level is not easy. Careful examination of their arm length; number of suckers; beak morphology etc is necessary. Nevertheless, small benthic dwelling inter-tidal species are from the family Octopodidae and this individual would be from the genus <em>Octopus</em> which most species belongs to. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230281309558081362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGmNhSJVQH8G-tuARy821xL1NEyw_3A7ZvWIpDxc_v033m1OFN4elbRt-KUI0vIUoIThXEZuvRqoc5PrDGEqP7rcmepoUhyphenhyphen7ScnwS18ePHJ2cGkD3mM3qj5FhjAK1aG1K95mMiwz2yu1T/s400/P1060550.JPG" border="0" />Many inter-tidal inhabitants are small. This octopus, with its arms fully extended, would be about the size of my two palms. For many people, all they see of octopuses is a blotch of black ink as the animal retreats into their hiding places at the first sign of danger. But any observer with patience and sensitivity will no doubt be rewarded with glimpses into the lives of our inter-tidal Singaporeans.<br /><br />Happy National Day to ALL Singaporeans, big or small. </span></p></div><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Pictures and videos taken at: A southern island of Singapore, July 2008<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br />References:<br /><br />Norman, M., 2003. <em>Cephalopods. A World Guide.</em> ConchBooks, Hackenheim, Germany. </span></p>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-67685858876946143942008-06-22T01:15:00.008+08:002008-06-22T01:33:36.732+08:00Pentaceraster mammillatus<span style="font-size:100%;">It’s been almost two months since the discovery of a new sea star record at Cyrene Reef. Led by echinoderm expert <st1:street><st1:address>Dr. David Lane</st1:address></st1:street>, the find of <i>Pentaceraster mammillatus </i>created much excitement within local marine nature lovers. Not only that, the star created a chain of events, which I can now reflect on.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt85sUsPB7StYuQ6b1HnaZjZu_EPffpNVwDTJnAYvPVWvpeYubW1hhsway-6hCwetucIxyIFs_sY3LtRtLphp8ECC5sJp42_jZiNytJ1ijmQmq_j4s3-6WsAR8Gqi4uZe1u0y0eEePDSeW/s1600-h/Pentaceraster+mammillatus%40Cyrene+Reef+250408+pic1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt85sUsPB7StYuQ6b1HnaZjZu_EPffpNVwDTJnAYvPVWvpeYubW1hhsway-6hCwetucIxyIFs_sY3LtRtLphp8ECC5sJp42_jZiNytJ1ijmQmq_j4s3-6WsAR8Gqi4uZe1u0y0eEePDSeW/s400/Pentaceraster+mammillatus%40Cyrene+Reef+250408+pic1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214386694426118370" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;">I'm heartened by the discovery not just because it’s a beautiful sea star, but more so that it was made from a combined effort of nature volunteers, government officials as well as a renowned scientist. All three parties whom are stakeholders working hand in hand for the betterment of <st1:country-region><st1:place>Singapore</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s natural heritage. As a result, Cyrene Reef now has a higher profile and has gotten the attention of the public. This is a major step towards creating a marine protected area for a reef with truly high biodiversity but also at the same time threatened by a busy shipping industry.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCb3ppjmaswz97jtHoC2PW2FMugyVkrk4foUQpERmFsa3xauehp02suX4egKwk6sulQGvmz7Vj_tCoxKh0defh9deViHPTJrl9uVUNW8V8P5NGme14rFq0JYPZGhgP51I-HeBzUp83ip-/s1600-h/Pentaceraster+mammillatus%40Cyrene+Reef+250408+pic6.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCb3ppjmaswz97jtHoC2PW2FMugyVkrk4foUQpERmFsa3xauehp02suX4egKwk6sulQGvmz7Vj_tCoxKh0defh9deViHPTJrl9uVUNW8V8P5NGme14rFq0JYPZGhgP51I-HeBzUp83ip-/s400/Pentaceraster+mammillatus%40Cyrene+Reef+250408+pic6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214387332813295650" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Publication of a subsequent news article on this discovery means everyone want a piece of the action. Many are eager to get associated, no matter how remotely, with this sea star. Working overtime editing the many drafts to satisfy all parties, the article was successfully published within a few days. For reasons known only to the perpetrator(s), the discovery also set off a series of flaming and argument on the Internet over basic taxonomy and even on the expertise of Dr. Lane. This has now resulted in what I can only best described as an uneasy truce among people working towards the same goal of marine conservation. How can we help nature when her very guardians are at odds?<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Being previously found only in waters off eastern <st1:place>Africa and Red Sea</st1:place> region, <i style="">P. mammillatus </i>has been labeled an alien species by some. This is quite possible as Cyrene Reef is situated in the middle of <st1:country-region><st1:place>Singapore</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s shipping lanes and where ballast water could contain species not native to <st1:country-region><st1:place>Singapore</st1:place></st1:country-region>. This quickly became a thorny issue and politics soon came into play. <span style=""> </span><i style=""><span style=""> </span></i>To me, the wonderment of new discoveries is a major reason why I’m a student of nature. But when human politics interferes, my enthusiasm wanes quickly. I realise this is unavoidable and is something I would have to contend with. However, as much as possible, I shall do the science and leave the politics to the policy makers. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">In retrospect, <i style="">P. mammillatus </i>had not only reinforced my love for nature’s possibilities but also gained me further insights into the different shades of human nature. Humans are after all nature’s child too.<span style=""><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Pictures taken at: <st1:city><st1:place>Cyrene</st1:place></st1:city> Reef, April 2008</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">References:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" >Clark, A. M. & F. W. E. Rowe, 1971. <i>Monograph of the Shallow-Water Indo-West Pacific Echinoderms,</i> <st1:place><st1:placename>British</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Museum</st1:placetype></st1:place> (Natural History), <st1:city><st1:place>London</st1:place></st1:city>.</span><o:p></o:p></p>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297230931012597769.post-527101349439134912008-05-21T23:48:00.021+08:002008-05-22T00:40:16.340+08:00Prodasineura humeralis; Pseudagrion pruinosum<span style="FONT-FAMILY: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" >Some of the rarest damselflies in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:country-region><st1:place>Singapore</st1:place></st1:country-region> are restricted to the remaining forested streams in our nature reserves. It is always a pleasure to encounter them and more so to witness an intimate affair. I recently sighted two rare species at the same location along a clear flowing stream.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VKt-dUuupWRoF9QIYa0VoGXqg0uj27EsS3O-IhrXJvmal4oM_WS3gzVDfF3IAg2IBWCbtsb4WlVRlkeclMisB9YBD1ZYhe31tJ38KJC1MWHfe24j9QTAfuJV42Zw7uIKvQOibk0lCWL4/s1600-h/P1050910.JPG"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"></span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sDBltfMabW8kFvYBaSUeo1ZQm2Ebx7OdRRz03ABYKxEXguECRRPejIIfqd3Fm_ke8Do8AEPVdHPFZeBitnl1iQHJcw3oTy0jK95q2my2jsCK48NAQAa0zROduM8CTQRk4btR11Gi9mW5/s1600-h/P1050905.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202859299428848914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sDBltfMabW8kFvYBaSUeo1ZQm2Ebx7OdRRz03ABYKxEXguECRRPejIIfqd3Fm_ke8Do8AEPVdHPFZeBitnl1iQHJcw3oTy0jK95q2my2jsCK48NAQAa0zROduM8CTQRk4btR11Gi9mW5/s400/P1050905.JPG" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGJb0XiTudpgSmZUaWE8fDvVcGV4nGCMZ1dlP7GmfdiGaf6Vrsdx0safUzH1QCgdt6iBcwCDrA2cmL8RDuJ30ZskyNSWRo0rtr6T-p7a6QZuNXbztfE5q6_wdmjneNZarDUXFdnsehRP1/s1600-h/P1050892.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202860557854266690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGJb0XiTudpgSmZUaWE8fDvVcGV4nGCMZ1dlP7GmfdiGaf6Vrsdx0safUzH1QCgdt6iBcwCDrA2cmL8RDuJ30ZskyNSWRo0rtr6T-p7a6QZuNXbztfE5q6_wdmjneNZarDUXFdnsehRP1/s400/P1050892.JPG" border="0" /></a></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;">The first was <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Prodasineura humeralis</span>. It is quite common in Peninsular Malaysia but in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Singapore</st1:place></st1:country-region>, it was first recorded only in 2006. The prominent linear orange markings are distinctive. There are several species from the genus with very similar orange/yellowish markings. In fact <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">P. humeralis</span> was previously listed as <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">P. verticalis</span> from Peninsular Malaysia so it seems there is a degree of interspecific and intraspecific variations. More work on the many species from this genus awaits further investigations. <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Prodasineura</span> species usually perch in sunlit spots along forest streams and are in high densities where they occur. I saw three of them within the same area.</span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;">Just about 50cm away was a mating pair of <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Pseudagrion pruinosum</span>. The intimate pair was oblivious to my presence thus enabling me to document their love tryst.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VKt-dUuupWRoF9QIYa0VoGXqg0uj27EsS3O-IhrXJvmal4oM_WS3gzVDfF3IAg2IBWCbtsb4WlVRlkeclMisB9YBD1ZYhe31tJ38KJC1MWHfe24j9QTAfuJV42Zw7uIKvQOibk0lCWL4/s1600-h/P1050910.JPG"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9TcEM5QA8V-5qcmuX5lHjzIIMFUZt4EPBKVCdoQwHeJ297l5tkiWE3Oep5jS7jen6W0yIV7Mc0VqrpNIonMW7hkMugk6HKImI_oi7hHMyDb3NwLd9-7KfKPIVljeNJ8uklN0KvXPVNgH/s1600-h/P1050886.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202861017415767378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9TcEM5QA8V-5qcmuX5lHjzIIMFUZt4EPBKVCdoQwHeJ297l5tkiWE3Oep5jS7jen6W0yIV7Mc0VqrpNIonMW7hkMugk6HKImI_oi7hHMyDb3NwLd9-7KfKPIVljeNJ8uklN0KvXPVNgH/s400/P1050886.JPG" border="0" /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;">After about 10 minute’s copulation, the pair flew down to the stream and the female started ovipositing.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1DdqT1Txyvop3HXOLIqfBjwgrSOenkX9IkRTxYTBzfnJLK78YUgHYDNps3l7lnYjkro-vSxezLYAeaCp_exJb-7hdpuaBwBWsbisM2QR7tBWc21mshzKlm-_FxkBm_iNp7LOQb2FMazx/s1600-h/P1050896.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202864105497253250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1DdqT1Txyvop3HXOLIqfBjwgrSOenkX9IkRTxYTBzfnJLK78YUgHYDNps3l7lnYjkro-vSxezLYAeaCp_exJb-7hdpuaBwBWsbisM2QR7tBWc21mshzKlm-_FxkBm_iNp7LOQb2FMazx/s400/P1050896.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4QwonJNqRYSPHgTWOQRY4YXU5TvIvl-c2kXBrC1V9V2vpCcpCG-w62X2_5iyFWvsINBuNjqqvzpN-AvsvKIvgYvNPZlgh9_m4STRudlVvnub0OzaN6v42bcgXYgcURscthkN1xyEP-t4/s1600-h/P1050903.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202862890021508450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTuqg0RoS2qlBvgPDsotbxDkSsMcj5s94qH1L3nZxfAIdk4L4wyPhItqSwgZSV4rPVcxOrNddfTxLeLcz3udjECpdSBRHjPyrYsG1xUElCRVJ1LS0GF16AIJSX-w34O1SnWD73c8dKNi5/s400/P1050900.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:12;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><object height="355" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EAv8WxUzwQU&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EAv8WxUzwQU&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="420"></embed></object></div><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4QwonJNqRYSPHgTWOQRY4YXU5TvIvl-c2kXBrC1V9V2vpCcpCG-w62X2_5iyFWvsINBuNjqqvzpN-AvsvKIvgYvNPZlgh9_m4STRudlVvnub0OzaN6v42bcgXYgcURscthkN1xyEP-t4/s1600-h/P1050903.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202864419029865874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4QwonJNqRYSPHgTWOQRY4YXU5TvIvl-c2kXBrC1V9V2vpCcpCG-w62X2_5iyFWvsINBuNjqqvzpN-AvsvKIvgYvNPZlgh9_m4STRudlVvnub0OzaN6v42bcgXYgcURscthkN1xyEP-t4/s400/P1050903.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande">After a while, the male released his grasp and the female descended underwater.</p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><object height="355" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UGJMAGYTcpQ&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UGJMAGYTcpQ&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="420"></embed></object></div><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande">The video clearly shows the female searching for ovipositing spots with her abdomen. She surfaced and flew off easily due to the fact that her forewings remained dry thanks to it being shielded by the closed hindwings.</p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande">Whilst the female was submerged, the male waited nearby on a leaf. The instant she surfaced, he grasped her again in eagerness for another round of mating.</p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-p7xjQYhOR5KUTMo25k2vgSbLlCd_1MGkAMBPOOGflZPYwfiTCt481A6VcoKGjxi8ropK3MyrCp3FYX6_bn7zqqaoclVPXvQjg2LGTC1gShkSkaLIvVl7HgJksItdAXb8nsJtC-a9lHf8/s1600-h/P1050902.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202866059707372962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-p7xjQYhOR5KUTMo25k2vgSbLlCd_1MGkAMBPOOGflZPYwfiTCt481A6VcoKGjxi8ropK3MyrCp3FYX6_bn7zqqaoclVPXvQjg2LGTC1gShkSkaLIvVl7HgJksItdAXb8nsJtC-a9lHf8/s400/P1050902.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VKt-dUuupWRoF9QIYa0VoGXqg0uj27EsS3O-IhrXJvmal4oM_WS3gzVDfF3IAg2IBWCbtsb4WlVRlkeclMisB9YBD1ZYhe31tJ38KJC1MWHfe24j9QTAfuJV42Zw7uIKvQOibk0lCWL4/s1600-h/P1050910.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202866463434298802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VKt-dUuupWRoF9QIYa0VoGXqg0uj27EsS3O-IhrXJvmal4oM_WS3gzVDfF3IAg2IBWCbtsb4WlVRlkeclMisB9YBD1ZYhe31tJ38KJC1MWHfe24j9QTAfuJV42Zw7uIKvQOibk0lCWL4/s400/P1050910.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This is the first time I witnessed such behaviour and am suitably thrilled. According to literature, underwater oviposition occurs only in endophytic odonates in particular the damselflies but this ovipositing mode is not a compulsory with regards to any particular species. Some advantages of underwater oviposition include exemption from interferences from males and protecting the eggs from desiccation. </p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande">Studying odonates has honed my patience and observational attributes. I eagerly anticipate the next exciting observation in the field.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande"></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande">Pictures and videos taken at: Mandai forest, May 2008. </p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande">References:</p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande">Corbet, P. S., 1999. <i>Dragonflies: Behaviour and Ecology of Odonata</i>. <st1:place><st1:placename>Cornell</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>University</st1:placetype></st1:place> Press, <st1:state><st1:place>New York</st1:place></st1:state>.</p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande">Orr, A. G., 2003. <i>A Guide to the Dragonflies of </i><st1:place><i>Borneo</i></st1:place><i>. Their Identification and Biology</i>, Natural History Publications (<st1:place>Borneo</st1:place>) Sdn. <st1:place><st1:city>Bhd</st1:city>, <st1:country-region>Malaysia</st1:country-region></st1:place>.</p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="lucida grande">Orr, A. G., 2005. <i>Dragonflies of Peninsular </i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i>Malaysia</i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i> and </i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i>Singapore</i></st1:place></st1:country-region>, Natural History Publications (<st1:place>Borneo</st1:place>) Sdn. <st1:place><st1:city>Bhd</st1:city>, <st1:country-region>Malaysia</st1:country-region></st1:place><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-FAMILY: lucida grande"><o:p></o:p></p>matinggeckoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895194927321667904noreply@blogger.com3