Journal

Giant Twig Spider @ Pulau Ubin

on
7 August 2013

Thanks to Victor for organizing the overnight trip to Pulau Ubin. We boarded the last boat at 8pm and returned to mainland only at 6:30am. In between was nothing but bug hunting and a macro marathon! My favorite shot of the night was a lovely Twig Spider (Ariamnes sp.) that Melvyn found. It did not stay still for long and it was hell trying to get everything in the same plane of focus. However, the result was well worth it. 🙂

    Twig Spider (Ariamnes sp.) - DSC_1911
  1. Twig Spider (Ariamnes sp.)

    There’s the Twig Spider when it was found! At rest, it straightens its legs to mimic a twig. But once it moves, it becomes a mess of twigs!

  2. Twig Spider (Ariamnes sp.) - DSC_1913
  3. Twig Spider (Ariamnes sp.)

    Ventral view of the Twig Spider

  4. Twig Spider (Ariamnes sp.) - DSC_1927
  5. Twig Spider (Ariamnes sp.)

    Screwed on the Raynox to get a closer shot of the Twig Spider

  6. Twig Spider (Ariamnes sp.) - DSC_1931
  7. Twig Spider (Ariamnes sp.)

    Yep, it refused to stay still!

  8. Twig Spider (Ariamnes sp.) - DSC_1945
  9. Twig Spider (Ariamnes sp.)

    Record shot of the eyes

  10. Twig Spider (Ariamnes sp.) - DSC_1961
  11. Twig Spider (Ariamnes sp.)

    With Sagita’s help, I managed to adjust the angle with some dried leaves behind to finally get the shot I wanted of the Twig Spider ! A really awesome spider – at first glance, it looked impossible to get much details out of it. After several attempts, it turned out to exhibit a beautiful tone of red.

  12. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_1620
  13. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae)

    James found this Huntsman Spider resting on the leaves. Looked common but still beautiful. 🙂

  14. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_1641
  15. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae)

    Had to get a shot of the eyes

  16. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_1646
  17. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae)

    And go even closer…

  18. Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider (Herennia sp.) - DSC_1652
  19. Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider (Herennia sp.)

    Found a tree with some juvenile Ornamental Tree Trunk Spiders

  20. Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider (Herennia sp.) - DSC_1655
  21. Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider (Herennia sp.)

    When observed up close, these spiders actually have very intricate patterns.

  22. Ant-Like Sac Spider (Corinnomma sp.) - DSC_1661
  23. Ant-Like Sac Spider (Corinnomma sp.)

    We also saw a few of these Ant-Like Sac Spiders running about.

  24. Ant-Like Sac Spider (Corinnomma sp.) - DSC_1665
  25. Ant-Like Sac Spider (Corinnomma sp.)

    With a black body, the exposure will have to be precise to avoid over-exposing the leaf.

  26. Crown Wasp ovipositioning (Stephanidae) - DSC_1666
  27. Crown Wasp (Stephanidae)

    While we walked deeper off the path, I saw a Crown Wasp ready for oviposition.

  28. Crown Wasp ovipositioning (Stephanidae) - DSC_1671
  29. Crown Wasp ovipositioning (Stephanidae)

    Its amazing how long the ovipositors are!!

  30. Crown Wasp ovipositing (Stephanidae) - DSC_1676
  31. Crown Wasp ovipositing (Stephanidae)

    Extremely challenging to get the hair-thin ovipositor in complete focus.

  32. Darkling Beetle (Platydema sp.) - DSC_1680
  33. Darkling Beetle (Platydema sp.)

    Just beside the Crown Wasp was this interesting looking Darkling Beetle with a green metallic body

  34. Fungus Weevil (Anthribidae) - DSC_1682
  35. Fungus Weevil (Anthribidae)

    Melvyn found this cute Fungus Weevil peeping out from a tiny burrow

  36. Comb-Footed Spider (Janula sp.) - DSC_1690
  37. Comb-Footed Spider (Janula sp.)

    Also on the same log was this Comb-Footed Spider trying to balloon away. Only managed one shot unfortunately.

  38. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_1696
  39. Huntsman Spider (Olios sp.)

    Found this “Pilot” Huntsman Spider that typically spreads its legs to the sides as if they were wings

  40. Net-Casting Spider (Deinopis sp.) - DSC_1698
  41. Net-Casting Spider (Deinopis sp.)

    There were quite a number of Net-Casting Spiders in the tall grass.

  42. Net-Casting Spider (Deinopis sp.) - DSC_1699
  43. Net-Casting Spider (Deinopis sp.)

    This particular Net-Casting Spider is a male, with visibly enlarged palps.

  44. Net-Casting Spider (Deinopis sp.) - DSC_1700
  45. Net-Casting Spider (Deinopis sp.)

    Getting closer to the ogre-face!

  46. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda lunula?) - DSC_1706
  47. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda lunula)

    Another pleasant find was this Huntsman Spider . This is the first time I’ve seen this in Singapore!

  48. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda lunula?) - DSC_1711
  49. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda lunula)

    This was a juvenile, but still possible to get a nice shot of the face. A curious ant seems to want to have a conversation with the big fella.

  50. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda lunula?) - DSC_1719
  51. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda lunula)

    Just a few trees down, we saw another of the same Huntsman Spider , but with 2 missing legs.

  52. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda lunula?) - DSC_1733
  53. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda lunula)

    Lovely face still!

  54. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda lunula?) - DSC_1739
  55. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda lunula)

    Record shot of the slightly larger Huntsman Spider

  56. Ant-Like Sac Spider (Aetius sp.) - DSC_2212
  57. Ant-Like Sac Spider (Aetius sp.)

    Victor found this beautiful red Ant-Like Sac Spider

  58. Ant-Like Sac Spider (Aetius sp.) - DSC_2244
  59. Ant-Like Sac Spider (Aetius sp.)

    Face shot of the Ant-Like Sac Spider

  60. Ant-Like Sac Spider (Aetius sp.) - DSC_2252
  61. Ant-Like Sac Spider (Aetius sp.)

    It ran to a lighter bark area

  62. Ant-Like Sac Spider (Aetius sp.) - DSC_2254
  63. Ant-Like Sac Spider (Aetius sp.)

    Note the multiple tufts of hair at the end of the abdomen.

  64. Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider (Herennia sp.) - DSC_1744
  65. Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider (Herennia sp.)

    This particular juvenile Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider was feasting on what looked like an Argiope. Thanks to James for pointing it out!

  66. Huntsman Spider (Pandercetes sp.) - DSC_1757
  67. Huntsman Spider (Pandercetes sp.)

    One of the nicer finds of the night – Lichen Huntsman Spider . The lateral eyes seem to reflect a different colour spectrum when compared to the median eyes.

  68. Huntsman Spider (Pandercetes sp.) - DSC_1781
  69. Huntsman Spider (Pandercetes sp.)

    The unique character of this Lichen Huntsman Spider would be the tufts of hair on the legs. Not too clearly seen in this photo due to the camouflage though!

  70. Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider (Herennia sp.) - DSC_1772
  71. Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider (Herennia sp.)

    Found a more mature Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider on the same tree below the lichen huntsman spider.

  72. Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider (Herennia sp.) - DSC_1774
  73. Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider (Herennia sp.)

    Lovely patterns!

  74. Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider (Herennia sp.) - DSC_1784
  75. Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider (Herennia sp.)

    Record dorsal shot

  76. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_1790
  77. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae)

    A common Huntsman Spider , but I’m taking record shots of all spiders anyway 🙂

  78. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_1793
  79. Huntsman Spider (Olios sp.)

    A very docile Huntsman Spider , it remained in this position for quite a long time as everyone took turns to get shots of it.

  80. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_1800
  81. Huntsman Spider (Olios sp.)

    Tucked comfortably on a leaf crevice

  82. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_1805
  83. Huntsman Spider (Olios sp.)

    Customary face shot. 🙂

  84. Ant-Mimic Jumping Spider (Myrmarachne sp.) - DSC_1816
  85. Ant-Mimic Jumping Spider (Myrmarachne sp.)

    The rest found a very pretty Ant-Mimic Jumping Spider

  86. Ant-Mimic Jumping Spider (Myrmarachne sp.) - DSC_1821
  87. Ant-Mimic Jumping Spider (Myrmarachne sp.)

    Dorsal view, really very ant-like!

  88. Ant-Mimic Jumping Spider (Myrmarachne sp.) - DSC_1843
  89. Ant-Mimic Jumping Spider (Myrmarachne sp.)

    The typical cute eyes of any jumping spider!

  90. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_1847
  91. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda sp.)

    Another common Huntsman Spider

  92. Moulting Katydid (Tettigoniidae) - DSC_1848
  93. Moulting Katydid (Tettigoniidae)

    Common cricket but happened to see it moulting when I walked by!

  94. Big-Headed Termites - DSC_1851
  95. Big-Headed Termites

    Spotted an army of big-headed termites on the ground

  96. Big-Headed Termite - DSC_1852
  97. Big-Headed Termite

    Big-Headed Termite not looking too happy

  98. Mating Beetles - DSC_1864
  99. Mating Beetles

    An amorous couple

  100. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_1868
  101. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae)

    Yet another Huntsman Spider . Lots of Sparassids around!

  102. Atlas Moth larva (Attacus atlas) - DSC_1869
  103. Atlas Moth larva (Attacus atlas)

    Found a relatively small Atlas Moth larva

  104. Hemipteran... - DSC_1875
  105. Hemipteran…

    Not sure what this is.. Hemipteran but what?

  106. Comb-Footed Spider (Theridiidae) - DSC_1879
  107. Comb-Footed Spider (Dipoena sp.)

    James and Melvyn spent a lot of time shooting this Comb-Footed Spider

  108. Ants transporting a slug - DSC_1889
  109. Ants transporting a slug

    Found a team of ants transporting a slug along a tree trunk

  110. Ants transporting a slug - DSC_1890
  111. Ants transporting a slug

    Interestingly, some left the team, and sometimes others joined. Never knew what they were thinking of.

  112. Bug caught a huge termite - DSC_1905
  113. Bug caught a huge termite

    Melvyn showed me this bug that caught a huge termite

  114. Lynx Spider (Oxyopidae) - DSC_1963
  115. Lynx Spider (Oxyopidae)

    One of the loveliest Lynx Spiders I have ever seen!

  116. Lynx Spider (Oxyopidae) - DSC_1965
  117. Lynx Spider (Oxyopidae)

    It seemed to contrast very nicely with a black background

  118. Lynx Spider (Oxyopidae) - DSC_1968
  119. Lynx Spider (Oxyopidae)

    Occasionally, it raised its legs as a sign of threat

  120. Lynx Spider (Oxyopidae) - DSC_1972
  121. Lynx Spider (Oxyopidae)

    Could never leave out the face shot. 🙂

  122. Lynx Spider (Oxyopidae) - DSC_1994
  123. Lynx Spider (Oxyopidae)

    Close look at the face of the Lynx Spider

  124. Sweat Bees sleeping (Halictidae) - DSC_2002
  125. Sweat Bees (Halictidae)

    While fatigue was setting in, the rest found an entire bunch of equally fatigued Sweat Bees sleeping

  126. Sweat Bees sleeping (Halictidae) - DSC_2004
  127. Sweat Bees (Halictidae)

    I went close to the tip of the branch to see them up close

  128. Sweat Bees sleeping (Halictidae) - DSC_2007
  129. Sweat Bees (Halictidae)

    It was really a HUGE gathering

  130. Sweat Bees sleeping (Halictidae) - DSC_2011
  131. Sweat Bees (Halictidae)

    They didn’t seem to mind the crowd

  132. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_2018
  133. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae)

    I walking around aimlessly in the night.. and found a Huntsman Spider on my arm

  134. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda sp.) - DSC_2025
  135. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda sp.)

    Almost stepped on this Huntsman Spider which was visited by a curious ant

  136. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda sp.) - DSC_2035
  137. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda sp.)

    Record dorsal shot

  138. Unknown bird - DSC_2036
  139. Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius)

    Surprisingly, a Common Tailorbird (Thanks Ivan for the ID) was found hiding under a leaf. Just took a record shot in case it got overly spooked by our presence.

  140. Nursery Web Spider (Pisauridae) - DSC_2040
  141. Nursery Web Spider (Pisauridae)

    A very small Nursery Web Spider

  142. Nursery Web Spider (Pisauridae) - DSC_2046
  143. Nursery Web Spider (Pisauridae)

    So small that I couldn’t really see the eyes

  144. Tiger Moths mating (Arctiidae) - DSC_2051
  145. Tiger Moths (Arctiidae)

    Tiger Moths making out in the dark

  146. Tiger Moths mating (Arctiidae) - DSC_2053
  147. Tiger Moths (Arctiidae)

    View of the action from below

  148. Weevil (Curculionidae) - DSC_2059
  149. Weevil (Curculionidae)

    A slow moving Weevil , which we jokingly called the peanut weevil for the lumpy appearance. We later called it the “David Weevil” because David spent a long time shooting it and even got a preflight shot of it.

  150. Mango Longhorn Beetle? (Bartocera rubus) - DSC_2063
  151. Mango Longhorn Beetle? (Bartocera rubus)

    A large Mango Longhorn Beetle?

  152. Mango Longhorn Beetle? (Bartocera rubus) - DSC_2080
  153. Mango Longhorn Beetle? (Bartocera rubus)

    Can’t get enough of the face shot

  154. Close up of Mango Longhorn Beetle? (Bartocera rubus) - DSC_2093b
  155. Close up of Mango Longhorn Beetle? (Bartocera rubus)

    Close up of the compound eyes

  156. Mango Longhorn Beetle? (Bartocera rubus) - DSC_2096
  157. Mango Longhorn Beetle? (Bartocera rubus)

    Dorsal view, very important for beetles

  158. Mango Longhorn Beetle? (Bartocera rubus) - DSC_2100
  159. Mango Longhorn Beetle? (Bartocera rubus)

    Lateral view for my personal documentation

  160. Garden Spider (Eriovixia sp.) - DSC_2104
  161. Garden Spider (Eriovixia sp.)

    Victor pointed out this Garden Spider but left me to shoot it

  162. Comb-Footed Spider (Theridiidae) - DSC_2110
  163. Comb-Footed Spider (Theridiidae)

    Comb-Footed Spider hiding in her retreat

  164. Comb-Footed Spider (Theridiidae) - DSC_2131
  165. Comb-Footed Spider (Theridiidae)

    It came out for a little while to say hi

  166. Net-Casting Spider (Deinopis sp.) - DSC_2137
  167. Net-Casting Spider (Deinopis sp.)

    As we returned to the shelter, the rest were shooting this Net-Casting Spider with the net

  168. Net-Casting Spider (Deinopis sp.) - DSC_2138
  169. Net-Casting Spider (Deinopis sp.)

    Interestingly, the net always seemed to appear blue in our photos.

  170. Net-Casting Spider (Deinopis sp.) - DSC_2143
  171. Net-Casting Spider (Deinopis sp.)

    It was almost 6am.. and the Net-Casting Spider started to close shop and devour its net

  172. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_2150
  173. Huntsman Spider (Gnathopalystes sp.)

    We roamed around the shelter, and found this purplish Huntsman Spider . Apparently did not turn out too purple in the pictures!

  174. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_2158
  175. Huntsman Spider (Gnathopalystes sp.)

    Quite a fierce face too! It jumped onto our hands several times.

  176. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae) - DSC_2167
  177. Huntsman Spider (Gnathopalystes sp.)

    Closer look at the body

  178. Net-Casting Spider (Deinopis sp.) - DSC_2180
  179. Net-Casting Spider (Deinopis sp.)

    Since the Net-Casting Spider had kept its net, I could adjust the leaf to get a nice shot of the ogre-face!

  180. Robberfly (Asilidae) - DSC_2183
  181. Robberfly (Asilidae)

    In our last burst of hunting, we found a Robberfly . Somehow, it has been almost a year since I’ve shot this.

  182. Robberfly (Asilidae) - DSC_2185
  183. Robberfly (Asilidae)

    Customary shot of the eyes!

  184. Robberfly (Asilidae) - DSC_2185b
  185. Robberfly (Asilidae)

    Tried to count the compound eyes but I gave up

  186. Comb-Footed Spider (Argyrodes sp.) - DSC_2271
  187. Comb-Footed Spider (Argyrodes sp.)

    A male Comb-Footed Spider . This is a kleptoparasitic spider, or a food-stealer. It is commonly found on the webs of other spiders to steal their prey.

  188. Crab Spider (Thomisidae) - DSC_2283
  189. Crab Spider (Thomisidae)

    Cute little Crab Spider . Poor fella lost 4 front legs. 🙁

  190. Crab Spider (Thomisidae) - DSC_2289
  191. Crab Spider (Thomisidae)

    As usual, a grumpy face!

It was a ridiculously long night, and many ended up sleeping at the shelter by 4am. Some of us couldn’t stop and kept shooting, so that we could go home with more good shots to show you. 🙂 We only stopped when the rain came at 6am, and we phoned for the transport to pick us back to the ferry.

The complete album can be viewed here.

TAGS
RELATED POSTS

LEAVE A COMMENT

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!

Copyright Notice

All images © 2008-2024 Nicky Bay unless stated otherwise. Reproduction of any content without permission is prohibited. Please read the Image Use Policy and contact [email protected] for licensing requests.

Mailing List

Like the content here? Get notified for new posts, stories, workshops and book launches! Your email will never be shared with others.

Like the content here? Get notified for new posts, stories, workshops and book launches! Your email will never be shared with others.