“While most of us would be familiar with the widespread Sendudok shrub (Melastoma malabathricum), we may not be entirey aware of its intricate pollination process. The principal pollinators are Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa species), which give the flowers a good buzz … Continued
The Smooth Loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca) is a vigorous climber whose flowers are yellow. The flowers develop into elongated fruits… …much sought after as a vegetable, used in soups or fried with egg and tang hoon (Chinese vermicelli, glass noodle). The … Continued
Most people view plants as a convenient green backdrop that attracts birds with their flowers (above) and fruits (below). However, the role of plants in attracting birds is more than just flowers and fruits. What is less obvious to most … Continued
“At the heart of a Simpoh Ayer (Dillenia suffruticosa) flower, a compact whorl of whitish stamens protrudes proudly into the airspace, resembling the tip of a Chinese calligraphy paintbrush (above). “It can be difficult to imagine the intended function of … Continued
“Despite their small size, stingless bees play important roles in the ecosystem, especially pollination HERE, HERE and HERE. “In mid-May 2016, a swarm of such bees caught my eyes at a local park. “They were aggregated over a wall, with … Continued
“Bees, including the bulky Carpenter Bee, are regularly included in the diet of Bee-eaters HERE. Hence, a bee’s fate of falling prey to a master aerial predator is always a real and present danger. “With this risk in mind, I … Continued
An earlier post describes the activities around a colony of Paper Wasps (Polistes sagittarius). The removal of colony by the owner of the house allowed me the opportunity to collect the three empty nests of open combs for examination. The … Continued
A active colony of Paper Wasp (Polistes sagittarius) was recently located inside a drainage hole of about 40 cm running through the retaining wall of my neighbour’s house (above). There were 3 nests inside. The deepest and oldest nest was … Continued
Around November 2015, Tan Teo Seng brought me a bunch of pinkish, grape-like fruits from Johor, Malaysia. The fruits were eventually identified as Cayratia mollissima (formerly Vitis mollissima), belonging to the grape family, Vitaceae. I could not find any common … Continued
A parasitic wasp eating its way out of the pupa of the Painted Jezebel (Delias hyparete metarete) was documented by Janice Ang at the Seletar Country Club Butterfly Garden (above). The images, from top to bottom, similarly give the stages … Continued
