Cauca Valley (Colombia) Part II

Images of undisturbed subjects in their natural environment. All subject types.

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pbertner
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Cauca Valley (Colombia) Part II

Post by pbertner »

On location:

Yotoco reserve is not only bi-sected by a highway, but is flanked on all sides by farmlands. It is a forested island, rich with interesting species, however, it's unclear how this 500 Ha reserve will sustain larger mammalian species in the long-term.

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Treehoppers can attract a variety of mutualists, and commensals which feed on the sugary exudate known as honeydew. Smallest and most surprising was this tiny predaceous mite, which I assumed was feeding on the still tinier, newly hatched treehopper nymphs, until it got up on its hind legs and stole some honeydew, evading patrolling ants by scurrying underneath the legs of the treehoppers.

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Broad-nosed weevil (Compsus sp.) ovipositing in a dead branch. If you pay attention to the EE data then you'll see that I am giving this an H5 because I inadvertently interrupted the oviposition whilst manipulating the fragile dead branch it was using as a substrate whilst trying to stabilize the shot.

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Tuberculated weevil:

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An adorable Ruiz's rubber frog (Strabomantis ruizi). Its cryptic colouration and patterning aids in its sit-and-wait ambush technique of passing prey. Possessing a rather huge mouth, and a voracious appetite to match, it has a large bite force, and is capable of eating other frogs and even rodents.

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Backlit fern frond:

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Geometrid caterpillar under UV light:

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Rainforest stream:

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Thanks for looking and commenting,
Paul

If you're curious about EE you can read more about it
Here

Pitufo
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Post by Pitufo »

Great images and beautiful creatures - thanks for sharing :)

I'm also impressed that you took the time to set up a UV light and a backlight in the middle of the forest. I imagine good insect repellant is a must.

rjlittlefield
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Post by rjlittlefield »

Spectacular posting, as always!

Thanks for clarification on the H5.

--Rik

Troels
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Post by Troels »

Facinating pictures and interesting notes
Troels Holm, biologist (retired), environmentalist, amateur photographer.
Visit my Flickr albums

pbertner
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Post by pbertner »

Thanks everyone, much appreciated.

The blacklight is just lightpainting with a UV torch, backlighting equally simple setup, really not too bad. The biting insects are very site specific. They can be out of control in some areas, but I haven't been having too many issues lately.

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