Journal

The Little King of Camouflage

on
8 August 2011

Did a warm up night shoot with the gang before we head to Kuching next week for a buggathon, and found an Assassin Bug (Reduviidae) nymph that covered itself with debris, making it almost impossible for us to spot it if it stood on soil.

Also known as the Masked Hunter (Reduvius sp.), this assassin bug secretes a sticky substance that covers its entire body (even the antennae and legs) which attracts dust and small particles to stick to it. The result, is a well camouflaged little bugger!

Masked Hunter (Reduvius sp.) - DSC_1137#1 Who would’ve thought that this patch of dirt… is an assassin bug?

Masked Hunter (Reduvius sp.) - DSC_1204#2 Side view, and the eyes are revealed! If you need help… it is facing the right in this picture.

Masked Hunter (Reduvius sp.) - DSC_1206#3 View from the front. Paints a rather majestic picture especially when its shape is more defined.

Masked Hunter (Reduvius sp.) - DSC_1235#4 Close up on its eye for those who struggle to see that it is a bug

Ant-Snatching Assassin Bug (Acanthaspis sp.) - DSC_2033b#4b A cousin! Ant-snatching Assassin Bug that collects ant carcasses on their body.

Mangrove Longhorn Beetle (Aeolesthes holosericeus) - DSC_1003#5 Longhorn Beetle (Cerambycidae), quite a common species in our local parks but yet to identify it.

Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_1023#6 What looks like a Sac Spider capturing a cricket

Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_1032#7 Found this dude running about on the ground

Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_1035#8 Wider view. Huntsman?

Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_1037#9 It had a distinct yellowed eye on the left. Wonder if it got blinded?

Wandering Spider (Ctenidae) - DSC_1040#10 White-Striped Wandering Spider (Anahita sp.)

Wandering Spider (Ctenidae) - DSC_1046#11 Had a closer look, really glassy eyes!

Wandering Spider (Ctenidae) - DSC_1051#12 Bluish palps with outward claws

Wandering Spider (Ctenidae) - DSC_1102#13 Closer view of the palps

Wandering Spider (Ctenidae) - DSC_1120#14 Some water on its face that led to the glassy look.

Harvestman (Opiliones) - DSC_1122#15 Harvestman (Opiliones), ran away after this single shot

Lacewing (Neuroptera) - DSC_1123#16 Lacewing found under a leaf, looks quite similar to the Mantidfly without the mantid arms. Also flew away after 1 shot before I could adjust the lighting… not my night!!

Scorpion with babies (Lychas scutilus?) - DSC_1129#17 Lots of scorpions spotted, and just as we were talking about baby scorpions, this mama appeared with some rather big babies.

Scorpion with babies (Lychas scutilus?) - DSC_1132#18 Melvyn had a UV torch with him and helped me to light up the subject in this pic. Adult scorpions glow in this manner under UV light, while the kids take a while before it adopts this iridescence.

Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_1151#19 Victor found this Sac Spider and shared with everyone. Unfortunately, it too ran off after 2 shots.

Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_1153#20 Last shot before it ran off

Harvestman (Opiliones) playing dead - DSC_1243#21 A “gummy bear” Harvestman playing dead.

Harvestman (Sandokanidae) playing dead - DSC_1254#22 Looks authentically dead right??

Harvestman (Opiliones) playing dead - DSC_1256#23 Stuck to its acting even when I flipped it over. Usually takes quite a while before it willingly starts to move again.

Planthoppers (Fulgoromorpha) - DSC_1322#24 Found this pair of leafhopper nymphs while searching for the harvestman that dropped to the leaf litter eventually

Planthoppers wishing Singapore a Happy Birthday! - DSC_1293#25 Since it was National Day eve and the little duo sported colours of the national flag, did a picture to wish Singapore a happy birthday!

The complete album can be viewed here.

TAGS
RELATED POSTS

LEAVE A COMMENT

NICKY BAY
Singapore

Hi my name is Nicky Bay. I am a macro photographer, instructor and book author, travelling the world to document the vast micro biodiversity that nature has to offer. Follow my updates and discover with me the incredible beauty and science behind our planet's micro creatures!

Copyright Notice

All images © 2008-2024 Nicky Bay unless stated otherwise. Reproduction of any content without permission is prohibited. Please read the Image Use Policy and contact [email protected] for licensing requests.

Mailing List

Like the content here? Get notified for new posts, stories, workshops and book launches! Your email will never be shared with others.

Like the content here? Get notified for new posts, stories, workshops and book launches! Your email will never be shared with others.

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0