Sockhom Posted May 16, 2009 Report Share Posted May 16, 2009 (edited) Hello! Another post on the great Island! Before I got interested in carnivorous plants, I used, for 15 years, to spend a lot time as a hobbyist entomologist. I especially felt, and still feel, a real fascination for moths and dragonflies (and damselflies). Of course, when I was in Sarawak, I didn't miss the chance to catch a glimpse of the exceptional insect diversity that dwells in this tropical place. The couple of days I spent in the Penrissen range, at the border of Kalimantan were particularly unforgettable. I spent many hours in the dark to observe moths. It was the best "night hunt" I made. And I've done hundreds already. Night is falling near the Indonesian border... Our chalet is lit with a 500 W halid lamp. What a chance! The scales waltz is whirling. Here I am, face to face with a species of Brahmaea, maybe Brahmaea wallichii. A well known species. I didn't think I would meet this living lithograph one day. And here is one of the other guests. A hawk moth from the Sphingidae family. I don't remember yet its latin name... The following morning, at dawn, after I observed the epiphytic and terrestrial Nepenthes fusca, I discover many moths near the chalet and its lamp: Another Sphingidae: A Saturnidae moth from the Actias genus if I'm not mistaken: I fell in love with this strange moth. It might be close to the Sesiidae family. A fascinating group of moths which mimick wasps, bees and hornets (I don't know the common English name). An arctiidae. We call it an "écaille" in French language which means "scale". A Lymantridae trying to be unnoticed: A Cossidae, similar to our European Cossus cossus, a spectacular moth whose gross caterpillar feeds on wood. Then, I had a heart attack. I'm face to face with a species of moth which is part of my personal mythology. A moth whose pictures have filled my head since childhood. I used to breed some caterpillars at home, I used to read everything about it. A real personal legend of mine. I couldn't imagine that I would have the chance to see it in its natural habitat. Attacus Atlas. The atlas moth. One of the biggest of the world. Sweet dreams, François. Edited May 16, 2009 by Sockhom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-=Joel=- Posted May 16, 2009 Report Share Posted May 16, 2009 Fascinating stuff Francois. Looks like your having a great time ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stefan P Posted May 16, 2009 Report Share Posted May 16, 2009 Wow, some beautiful moths, thanks for sharing!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtricSeb Posted May 16, 2009 Report Share Posted May 16, 2009 Wow, this is great. I love the Atlas moth pictures and the bee like one with bright red colors. Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimfoxy Posted May 17, 2009 Report Share Posted May 17, 2009 Hi Francois! Glad you are having a great time - some fab moths. Hope you see many more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel O. Posted May 18, 2009 Report Share Posted May 18, 2009 Hi Francois, really very nice moths, the red "thing" is also very interesting. Thanks for sharing. Best regards, Dani Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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