Batesian Mimicry

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.

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

#1b Side view of the actual Tiger Beetle (Tricondyla sp.)

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

#3a Top view. The bulging eyes are typical of tiger beetles.

#3b Top view of the actual Tiger Beetle (Tricondyla sp.)

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

#5 Another close up of the mandibles

#6 Side view close up.

#7 Final pic of the magnificent mimic

#8 A pair of mating beetles. I hadn't had a good chance to take a decent pic of this yet

#9 Full body view of the couple

#10 Sleeping Sweat Bee (Amegilla sp.)

#11 It was fidgeting around and even wiping it's eyes

#12 Often lifted itself, clinging onto the branch only by it's mandibles

#13 Finally settled down for a nice shot

#14 Sleeping Peacock Pansy (Junonia almana javana)

#15 This Katydid was standing upright when we found it. As we approached, it sensed our presence and flattened it's body on the leaf!

#16 Close up on the head

#17 Slightly angled view

#18 Unidentified beetle

#19 Top view of the beetle

#20 Keith found this beautiful shield bug (?)

#21 View from the side reveals a metallic green underneath

#22 Brilliant colours from the front!

#23 One of the many Huntsman Spiders (Sparassidae) running around on the leaf litter

#24 Beautiful spider, looks like Cyrtarachne sp.?

#25 Dangling on it's web

#26 Climbs onto a leaf after sensing our presence

#27 Trilobite beetle larva (Duliticola hoiseni)

#28 Another close up on the head

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

#30 Ok, not fated to be together, bye bye!!

#31 Back-lit trilobite beetle

#32 These nocturnal creatures couldn't keep still

#33 Final shot before we called it a night

The complete album can be viewed here.