Tree of Life - Featuring Atlas Moth, Butterfly, Birds and A Bee-Hive

Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) are considered one of the largest moths in the world. They are probably named after their map-like wing patterns. Atlas moths are maroon in color with geometrical translucent patches outlined in black on both forewing and hindwings.

I first saw this moth hanging from a shade tree which was planted along the road, outside my house. Besides providing a cool presence, many critters love to perch on it.

Dorsal surface of the Atlas Moth 

Its upper distal extension of the forewing bears a strong resemblance to a snake's head. This is possibly to mimic the image of a snake as a means of defense. Its large size would mean that it is an easy target for predators to spot.

The ventral surface

The Atlas moth body is covered with stiff hairs which probably is part of its defence.

Common Mormon Butterfly (Papilio polytes) also seek out this tree for rest and respite. Their delicate legs resting ever so lightly  on the leaf surface.

The female Common Mormon Butterfly (Papilio polytes) has brown-black banded forewings. On the hindwings are attractive patches of red and white ...


edged by red crescents on the scalloped edge of hind wings.

Where the butterflies go, birds make a presence. Yellow Vented Bulbuls (Pycnonotus goiavier), Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis) and other birds are frequent visitors.

 

  A Yellow Vented Bulbul

 
A curious and restless Olive-backed Sunbird.

This bee-hive is a focus of activity of the honey-bees. I'm wondering when I can start harvesting the honey. Would I get stung while doing it. It seems like an impossible job.

The Tree-of-Life is fronted by this variegated Bougaianvillea.

A row of trees highlighted by the late afternoon sunrays streaming in from the west.

Licuala Grandis - Ruffled Fan Palm

Licuala Grandis, is commonly known as the Ruffled Fan Palm. It can be grown indoors in containers or outdoors, preferably under partial shade. Its large circular leaves are regularly pleated and shiny. 

Thorns are found on the basal end of the leaf stalks.

 

Long heavy bunches of fruits are produced continuously.

With it's magnificient fan-like fronds, the Licuala grandis is a truly out-of-the ordinary palm.

 

Two branches of unripe green berries are straddled with fallen pine needles from the pine tree towering above.
 

 Though these  Licuala Grandis are beneath a huge Norfolk Island Pine, they thrive very well as they get filtered sunlight from the side.



The leaf fan out into a jagged edge.

A common garden snail unceremoniously extruded its bodily rejects on to a bougainvillea stem.



 
A prey in the throes of death as this tiny spider viciously dismembered it.

On another frond, an unidentified critter was basking in the sun, blissfully unawared of the carnage nearby

 

An empty triple nest of the potter wasp was attached on the under side of the leaf.

Although this Ruffled Fan Palm was planted from a small seedling in this small container, it grew into a lush specimen.

 

Many years ago, I started with just this solitary plant, but over the years, ...

 it had spawned many other plants from the fallen fruits.

Malvaviscus arboreus - Turk's Cap Hibiscus

Malvaviscus arboreus is known as Turk's Cap or Lipstick Hibiscus. The bright red flowers are showy and about 1 inch or more long. Its flowers do not open fully or flare back like the Hibiscus, hence the alternative moniker, 'Sleeping Hibiscus'.

 The petals are overlapping and swirl around a protruding column of pistil and stamens.

New buds can be seen in clusters behind every flower.



A new bud without the cheeky 'tongue'.

 
The bright red flowers last for several days.


Its prolific blooming habit helps attract birds, butterflies and other critters.

 

To be surrounded by so many nectar fountains ... definitely spoilt for choice.

A female sunbird sipped delicately from the base of the flower.

A drop of nectar can be seen at the tip of its curved beak.

With sated appetite, it took a breather and the view too.




Sparrows are frequent visitors too.

Even when there no nectar is available, they love to perch on the branches.

 
The other half of this pair have trouble keeping up ...


and appeared to be shrieked at by its impatient sparrow partner. 

 
Later the pair had some quality time together, though it didn't seem to be too cosy, after all the shrieking.