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Insects & more
Bang Kachao's vibrant ecosystem is teeming with diverse smaller life forms. Butterflies flutter among the flowers, including species like the Blue Tiger and Common Sailor. Dragonflies zip gracefully over water bodies, while beetles and millipedes scuttle through the underbrush.
Click on a photo to learn more about the animal.
Giant Vietnamese centipede
Scolopendra dehaani, commonly known as the Giant Vietnamese centipede, is a large centipede species found in Mainland Southeast Asia, India, Japan, Hong Kong, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It belongs to the genus Scolopendra and is among the largest centipedes, with some individuals exceeding 25 cm in length.
Typically, they have brownish-orange tergites and yellow segments. Research suggests they have five distinct color morphs, ranging from reddish to brown or orange. They prey on smaller arthropods, small vertebrates, and in this photo, carrion.
Their bite is reportedly very painful - please treat these animals with caution and respect.
Typically, they have brownish-orange tergites and yellow segments. Research suggests they have five distinct color morphs, ranging from reddish to brown or orange. They prey on smaller arthropods, small vertebrates, and in this photo, carrion.
Their bite is reportedly very painful - please treat these animals with caution and respect.
Cicada
Dundubia nagarasingna is a cicada (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) that has adapted to the tropical urban environments of Bangkok.
Common parasol
Neurothemis fluctuans, also known as the red grasshawk, common parasol, or grasshawk dragonfly, is a widespread species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae found in many Asian countries.
Giraffe mantis
Euchomenella heteroptera, commonly referred to as the "giraffe mantis," belongs to the family Deroplatyidae. Females of this species typically reach a size of about 3.5-4 inches, whereas males grow to around 2.5-3 inches.
These mantises exhibit a range of colors, including brown, grey, red, and pink on their raptorials, with white spots along their abdomen. Their slender build makes them highly effective at mimicking sticks.
These mantises exhibit a range of colors, including brown, grey, red, and pink on their raptorials, with white spots along their abdomen. Their slender build makes them highly effective at mimicking sticks.
Common tiger butterfly
Danaus genutia, commonly known as the common tiger, is a prevalent butterfly species in India, belonging to the Danainae group within the brush-footed butterfly family.
The common tiger closely resembles the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) found in the Americas. With a wingspan ranging from 70 to 95 millimeters, both male and female butterflies exhibit tawny wings marked with broad black bands along the veins. Additionally, the male bears a pouch on the hindwing. The wing margins are adorned with two rows of white spots against a black backdrop. While the underside of the wings mirrors the coloration of the upperside, it appears paler. Notably, the male common tiger features a distinct black-and-white spot on the underside of the hindwing.
The common tiger closely resembles the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) found in the Americas. With a wingspan ranging from 70 to 95 millimeters, both male and female butterflies exhibit tawny wings marked with broad black bands along the veins. Additionally, the male bears a pouch on the hindwing. The wing margins are adorned with two rows of white spots against a black backdrop. While the underside of the wings mirrors the coloration of the upperside, it appears paler. Notably, the male common tiger features a distinct black-and-white spot on the underside of the hindwing.
Abandoned-web orb weaver
Parawixia dehaani, also referred to as the abandoned-web orb-weaver, is an orb-weaver spider species belonging to the family Araneidae. Widely distributed in Australasia and eastern Asia, it is commonly found in gardens, earning it the nickname "common garden spider." This nocturnal spider primarily preys on moths and shelters under leaves during the day. Its web, characterized by an open hub, often appears damaged, leading to its Australian common name. When disturbed, the spider drops to the ground and feigns death by retracting its legs.
Dark blue tiger butterfly
Tirumala septentrionis, known as the dark blue tiger, is a danaid butterfly native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
With a wingspan ranging from 80 to 115 mm, it is a significant species, constituting 78% of the migratory butterfly population in southern India. During migration, males and females exhibit equal numbers.
With a wingspan ranging from 80 to 115 mm, it is a significant species, constituting 78% of the migratory butterfly population in southern India. During migration, males and females exhibit equal numbers.
Dang's cross spider
The Dang's Cross spider (Argiope dang) belongs to the genus Argiope, which comprises notably large spiders with vibrant-colored abdomens.
These spiders are found worldwide, with numerous species sharing similar appearances in tropical or temperate regions. The name "Argiope" originates from the Latin word "argentum," meaning silver. Argiope species typically possess a carapace adorned with silvery hairs, reflecting sunlight to create a metallic, white appearance when they move.
These spiders are found worldwide, with numerous species sharing similar appearances in tropical or temperate regions. The name "Argiope" originates from the Latin word "argentum," meaning silver. Argiope species typically possess a carapace adorned with silvery hairs, reflecting sunlight to create a metallic, white appearance when they move.
Siamese pointy-tailed millipede
Thyropygus allevatus, commonly known as the Siamese pointy-tailed millipede, is a large round-backed millipede species belonging to the family Harpagophoridae.
It is naturally found in the rainforests of Thailand and can grow up to 26 cm in length. One of its notable features is the spiked telson located at the posterior end.
It is naturally found in the rainforests of Thailand and can grow up to 26 cm in length. One of its notable features is the spiked telson located at the posterior end.
Giant african land snail
Lissachatina fulica, commonly known as the Giant African land snail, is a large land snail species belonging to the subfamily Achatininae within the family Achatinidae. Alongside other species like Achatina achatina and Archachatina marginata, it shares the name "giant African snail."
Recognized as a significant pest globally, it is one of the most prevalent invasive snail species internationally.
Thriving in various habitats beyond its native range, particularly in regions with temperate climates, this snail exhibits voracious feeding habits. It serves as a carrier for plant pathogens, posing a considerable threat to agricultural crops and indigenous flora. Furthermore, it competes with native snail species, disrupts urban environments as a nuisance pest, and contributes to the spread of human diseases.
Recognized as a significant pest globally, it is one of the most prevalent invasive snail species internationally.
Thriving in various habitats beyond its native range, particularly in regions with temperate climates, this snail exhibits voracious feeding habits. It serves as a carrier for plant pathogens, posing a considerable threat to agricultural crops and indigenous flora. Furthermore, it competes with native snail species, disrupts urban environments as a nuisance pest, and contributes to the spread of human diseases.
Stick insect (Trachythorax maculicollis)
Trachythorax is an Asian genus of stick insects classified within the family Lonchodidae and subfamily Necrosciinae.
These insects have been documented across various regions, including the Indian subcontinent, Indo-China, Malaysia, and extending to New Guinea.
These insects have been documented across various regions, including the Indian subcontinent, Indo-China, Malaysia, and extending to New Guinea.
Giant asian mantis
Hierodula patellifera, commonly referred to as the giant Asian mantis or Asian mantis, is a species of praying mantis belonging to the family Mantidae. Males typically measure between 45–65 mm, while females range from 65–75 mm in length. They exhibit variations in color, ranging from green to brown. Despite being relatively large for mantises, they are among the smaller species within the Hierodula genus, where others can reach sizes of 110–150 mm.
They inhabit various regions, including Malaysia, Hawaii, India, Nepal, Italy (San Paolo Solbrito), Indonesia (Java, West Sumba), the Korean Peninsula, the Philippines, New Guinea, southern China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Japan. H. patellifera prefers habitats such as trees and grasslands on the fringes of forests.
They inhabit various regions, including Malaysia, Hawaii, India, Nepal, Italy (San Paolo Solbrito), Indonesia (Java, West Sumba), the Korean Peninsula, the Philippines, New Guinea, southern China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Japan. H. patellifera prefers habitats such as trees and grasslands on the fringes of forests.
Bagworm
The Psychidae, commonly known as bagworm moths, are a family within the Lepidoptera order. Their caterpillar larvae construct cases from silk and various environmental materials like sand, soil, or plant matter. These cases are typically attached to rocks, trees, or fences but remain mobile otherwise, especially during the pupa stage.
Bagworm cases vary in size, ranging from under 1 cm to 15 cm among tropical species. Each species creates a distinct case, often making it more useful for species identification than the creature itself. While primitive species tend to have flat cases, more specialized ones exhibit a wider range of sizes, shapes, and compositions, often tapering at both ends.
Bagworm cases vary in size, ranging from under 1 cm to 15 cm among tropical species. Each species creates a distinct case, often making it more useful for species identification than the creature itself. While primitive species tend to have flat cases, more specialized ones exhibit a wider range of sizes, shapes, and compositions, often tapering at both ends.
Asian honey bee
Apis cerana, also referred to as the eastern honey bee, Asiatic honey bee, or Asian honey bee, is a species native to South, Southeast, and East Asia.
It shares a subgenus with the western (European) honey bee, Apis mellifera, and is closely related to Apis koschevnikovi. In certain regions, A. cerana and A. koschevnikovi coexist.
A. cerana colonies construct nests with multiple combs within cavities, featuring small entrances likely for defense purposes. Their diet primarily consists of pollen, nectar, and honey. Additionally, A. cerana exhibits highly social behavior, characteristic of honey bees.
It shares a subgenus with the western (European) honey bee, Apis mellifera, and is closely related to Apis koschevnikovi. In certain regions, A. cerana and A. koschevnikovi coexist.
A. cerana colonies construct nests with multiple combs within cavities, featuring small entrances likely for defense purposes. Their diet primarily consists of pollen, nectar, and honey. Additionally, A. cerana exhibits highly social behavior, characteristic of honey bees.
Asian weaver ant
Oecophylla smaragdina, commonly known as the Asian weaver ant, is an arboreal ant species native to tropical Asia and Australia. These ants create colonies with multiple nests in trees, crafting them from leaves stitched together using ant larvae silk, hence the name 'oecophylla' (Greek for 'leaf-house').
Workers, mostly orange-colored and 5–7 millimeters long, tend to larvae and cultivate scale bugs for honeydew. Major workers, measuring 8–10 millimeters, have robust legs and large mandibles, contributing to foraging, nest expansion, and assembly. Queens, typically 20–25 millimeters long, are greenish-brown, reflecting the species' name 'smaragdina' (Latin: emerald).
Workers, mostly orange-colored and 5–7 millimeters long, tend to larvae and cultivate scale bugs for honeydew. Major workers, measuring 8–10 millimeters, have robust legs and large mandibles, contributing to foraging, nest expansion, and assembly. Queens, typically 20–25 millimeters long, are greenish-brown, reflecting the species' name 'smaragdina' (Latin: emerald).
Common rose swallowtail
Pachliopta aristolochiae, commonly known as the common rose, is a swallowtail butterfly species belonging to the genus Pachliopta, found across South and Southeast Asia. Its range extends from Afghanistan to Taiwan, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
This adaptable butterfly thrives in various habitats, from urban areas to elevations up to 2,400 meters.
This adaptable butterfly thrives in various habitats, from urban areas to elevations up to 2,400 meters.
Stingless bee
Stingless bees, also known as stingless honey bees or meliponines, are a diverse group of bees belonging to the tribe Meliponini within the family Apidae. They are closely related to common honey bees, orchid bees, and bumblebees. Stingless bees are found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Highly eusocial, they have a well-defined caste system with queens, workers, and sometimes male drones. They play a crucial role as pollinators and contribute to ecosystem health by producing honey, pollen, resin, propolis, and cerumen. Their nesting behavior varies, ranging from hollow tree trunks to urban structures, showcasing their adaptability to different environments.
Highly eusocial, they have a well-defined caste system with queens, workers, and sometimes male drones. They play a crucial role as pollinators and contribute to ecosystem health by producing honey, pollen, resin, propolis, and cerumen. Their nesting behavior varies, ranging from hollow tree trunks to urban structures, showcasing their adaptability to different environments.
Spotted orb weaver
This spider is nocturnal in nature. If disturbed, the spider clings tightly to leaves or branches. It prefers moist and dense surroundings and builds an orb web of extreme stickiness.
Painted jezebel
Delias hyparete, commonly known as the painted Jezebel, is a medium-sized butterfly belonging to the family Pieridae, is found in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
This butterfly displays a white upper surface with veins dusted in the outer regions, while females tend to have more pronounced black dusting compared to males. On the underside of the hindwing, the basal half is adorned with bright yellow, complemented by a vivid red marginal border along the termen. Additionally, the veins on the underside are dusted with black pigment.
This butterfly displays a white upper surface with veins dusted in the outer regions, while females tend to have more pronounced black dusting compared to males. On the underside of the hindwing, the basal half is adorned with bright yellow, complemented by a vivid red marginal border along the termen. Additionally, the veins on the underside are dusted with black pigment.
Boddart's blue-spotted mudskipper
Boleophthalmus boddarti, commonly referred to as Boddart's goggle-eyed goby, is a mudskipper species endemic to the Indo-Pacific region and serves as the type species of the Boleophthalmus genus. Like other mudskippers, it can move on land, utilizing its pectoral and pelvic fins to navigate tidal flats during low tide.
It features bold patterns characterized by rows of blue spots along its flanks and cheeks, accompanied by dark bands running down its body.
It features bold patterns characterized by rows of blue spots along its flanks and cheeks, accompanied by dark bands running down its body.
Common flangetail
The common flangetail (Ictinogomphus pertinax) is a common large-sized and powerful gomphid, commonly found near still water. Ictinogomphus pertinax is widely distributed from Japan, China, Taiwan to Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and eastern India.
Black-and-white spiny spider
Gasteracantha kuhli, commonly known as the black-and-white spiny spider, is a species of spiny orb-weaver spider found from India to Japan, the Philippines, and Java in Indonesia.
Female black-and-white spiny spiders measure 6–9 millimeters wide, featuring hard, shiny abdomens adorned with six black conical spines. The upper surface of the abdomen ranges from white to yellowish with variable black or dark brown markings and sigilla. A dark cross-like shape typically marks the central part of the abdomen's dorsal surface. The length of the spines and the details of coloration vary considerably across individuals and the species' range. Males, much smaller at 3–4 millimeters, lack spines and instead have small bumps on their abdomens.
This species constructs orb webs in open forests and shrubby areas, positioning themselves at the center of the web to await prey.
Female black-and-white spiny spiders measure 6–9 millimeters wide, featuring hard, shiny abdomens adorned with six black conical spines. The upper surface of the abdomen ranges from white to yellowish with variable black or dark brown markings and sigilla. A dark cross-like shape typically marks the central part of the abdomen's dorsal surface. The length of the spines and the details of coloration vary considerably across individuals and the species' range. Males, much smaller at 3–4 millimeters, lack spines and instead have small bumps on their abdomens.
This species constructs orb webs in open forests and shrubby areas, positioning themselves at the center of the web to await prey.
Giant honey bee
Apis dorsata, commonly known as the rock bee or giant honey bee, is native to South and Southeast Asia. These large bees measure approximately 17–20 mm in length and construct nests primarily in elevated and exposed locations such as tree branches, cliff overhangs, and beneath buildings.
Known for their defensive nature, they exhibit aggressive behavior when disturbed. While not domesticated, indigenous communities have historically engaged in honey hunting to collect honey and beeswax from these bees.
Known for their defensive nature, they exhibit aggressive behavior when disturbed. While not domesticated, indigenous communities have historically engaged in honey hunting to collect honey and beeswax from these bees.
Spotted archerfish
Toxotes chatareus, also known as the common archerfish, seven-spot archerfish, or largescale archerfish, is a species of perciform fish in the genus Toxotes. Typically, they reach lengths of up to 20 centimeters, occasionally growing to 40 centimeters.
Unlike other archerfish, T. chatareus have a sooty coloration rather than a silvery one. They have an omnivorous diet, consuming insects, fish, and plant matter found at the water's surface. Breeding occurs during the wet season, with females laying between 20,000 and 150,000 eggs at a time.
Found throughout Southeast Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and Australia, they inhabit both brackish and freshwater environments, including mangrove swamps, estuaries, and slow-moving rivers.
Unlike other archerfish, T. chatareus have a sooty coloration rather than a silvery one. They have an omnivorous diet, consuming insects, fish, and plant matter found at the water's surface. Breeding occurs during the wet season, with females laying between 20,000 and 150,000 eggs at a time.
Found throughout Southeast Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and Australia, they inhabit both brackish and freshwater environments, including mangrove swamps, estuaries, and slow-moving rivers.
Lemon pansy
Junonia lemonias, commonly known as the lemon pansy, is a prevalent nymphalid butterfly found in Cambodia and South Asia. Its habitat includes gardens, fallow land, and open wooded areas.
The lemon pansy features brown wings adorned with numerous eyespots, black and lemon-yellow spots, and lines on the upper side. The underside exhibits a dull brown color with wavy lines and spots in various shades of brown and black, including an eyespot on the lower side of the forewing.
The lemon pansy is an active butterfly often seen basking with its wings open toward the sun, sitting low to the ground and easily approachable. It feeds with its wings half open and demonstrates strong flying capabilities, flying close to the ground with rapid wingbeats and frequently returning to settle in the same locations.
The lemon pansy features brown wings adorned with numerous eyespots, black and lemon-yellow spots, and lines on the upper side. The underside exhibits a dull brown color with wavy lines and spots in various shades of brown and black, including an eyespot on the lower side of the forewing.
The lemon pansy is an active butterfly often seen basking with its wings open toward the sun, sitting low to the ground and easily approachable. It feeds with its wings half open and demonstrates strong flying capabilities, flying close to the ground with rapid wingbeats and frequently returning to settle in the same locations.
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