4 Magnificent Malaysian Insects l Stunning Variety

We truly hope that you will greatly enjoy reading, and hopefuly learning from, this article about 4 Magnificent Malaysian Insects presented herein. It was certainly our great pleasure to compile it for you. Such wonders easily astound the eager, seeking mind!

Obviously, these few species mentioned here constitute the barest fraction of the abundance of insect life in this region. It’s our considered opinion, however, that these 4 Magnificent Malaysian Insects represent a good sample of the variety to be found here.

Emerald Swallowtail

Emerald Swallowtail Facts

Leading off this compilation of 4 Magnificent Malaysian Insects we present the breathtakingly beautiful invertebrate known as the Emerald Swallowtail.
This dazzling natural marvel bears several common names, the most frequently used being the one used herein. The other terms often applied to it, though, include those of the emerald peacock and the deceptive term of green-banded peacock.
Its official scientific name, however, remains much more difficult to pronounce. That because professionals use the term Papilio palinurus to formally refer to it. By either of these names, however, it easily ranks as one of the most beautiful of Lepidoptera.
A total of 6 recognized subspecies also exist of this insect. Perhaps somewhat miraculously, for the moment, each of these subspecies, as well as the Emerald Swallowtail, appears on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, as Least Concern.
That fact owes its existence to several factors. The first of these is the fact that it evolved as native to a relatively large area. The second reason may be less laudable, but nonetheless does play a role in protecting and helping to insure its continued survival.
That’s because this marvelous butterfly consistently ranks as one of the most popular in butterfly houses around the world. Though certainly pleasing, the fortunate fact of its relative safety from extinction could easily change in the near future, however.
Within its native habitat range, the marvelous work of Nature faces several threats. The actions of collectors remains one of these, of course. Its greatest peril, though, no doubt consists of the ongoing and ever-increasing effects of climate change.

Emerald Swallowtail, Papilio palinurus — Source: https://bit.ly/3nS3ZNV Public Domain Image

Emerald Swallowtail Physical Description

The magnificent Emerald Swallowtail impresses those who see it many ways. Unlike some beautiful Lepidoptera, however, it does so not only with its visual splendor, but in terms of sheer size, as well. In point of fact, it’s a larger than average variety of butterfly.

Also distinguishing itself from many other butterflies, this breathtaking beauty does not display any noticeable sexual dimorphism. Distinguishing males from females, therefore, can be quite difficult for the untrained observer. Both sexes are gorgeous, though.

Individuals of both genders attain an average wingspan of between 3.1 – 3.9 in (8 – 10 cm). Astonishingly, though, the top and bottom of the two wings display radically different patterns. While that’s not uncommon, this species takes the principle to a high level.

The top side serves as the origin of the various common names, including that of Emerald Swallowtail. That’s due to the amazing green color displayed. This ranges from dark green, to a shade that’s almost black. It also shows dark green bands in a V shape.

The underside, meanwhile, shows a completely different pattern. This primarily consists of shades of back. Numerous blue, white, and orange spots further appear here. These typically manifest themselves along the edges of the hindwings of the insect, though.

Astonishingly, these colors do not form due to natural pigments, as in the vast majority on insects. These in fact appear due to the presence of countless tiny naturally occurring prisms. Light refracting through these creates the magnificent colors perceived.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Papilionidae
Genus: Papilio
Species: P. palinurus

The Emerald Swallowtail has a comparatively wide range. This is fortunate for both it and those who appreciate its beauty. That’s due to the fact that the incredible arthropod evolved as native to a broad portion of what now constitutes the continent of Asia.

More specifically, though, it appears naturally in a range that extends from the Philippines to southern portions of India. The wonderful insect even, for the moment, at least, holds small yet stable populations on some of the islands included in that impressive range.

Like most species, it also has specific preferences for its choice of habitat. It nonetheless proves itself adaptable when the need presents itself. In Nature, the creature generally lives in various open areas. These principally include forest clearings and along river banks.

It does, however, also often appear in and around empty lots, city parks, and even human habitations. In each of these habitats, it nevertheless displays specific dietary patterns. The caterpillar form feeds almost exclusively on plants in the citrus and rue families.

The adults, meanwhile, solely feed on nectar. This typically, though not exclusively, comes from the same plants as the younger form. The Emerald Swallowtail also serves as an important pollinator for many local species. Males even establish firm territorial boundaries.

Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis

Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis Facts

Next up among our choices for inclusion in this article about 4 Magnificient Malaysian Insects we present the astounding Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis.
The most frequently used common name for this marvel of Nature and evolution is descriptive, and completely understandable in origin. It’s also, however, sometimes referred to by the somewhat misleading term of the giant dead leaf mantis.
Professional researchers, though, typically refer to it by its formal scientific name. That term, however, like many such technical names, remains somewhat hard to pronounce. That’s because professionals refer to the insect by the term Deroplatys desiccata.
Regardless of what one chooses to call it, it’s a fascinating and captivating creature. The alternate common name, though, is slightly misleading. That, however, isn’t at all unusual, as common names frequently give a false impression of the species.
Though larger than some of its kind, it’s by no means a giant among its roughly 1,800 known related species, overall. It does qualify as a giant, in a way, though. That’s because it attains a somewhat larger size than any other leaf mantis, specifically.
The highly respected English entomologist, as well as archaeologist, John Obadiah Westwood, made the first recorded recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. This scientifically noteworthy achievement he accomplished in the year 1839.
Fortunately, its population base appears to be both sizeable and stable. This situation further appears to hold true throughout the entirety of its native range. Unfortunately, it’s also become quite popular among those who keep insects in captivity.
Due to these facts, the IUCN presently has no listing for the Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis on its Red List. In the wild, it nevertheless faces several potential threats. Habitat loss poses an potential danger to it, along with the effects of climate change.

Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis, Deroplatys lobata — Source: https://bit.ly/3h9viSM Photographer: Bernard DUPONT CC License: https://bit.ly/2Stss2x

Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis Physical Description

Like virtually all of its many relatives, the magnificent Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis ranks as a master of camouflage. In its specific case, its own name gives an indication its approach. That’s due to the fact that, when it wishes, it closely resembles a dead, dry leaf.

Like many insects of all kinds, it also displays the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its case, this trait manifests itself in terms of sheer physical size. The overall size difference between the two genders, however, remains comparatively minor.

More precisely, the females, again, like many of its relatives, attains a greater length than the male of the species. Mature females reach an average length of 3 – 3.1 in (7.5 – 8 cm). Males, meanwhile, grow to a body length that averages roughly 2.6 – 2.8 in (6.5 – 7 cm).

Otherwise, the two sexes displays virtually identical patterns of coloring, with only slight variations among individuals. Those patterns, though, include a very respectable range of colors. These run from nearly black, to shades of brown, to an orange-brown hue.

The highly extended thorax possesses an extremely flattened shape. It also manifests intricate patterns, like the veins on a leaf, on the upper surface of its wings. The underside, however, has a mainly black background, with a large eye-like spot on each wing.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Mantodea
Family: Deroplatyidae
Genus: Deroplatys
Species: D. dessicata

Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The mesmerizing Malysian Dead Leaf Mantis inhabits a moderately expansive part of the world. This range consists of the region generally known as southeast Asia. More specifically, it’s known to live in Sumatra, the Philippines, Borneo, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Within that range, though, it fortunately seems to be moderately adapable in terms of its habitat requirements. That’s due to the fact that specimens appear in regions of both tropical forest and scrubland. For now, no evidence that it ever lived elsewhere exists.

It’s also supremely adapted for the environment in which it lives. Its coloring, as well as its body shape and design, provides it with excellent natural camouflage. The insect even appears to sway in the breeze, mimicking the movements of a dried up leaf.

This learned behavioral pattern serves the amazing arthropod well in its typical habitat range, offering it a certain measure of protection from its own predators. Those include the usual species, such as tree climbing lizards, snakes, and birds, among others.

Like its numerous relatives, the Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis evolved as a carnivore. Also like them, it’s a master hunter, preferring to hunt as an ambush predator. It feeds opportunistically, consuming virtually any prey of sufficient size, most especially moths.

Giant Forest Ant

Giant Forest Ant Facts

The third species appearing in this compendium of 4 Magnificent Malaysian Insects is the aptly-named invertebrate known as the Giant Forest Ant.
This impressive and distinctive creation of Nature and evolution, quite understandably, most frequently goes by the common name for very good reasons. Unlike many species around the world, for the moment, the insect has no other common name.
Professional researchers, meanwhile, generally refer to the remarkable creature by another term. That’s because those professionals usually apply its formal scientific name. That, however, is the less than easily pronounced term of Dinomyrmex gigas.
The invertebrate received that official name at the hands of the renowned French zoologist, Pierre Andre Latreille. This respected researche made the first recorded acknowledgement of it as a separate and distinct species. That action occurred in 1802.
Regardless of which term one chooses to employ when referrring to it, though, it stands out from the majority of its kin. It also represents the only known member of its genus, further distinguishing it. One known subspecies does appear to exist, however.
The Giant Forest Ant appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both stable and sizeable. That condition further seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its native range. The IUCN, therefore, currently has no listing for it on its Red List.
This majestic arthropod nevertheless must be considered to be facing at least some threats, like most species. These naturally include the potential danger of habitat loss. Its greatest threat, however, most likely consists of the ongoing peril of climate change.

Giant Forest Ant, Dinomyrmex gigas — Source: https://bit.ly/2VYIJy1 Photographer: François Brassard CC License: https://bit.ly/3yM3Guq

Giant Forest Ant Physical Description

The amazing Giant Forest Ant impresses those whoe encounter if for various reasons, of course. Likely its most impressive feature, however, is its sheer size. That’s due to the fact that this particular variety of ant ranks as one of the largest in the entire world.

It further qualifies as the largest of all known ants in its region of the world. Sizes vary between individuals, of course, due to the very nature of ants. That’s because members of different castes have different attributes. That statistic extends to sheer size as well.

Normal workers within each colony attain an average overall length measuring an impressive 0.82 in (20.9 mm). The significantly larger soldiers of each colony, however, grow much larger. Members of that caste attain an average length of roughly 1.11 in (28.1 mm).

The queens, meanwhile, reach even greater sizes, as holds true for most known ants. Each queen of this remarkable invertebrate grows to about 1.22 in (31 mm) in overall length. These measurements truly drive home the incredible size of these invertebrates!

The physical appearance of the Giant Forest Ant, apart from its size, strongly parallels other ants. It does manifest bright yellow fur on its legs, unlike others. The main body shows a dark brown shade, yet the posterior displays a much lighter, reddish-brown hue.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae
Genus: Dinomyrmex
Species: D. gigas

Giant Forest Ant Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The marvelous Giant Forest Ant appears to inhabit a moderately large swathe of the globe. More specifically, the arthropod inhabits much of the southeastern portions of the continent of Asia. It’s still unclear, however, if the arthropod ever possessed a greater range.

The northern-most region of its range includes the countries of Thailand and the Philippines, though separated by a large area of ocean. From there, though, it extends its range through parts of Malaysia and Borneo, and into much of the country of Indonesia.

In all regions that it inhabits, however, the invertebrate displays strong preferences in its choice of ecosystems to dwell in. Primarily, the insect makes its home, as the name implies, in the relatively dense regions of rainforest found throughout this region of the world.

Yet this intrepid product of millions of years of evolution also appears, though, in smaller concentrations, in a few other types of habitat. These varying habitats might surprise, many, as they include such diverse areas as regions of mangrove forest, and peat swamps.

The extraordinary creature also lives at a wide range of altitudes, unlike some related species. In point of fact, it makes appearances from near sea level to (1,500 m) above sea level. There, the animal sometimes makes its home in regions of montane forest.

The impressive Giant Forest Ant also differs from many of its relatives in its behavioral patterns. Most ants forage primarily by day, but not this one. These productive ants conduct the great majority of the their activities at night, including, of course, foraging.

The vast majority of the diet of this ant, an impressive 90 percent, consists of honeydew. The remainder includes small insects, such as winged termites. The animal also consumes smaller quantities of such food as nectar, sap, and even quantities of bird droppings.

Hummingbird Hawkmoth

Hummingbird Hawk Moth Facts

The last, but certainly not least, creature featured in this article about 4 Magnificent Malaysian Insects is the stunning Hummingbird Hawkmoth.
This Lepidoptera primarily goes by the common name that it does due to its appearance and method of flight. Entomologists know it better by its official scientific name. That, though, is the hard to pronounce term of Macroglossum stellatarum.
Whatever name one chooses to use to refer to it, it’s a fabulous creature. The first recognition of it as a separate and distinct species, meanwhile, occurred in the year 1758. It further owes its acknowledgement to a famous name in science.
That’s because the famous Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus, made that original scientific classification of the species. He also published it in the 10th edition of his Systema Naturae. This gives the insect a historic place in the annals of entomology.
Its relative fame doesn’t end there, though. That’s due to the fact that it held a place in important, groundbreaking scientific studies. More precisely, in 2018, a lengthy and detailed project completed the sequencing of its entire genome and mitogenome.
There’s also more good news. For the moment, the Hummingbird Hawk Moth appears to be maintaining a sizeable and stable population. This delightful trend further seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its natural range.
The IUCN, therefore, presently has no listing for it on the organizations Red List of Threatened Species. The species nonetheless could face threats to its existence in the future. That’s because habitat loss and climate change continue to escalate.

Hummingbird Hawk Moth, Macroglossum stellatarum — Source: https://bit.ly/37gaXGS Public Domain Image

Hummingbird Hawk Moth Physical Description

The magnificent Hummingbird Hawk Moth adroitly proves that size holds no relation to beauty in Nature. This holds true since it only qualifies as a medium-sized type of moth, in terms of wingspan. Also unusually, it shows no noticeable sign of sexual dimorphism.

This lack of visual difference between the genders extends to both size and appearance. As a result, mature specimens of both sexes attain an average wingspan of about 1.8 in (4.6 cm). While not large, those wings nevertheless impress one, just due to their beauty.

The forewings typically show brown and a crisscrossing of thin black lines. The hind wings of the arthropod, though, usually show orange and display a black edge. Although the wings grow medium-sized, the body remains proportionately larger than related species.

The proboscis of the amazing Hummingbird Hawk Moth, however, developed in a remarkable manner. It’s highly elongated, again mimicking the hummingbird. The arthropod even possesses a short tail tipped with numerous soft, brush-like bristles.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Sphingidae
Genus: Macroglossum
Species: M. stellatarum

Hummingbird Hawk Moth Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The marvelous Hummingbird Hawk Moth possesses yet another strong evolutionary advantage. That’s the fact that it evolved as native to a huge portion of the globe. More precisely, its natural distribution covers much of Asia, Africa, and also Northern Europe.

Even beyond that, most individuals develop as relatively strong fliers. As a result, the species appears virtually anywhere in the hemisphere during the summer. This represents yet another manner in which it differentiates itself from the majority of its peers.

Adding even more to its resume, the amazing invertebrate also evolved as highly adaptable. Due to that trait, it often inhabits a wide variety of habitats. These include regions as diverse as forests, meadows, parks, and even private gardens around human habitations.

Unfortunately for its fans, though, it has a short lifespan. Because of this trait, however, it developed another helpful trait. The marvel of Nature breeds quickly. Therefore, anywhere from 2-4 generations are born in a single season. This often depends on the region, as well.

The mature adults of the Hummingbird Hawk Moth feed exclusively on nectar from plants such as the Red Valerian and Honeysuckle. Thankfully, the species itself, however, has few natural predators. This mainly holds true due to its incredible camouflage.