In Batesian mimicry, a potential prey mimics another insect which it’s predators would typically avoid. These “mimic models” could be unpalatable, or even aggressive so that a hungry predator that had experience with them before would avoid wasting time with such an unpleasant meal again.

We came across what looked like a tiger beetle, which looked like a forest ant initially, while some parts looked like a katydid. Upon closer observation, it was indeed a katydid (Condylodera tricondyloides) that was mimicking a flightless tiger beetle (Tricondyla sp.). The tiger beetle is typically an aggressive critter, and not an easy prey to catch.

1. First look of Condylodera tricondyloides. Initially thought to be a tiger beetle mimicking a forest ant.


2. Side view of the actual tiger beetle (Tricondyla sp.)


3. Higher view. The abdomen does indeed look like that of an ant!


4. Top view. The bulging eyes are typical of tiger beetles.


5. Top view of the actual tiger beetle (Tricondyla sp.)


6. Front view close up. The fierce looking mandibles of a tiger beetle were missing, not a tiger beetle after all!


7. Another close up of the mandibles


8. Side view close up.


9. Final pic of the magnificent mimic


10. A pair of mating beetles. I hadn’t had a good chance to take a decent pic of this yet


11. Full body view of the couple


12. Sleeping sweat bee (Amegilla sp.)


13. It was fidgeting around and even wiping its eyes


14. Often lifted itself, clinging onto the branch only by it’s mandibles


15. Finally settled down for a nice shot


16. Sleeping Peacock Pansy (Junonia almana javana)


17. This katydid was standing upright when we found it. As we approached, it sensed our presence and flattened it’s body on the leaf!


18. Close up on the head


19. Slightly angled view


20. Unidentified beetle


21. Top view of the beetle


22. Keith found this beautiful shield bug (?)


23. View from the side reveals a metallic green underneath


24. Brilliant colours from the front!


25. One of the many Huntsman Spiders (Heteropoda sp.) running around on the leaf litter


26. Beautiful spider, this is likely to be a Paraplectana that is new to science. It belongs to the same genus as the ladybird-mimicking spiders.


27. Dangling on it’s web


28. Climbs onto a leaf after sensing our presence


29. Trilobite beetle larva (Platerodrilus ruficollis). View my checklist of trilobite beetles.


30. Another close up on the head


31. Found these 2 cute ones together, but not sure if they were of the same species


32. Ok, not fated to be together, bye bye!!


33. Back-lit trilobite beetle


34. These nocturnal creatures couldn’t keep still


35. Final shot before we called it a night

The complete album can be viewed here.

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