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Golden Orb Weaver Spiders, Hermit Spiders and Coin Spiders belong to the family Nephilidae or due to certain taxonomic revisions, the subfamily Nephilinae. This subfamily had been transferring between Araneidae, Nephilidae and Tetragnathidae, so I’ll just leave it at Nephilinae here. Some spiders may appear identical on photos, so…
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Chameleons (family Chameleonidae) are probably the most well-known lizards of Madagascar where the highest diversity of chameleons in the world live in. This photo checklist was created in collaboration with Madagascar Wildlife. Many of the photos were provided by them. If you do engage them for your trip, let them…
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Treehoppers belong to the family Membracidae and their nymphs are sometimes also referred to as thorn bugs. They have an enlarged and often ornate pronotum (like a helmet). Treehoppers feed on sap, and any excess is excreted as honeydew which attracts ants. The ants provide protection from predators, forming…
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The common name darkling beetles was derived from the Latin name Tenebrio, which meant “seeker of dark places”. While most tenebrionids are nocturnal, some are seen to be active in the day as well. Many specimens in this page exhibit an “oil-spill” effect, with a dazzling array of colours…
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Tortoise beetles belong to the subfamily Cassidinae. They are characterised by a broad domed oval shaped elytra, like that of a tortoise shell. The larvae are flattened and spiny, often with a swollen “tail” which is an accumulation of their excrement and shedded exoskeletons. Most species in this page were…
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Jewel beetles are wood-boring beetles belonging to the Buprestidae family. They are most well-known for their glossy and iridescent colours in many species. Due to the brilliant colours, it is not uncommon for their elytra to be harvested for beetlewing jewelry and decorations. All photos are of live subjects shot…
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Longhorn beetles are also known as longicorns, and belong to the Cerambycidae family. They are wood-borers and characterised by exceptionally long antennae, often as long as or longer then the beetle’s body. Most were identified with the help from the kind folks at www.cerambycoidea.com. Dr Cheong Loong Fah from the…
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Tiger beetles belong to the subfamily Cicindelinae. They are known for their aggressive predatory habits and running speed. The fastest insect on land is a tiger beetle which can run up to 125 body lengths per second. Because of their insane speed, it was suggested that they had to…
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Handsome fungus beetles from the family Endomychidae Leach, 1815 are generally recognized by the presence of two longitudinal sulci (groove) or sublateral lines on the pronotum with some exceptions, and the presence of frontoclypeal suture (transverse groove across the face). Etymology Why handsome? Could not find any literature on the etymology…
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Leaf beetles belong to the family Chrysomelidae. They are herbivorous and feed on plant tissue. All photos are of live subjects shot in the field, with the dorsal view selected where available. Click on individual photos for larger views and views from other angles. As specimens were not collected, identifications…
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Pleasing Fungus Beetles from the family Erotylidae Latreille, 1802 are generally brightly coloured and hairless. Their antennae are clubbed, and tarsi (final leg segment) always 5-jointed. Although they are said to feed on fungus, I rarely see them in the vicinity of any fruiting fungi. Etymology The scientific family name Erotylidae…
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Pentatomoidea is a superfamily comprised of shield bugs and stink bugs. They have a well-developed scutellum, and usually have antennae with five segments. The tarsi usually have two or three segments. All photos are of live subjects shot in the field, with the dorsal view selected where available. Click on…
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Assassin bugs belong to the Reduviidae family. Almost all are ambush predators. They have a relatively narrow neck, sturdy build, and a formidable curved proboscis which is used to pierce its prey. All photos are of live subjects shot in the field, with the dorsal view selected where available. Click…
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Robber flies belong to the family Asilidae. They are powerfully built, bristly flies with a short and stout proboscis. Robber flies are aggressive predators and are able to capture their prey in flight. All photos are of live subjects shot in the field, with the lateral view selected where…
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!
