1. Leaf-mimicking katydid:
2.Cryptic lichen stick insect (Prisoups sp.):
3.Fly-mimicking weevil (Mnemynurus sp.). This weevil is a Mullerian mimic of a flesh fly (Sarcophaga spp.). Mullerian mimicry differs from Batesian mimicry (deception of would-be predators through the adoption of similar colouration, morphology or scent of a model species) in that the mimicry results in a propagation of both species' unpalatability. In this case, both the flesh fly, and the fly weevil mimic are agile, and fast. The more 'apparent' flesh flies there are out there, the faster such a 'message' is disseminated amongst predator populations.
4.Moss-mimicking praying mantis (Pseudopogonogaster sp.):
5.
6. Moss-mimicking stick insect:
7. Fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper):
8. Harvestman pair tending to eggs under UV light:
9. Backlit katydid:
Thanks for looking and commenting,
Paul
Ecuador mix
Moderators: rjlittlefield, ChrisR, Chris S., Pau
Great stuff again.
Link to a paper about the fly-mimicking weevil, lifted from Paul’s flickr text:
https://www.researchgate.net/publicatio ... ern_Brazil
Those Fer-de-lance come with a nasty reputation - was that a risky viewpoint?
Link to a paper about the fly-mimicking weevil, lifted from Paul’s flickr text:
https://www.researchgate.net/publicatio ... ern_Brazil
Those Fer-de-lance come with a nasty reputation - was that a risky viewpoint?
Chris R
Glad you liked it Lou. It is amazing just how difficult it is to spot considering how readily visible it is. Almost like a magic eye image.
Chris- It struck at me several times, never landed a bite, but it was large and very aggressive. I shot it with the a7rii and a Venus laowa 15mm attached to a tripod at full extension synced to a cell phone for live view. Only once did I get a scare when it popped over the camera during a strike.
Chris- It struck at me several times, never landed a bite, but it was large and very aggressive. I shot it with the a7rii and a Venus laowa 15mm attached to a tripod at full extension synced to a cell phone for live view. Only once did I get a scare when it popped over the camera during a strike.