Journal

Bustling Micro Life Along Bike Trails

on
23 January 2011
Many bike trails rest in the midst of nature parks and reserves. What most of the bikers do not realize, is the presence of a huge trove of tiny bugs around them as they whizzed through each time.

I have explored a few bike trails before, and today’s exploration started from underneath the BKE flyover at the Dairy Farm Road exit. Biking activity was brisk, and we had to make sure we stay in the bushes in case a speeding bike ran us over. lol

The first subject looks like a Tiger Beetle from far, and a Longhorn Beetle when viewed closer. I’m still not too sure of it’s identity, but I think longhorn could be a better bet despite it’s size.

Longhorn Beetle (Cerambycidae) - DSC_2222#1 Resting in the morning sun

Longhorn Beetle (Cerambycidae) - DSC_2224#2 Certainly doesn’t look too happy with my intrusion

Longhorn Beetle (Cerambycidae) - DSC_2230#3 It kept changing angles, expect more record shots of this little guy!

Longhorn Beetle (Cerambycidae) - DSC_2237#4 A lower angle. The horns are not as long as a typical longhorn though.

Next subject is a very unique Treehopper sporting extra long and forked horns.

Treehopper (Membracidae) - DSC_2246#5 Indeed, the horns stretch the entire length of it’s body. Puts some longhorn beetles to shame.

Treehopper (Membracidae) - DSC_2258#6 Another look at the horns. It was climbing about non-stop in the strong wind, so limited angles were available.

Third subject is the common ladybird mimicking beetle (“Ladybug” is what Americans use). It has an extremely furry back, illustrated in the pictures below.

Ladybird Mimic Beetle (Coleoptera) - DSC_2276#7 Hairy body standing on hairy surface

Ladybird Mimic Beetle (Coleoptera) - DSC_2277#8 Started to turn to look at me

Ladybird Mimic Beetle (Coleoptera) - DSC_2281#9 And started walking towards me!!

Next subject is a derbid planthopper. The face looks like that of a cicada, and keeps it’s wings open when at rest.

Planthopper (Dichoptera sp.?) - DSC_2286#10 Closeup shot of the head. As big as a cicada.

Planthopper (Dichoptera sp.?) - DSC_2288#11 Side view of the planthopper

Found some really tiny checkered beetles, only 4 to 5mm long, and extremely well camouflaged on a tree trunk.

Checkered Beetle (Cleridae) - DSC_2301#12 Side view of the Checkered Beetle

Checkered Beetle (Cleridae) - DSC_2312#13 Face shot of the cute little fella!

And the final subject of the day.. was a Fungus Weevil. It was positioned high up on a tree trunk and had a lot of us staring into the sky while hunting for it.

Fungus Weevil (Anthribidae) - DSC_2388#14 180mm was useful in reaching the tiger beetle, but lots of stretching and leaning was required to get this.

Fungus Weevil (Anthribidae) - DSC_2403#15 Slightly angled shot as it ran around busily.

Fungus Weevil (Anthribidae) - DSC_2411#16 Final side view of the fungus weevil

Fungus Weevil (Anthribidae) - DSC_2417#17 Ok I lied. Testing the background colour by shooting with an extended exposure.

The complete album can be viewed here.
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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!

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