Saturday, 11 October 2025
The Spider That Looks Like a Tree-Stump — Poltys sp
Spotted during a night macro walk along the Green Corridor, Singapore (29 Aug 2025), this fascinating spider is a true master of camouflage.
Known as the Tree-stump Orb Weaver (Poltys sp.), it folds its legs tightly by day to resemble a dry twig or tree-stump, and comes alive at night to weave its web.
I shared this full story on my Facebook Page — you can view the post below 👇
Sunday, 7 September 2025
The Silver-Striped Hunter: Tylorida Striata in Singapore
Unlike larger garden orb-weavers, Tylorida striata builds its orb web just above the water’s surface, a clever position for snaring mosquitoes and small flies. The web is almost invisible unless caught in the right light, but the spider often sits boldly at its center, legs outstretched like slender beams.
Though small, this species plays an important ecological role in keeping insect numbers balanced. Its reflective stripes may help camouflage it against shimmering water or confuse predators.
I came across this spider at Windsor Nature Park, During my encounter, I was fascinated by how its patterned body stood out against the green leaves and delicate silk threads.
Photographing it revealed just how much fine detail hides in this “silver-striped hunter”—a jewel of Singapore’s wetlands.
Tylorida Striata may not be as big or well-known as other orb-weavers, but it plays an important role in controlling insect numbers. Its shimmering stripes make it one of the hidden jewels of Singapore’s wetlands. The next time you walk by a pond or stream, look closely—you might just spot this silver-striped hunter waiting patiently in its web. Here are some of my shots...
Sunday, 20 July 2025
Frogs of Fraser’s Hill: Nights of Leaps, Life, and Little Surprises
👆 The Malayan Flying Frog (Rhacophorus prominanus) 🗓️ 2025 May
Nestled in the cool, misty highlands of Peninsular Malaysia, Fraser’s Hill is a haven not just for birds, but for those of us who find joy in the smaller, often overlooked wonders of the night. On the two none birding trip (2024 & 2025), I had the joy of meeting some charming amphibian residents — each with its own personality, color, and story to tell.
As night fell and the forest came alive with rhythmic calls and rustling leaves, my torchlight revealed glistening eyes, hidden colors, and tiny bodies tucked among moss, ferns, and tree holes. Each frog encounter was like unveiling a secret tucked deep within the highland rainforest. Here are some of the remarkable amphibians I met along the way:
The Twin-Spotted Flying Frog (Rhacophorus bipunctatus) 👆👇
Clinging to wet fern fronds, this striking frog with its orange-red limbs and lime-green fingers is a true gem of the treetops. Agile and camera-shy, it often vanishes with a powerful leap, leaving behind only the ripple of a moving leaf and the excitement of the sighting.
This species lives in moist montane forests, highland shrublands, streams, and marshy areas. It’s typically found at elevations from several hundred up to over 2,000 meters above sea level, and is rarely seen in lowland areas.
The Twin-Spotted Flying Frog (Rhacophorus bipunctatus)
Another Twin-Spotted Flying Frog we found on the second night of our May trip to Fraser’s Hill. This smaller one was spotted away from the stream.
You might notice that some Twin-Spotted Flying Frogs appear greenish while others look reddish-brown — but they’re the same species! Just like humans with different hair or skin tones, these frogs vary in color. The difference often depends on where they live (leaves vs. moss), their age, or simply natural variation.
You might notice that some Twin-Spotted Flying Frogs appear greenish while others look reddish-brown — but they’re the same species! Just like humans with different hair or skin tones, these frogs vary in color. The difference often depends on where they live (leaves vs. moss), their age, or simply natural variation.
🐸 The Bird Poop Frog (Theloderma asperum) 👇
🗓️ 👆Top photo taken 2024 May, 👇Below left taken 2025 May
This tiny master of camouflage is Theloderma asperum, also known as Bird Poop Frog — and it’s not hard to see how it got its name! Spotted this juvenile again at the same mossy patch as last year — still as well-hidden and charming as ever. That camouflage is top-tier rainforest magic.
Theloderma asperum, It is also known as the pied warty frog, hill garden bug-eyed frog, commonly known as the Bird Poop Frog, is a small tree frog found in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. It gets its name from its incredible camouflage — its mottled, bumpy skin resembles bird droppings, helping it avoid predators. This species is nocturnal, often hiding in mossy crevices or tree holes during the day, and is usually found in montane forests like Fraser’s Hill.
🐸 The Bird Poop Frog (Theloderma asperum) 🗓️ 2025 May
It was hiding in a hollow space inside a barrier left by the road side
🐸 The Bird Poop Frog (Theloderma asperum) 🗓️ 2024 May
These shy frogs have a unique way of broadcasting their presence — they use water-filled tree holes as echo chambers to amplify their calls. Small and slightly plump, with a distinctive call, they’re often overlooked but play a vital role in the acoustic landscape of Fraser’s Hill.
👆 The Malayan Tree Hole Frog (Metaphrynella pollicaris)🗓️ 2025 May
This tiny frog is more often heard than seen. Its loud, echoing call is a familiar sound during our night walks at Fraser’s Hill.
👆The Malayan Flying Frog (Rhacophorus prominanus) 🗓️ 2025 May
This species put on quite a show — I encountered them in various stages of their life cycle. From mating pairs embracing atop foam nests, to froglets just beginning their leap into terrestrial life (with their tails still visible!), witnessing these moments was an absolute highlight. Their large webbed feet and gliding abilities are a marvel of adaptation.
👉This tiny froglet, with its tail still visible, was spotted near a foam nest and a mating pair of Malayan Flying Frogs. Likely just out of the water, it’s in the final stage of metamorphosis. A precious glimpse into the early life of a highland glider!
A master of mimicry, the Perak Horned Frog sits low on the forest floor, perfectly camouflaged among dead leaves. With its jagged "horned" eyelids and angular snout, it looks like a piece of forest debris until it suddenly hops. I was thrilled to meet this elusive species face to face — its grumpy expression only adds to its charm.
👇Another 4 photos of this species from 2024.
👆 The Perak Horned Frog (Megophrys aceras) 🗓️ 2024 May
The Masked Rough-sided Frog (Odorrana hosii) 🗓️ 2024 May
One of the most striking frogs I encountered on this trip, Odorrana hosii stands out with its beautiful bronze eyes and a bold dark stripe that runs from snout to shoulder — like a natural mask. Commonly found near clear forest streams, this frog prefers moist, rocky habitats and is a strong jumper with powerful limbs. Its textured skin and cryptic coloring make it well-adapted to life in the highlands. A true gem of Fraser’s Hill!
👆 The Giant River Frog (Limnonectes blythii) 🗓️ 2024 May
True to its name, this is one of the largest frog species in the region. Found resting quietly in shallow stream beds, Limnonectes blythii is well-adapted to life in cool, clear highland waters. With its muscular limbs, wide head, and expressive eyes, it’s an impressive sight—especially when encountered in pairs. Despite their size, they remain remarkably still when approached, relying on their camouflage and calm demeanor to go unnoticed. A Fraser’s Hill heavyweight, both in size and presence!
The Giant River Frog (Limnonectes blythii) 🗓️ 2025 May
Each frog told a story — of camouflage, survival, courtship, and transformation. In a world that often races past the small things, spending time with these highland frogs reminded me how much wonder waits in quiet places. Fraser’s Hill continues to be a treasure trove for those willing to slow down, look closely, and listen to the forest breathe.
📸 Captured with care, curiosity, and a macro lens — on a misty night filled with life.
Which one’s your favorite frog? Let me know in the common.
Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Wild Wings of Thailand’s Marshes
Captured during my recent nature outing, these elegant waterbirds were a true joy to watch and photograph. Each species plays a part in the rhythm of wetlands, from the graceful hunters to the vigilant waders.📸 Featured in this set:
Red-wattled Lapwing, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Black-winged Stilt, Lesser Whistling Duck, Purple Heron, Asian Openbill
Red-wattled Lapwing (ground view) –
Blending into the grassy edge, alert and always watchful.
Red-wattled Lapwing – an Asian lapwing or large plover, they are large wader in the family Charadriidae. Common in open grassy fields, paddy areas, and near wetlands throughout Thailand. Known for loud alarm calls and nesting on the ground.
(PS. While technically not a shorebird by strict definition (it's in the heron family), it's often included in wetland/shorebird discussions due to its wading behavior.)
Cattle Egret (breeding plumage) – Golden-toned and often seen near livestock, it adds warm hues to the wetlands.
Cattle Egret, frequently found in agricultural areas and grasslands across Thailand, especially near grazing animals. Often follows buffaloes or cows to catch disturbed insects. Cattle Egret is not exactly a shorebird, more of a terrestrial bird, often seen in grasslands, fields, and dry habitats near livestock rather than true shorelines.
Black-winged Stilt – With its striking red legs and needle-like bill, this stilt delicately probes the shallows.
Black-winged Stilt –Common in Thailand’s freshwater wetlands, rice paddies, and salt pans. A classic shorebird (family Recurvirostridae), commonly seen wading in shallow water, feeding on insects and small aquatic life.
Lesser Whistling Duck
Lesser Whistling duck is not shore bird, it is a waterfowl. It swims more than it wades and prefers still or slow-moving water. This is my first time saw it in flight in Thailand while were waiting for Pied Kingfisher.
Lesser Whistling Duck – Compact and vocal, these ducks often fly in tight formations. Found in lowland lakes and flooded fields throughout Thailand. Often spotted in flocks, especially at dawn or dusk, with their signature whistling calls.
(PS Asian Openbill is a stork, not a shorebird. It’s a large wading bird, but not classified within the shorebird families.)
Every bird is a thread in the fabric of wetland life. Watching them reminds me how much richness lies in still waters and muddy shores.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)