Sri Lanka Insects

National Museum - Colombo

2012-05-09T00:53:00.002-07:00

National Museum of Colombo, also known as Sri Lanka National Museum and Colombo Museum, is situated in Colombo 07 and is the largest museum in Sri Lanka. The Museum was founded in 1877 by a British Governor; Sir William Henry Gregory, during the time Sri Lanka was under the British Monarchy.

The Museum preserves national treasures and artefacts of the country and has three main sections; Natural Science Section, Cultural section and a library.

Natural Science section has again arranged into four main sub sections; Entomology, Zoology, Botany and Geology.

Entomology section; This section has a collection of over 95000 dry mounted insect specimens and over 5000 wet preserved insect specimens. Dry mounted insect specimens such as Lepidopterons (butterflies & moths), Coleopterans (beetles), Dipterans (mosquitoes & flies), Homoptereans (leafhoppers & planthoppers), Orthopterans ( grasshoppers, locusts& crickets), Dermapterans (earwigs),Neuropterans (antlions),Odonata (dragonflies & damselflies) are stored in cabinets and wet insects specimens such as Hymenopterans (ants, bees & wasps), Hemipterans ( plant bugs), Isopterans(termites) are stored in alcohol. A number of spider species in Sri Lanka can also be found within the wet insect specimens.

Zoology section; this section holds the single largest faunal collection of the Country and can be used to assess the faunal diversity in Sri Lanka.

Tour of Kanneliya Forest Reserve

2012-05-03T01:56:00.000-07:00

Kanneliya is a tropical low land rain forest of Sri Lanka and which is at Galle district. Kanneliya Nakiyadeniya and Dadiyagala is famous low land rain forests in Sri Lanka and its called KDN complex. Kanneliya is 35km Northeast of Galle .

Kanneliya forest covers total of about 5305.9 ha and core unit of the Kanneliya forest reserve is about 5108.2ha. Kanneliya lies between 6° 09 - 6° 18° N and 80 19° - 80 27° E. Kanneliya is very important to biological diversity. Several waterways, waterfalls, rivers and small waterways at Kanneliya. Gin River is main and biggest water way of Kanneliya forest reserve. The forest has been subjected to selective logging from 1940 to 0987. There fore, The forest department has developed a plan to management and develop the forest.

There are high proportion of endemism among the 234 identified woody tree spaces, with 141 being endemic to Sri Lanka. Totally there are 301 plant types can be found at Kanneliya forest reserve. Some 133 faunal species with 59 birds. 14 amphibians 32 butterflies, 7 snakes, 10 mammals.

Several conservation programs held in Kanneliya for project this forest. Along with the new conservation initiative this forest seems to have got a reasonable regeneration and rich bio diversity as mentioned above.

Galle and Rumassala

2012-05-03T01:53:00.001-07:00

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Rumassala

"Rumassala, known to colonialists as Buona Vista, is the subject of many legends. It features in the Ramayana, as the home of the beautiful queen Sita, hidden in the jungle nearby. Hanuman who was sent to fetch a medicinal plant for a wounded soldier, was unable to find it and brought the Himalayan mountains on which it was said to grow. He dropped a chunk at Unawatuna ('here it fell') to form the present mountain, where many medicinal plants still grow. There is a major magnetic anomaly near Unawatuna, which Arthur C. Clarke attributes to a meteorite strike, and it is said that satellites lose their orbits with unusual frequency overhead. The Portuguese had a dreadful reputation in Sri Lanka as looters and pirates, and are said to have given false light signals from Rumassala to lure unsuspecting Arab trading ships onto the rocks"
extracted from http://www.closenburghotel.com

Galle

"The capital of the southern province is a city with a colourful history. UNESCO declared World Heritage Site the magnificent Dutch fort is the most popular attraction of the town. 300 year old Dutch atmosphere is still very much alive around the fort and amidst its many historical buildings not invaded by the skyscrapers. The beautiful beach of Unawatuna is just 6km south east of the city centre.

The southern coastal belt is the most popular among the tourists and comes to life mainly from October through April when the monsoon moves northeast and the sea becomes calm with blue skies. The earliest European administrative centre of Sri Lanka was the major port and the largest city until the British shifted the port to Colombo. The City of Galle had been the European administrative centre over 4 centuries."

Extracted from http://www.explorelanka.com

Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

2012-05-03T01:45:00.002-07:00

A fascinating study

2012-05-03T01:44:00.003-07:00

W.M.C.D.Wijekoon, Dr. H.C.E.Wegiriya and Dr. C. N. L. Bogahawatte
Department of Zoology, University of Ruhuna.

Fireflies or “Lightning bugs” are the synonym given to this important group of insect. They are distributed worldwide with the greatest diversity of species occurring in the Oriental and the Neotropical regions of the world. Seven subfamilies inhabit in tropical and temperate regions.

The light emitting frequency and colour of light producing vary in different species of fireflies. In most firefly species both sexes have the flying ability, while in several species only the male can fly and the females are wingless and worm like, similar to their
“larvae”. Though, they cannot fly, they have light
emitting organs for searching food and mates in the dark

Two hundred and eighty species of fireflies have been recorded in Asia including 30 species from Sri Lanka. A reference firefly collection is also available in the National Museum, Colombo. If you are interested to see fireflies, you have to wait until 6.00 p.m. To ensure the best sightings of the visual displays of fireflies.
Their fascinating, automatically on, off light signalling pattern will be helpful to recognise even different individuals clearly at night. Studies revealed that they mostly inhabit in water associated open habitats and less visible in highly sheltered forest habitats.
However, after 8.00 p.m. they gradually move to tree tops to show their lightning behaviour to many members of their group. Definitely, the light emitting process is helpful to search their mates. So they can quickly find suitable partners in the dark and move towards them. It is indeed an elegant scene at night. Fireflies have their light emitting organ or “lantern” at the end of their abdomen. The male has two lanterns and the female has only one.

The light emitting frequency and colour of light producing vary in different species of fireflies. In most firefly species both sexes have the flying ability, while in several species only the male can fly and the females are wingless and worm like, similar to their “larvae”.
Though, they cannot fly, they have light emitting organs for searching food and mates in the dark.
These wormlike females and larvae are known as “glow worms”.
The well-known nocturnal crawler Re badulla is a real example for these wingless fireflies. There is a general belief among vegetable farmers in Sri Lanka, that fireflies are minor pests which feed on leaves of their crops. But, experts have discovered that, most adult fireflies do not feed at all.
They obtain energy during the larval stage and that energy is enough for the survival of the adult.
The firefly larva is a voracious predator, preying on snails, grubs, cutworms, and other soil-dwelling invertebrates. They inject their prey with neurotoxins and digestive enzymes that paralyze and break-down the body tissues, then consume the liquefied remains.
Fireflies play a significant ecological role in our environment. The number of lanterns are the main indicators of the sex.
Their light flashing behaviour, fireflies are increasingly studied for their use in night Zoos as an ecotourism subject. In addition, the bioluminescence in fireflies is being investigated thoroughly in the developed countries to find nanotechnological solutions to many unsolved problems, especially in medical sciences.
Their pulses of light represent a conspicuous signal that has been shown to function as an aposematic defense, which warns predators of distastefulness and unpallatability.
Several research studies have shown that ingesting fireflies can be lethal to lizards and frogs. In addition, fireflies are also important as general predators, feeding on insects and other invertebrates, some of them are well-known pests of various crops.
Fireflies are one of the least concern insect groups in Sri Lanka. Most of us have very poor knowledge about fireflies and their behaviour.
Even we have not updated our Taxonomic records on fireflies which were collected in the eighteenth century.
Since 2007, researchers of the Department of Zoology, and the University of Ruhuna have done some work on fireflies in Sri Lanka based on their taxonomy and ecology.
Apparently, fireflies in the world have threatened by various human activities on the environment.
Thus, we must renew the existing old but valuable information of fireflies in Sri Lanka, and conduct further research concerning their ecology and behavior for conservation of species threatened due to various anthropological activities.
As such, we must take steps today, to conserve this valuable group of insects.
We can conserve and learn about them by actively participating in public awareness programs, especially among the local community including school children and nature lovers.
Now is the time for scientists, naturalists and zoologists to spread their research work concerning this important group of insect in Sri Lanka.

Flora and Fauna in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka.

2012-05-03T01:42:00.004-07:00

Sri Lanka is the paradise of flora and fauna. The country has over 90 species of mammal (including elephant, leopard, bear and monkeys), hundreds of butterflies, over 80 snake species (including deadly cobras and vipers), and about 435 species of birds.

Sri Lanka has the distinction of having the world's oldest recorded wildlife preserve. More than 2000 years ago, in the 3rd century BC, a region in north central Sri Lanka was set aside by royal decree to be free of all hunting. Today, more than 8% of the land is preserved as national park or nature preserve.

Birds
Birds are numerous, many varieties from colder countries wintering on the island. Sri Lanka has well-organized game and bird sanctuaries. Of the 431 recorded species 251 are resident and no less than 21 are endemic to the island. Most of the endemic birds are restricted to the wet zone, e.g. the Ceylon Grackle or to the hill - country, e.g. the Ceylon Whistling Thrush, the Yellow-eared Bulbul etc. Some, such as the striking Redfaced Malkoha and the shy brown-capped Babbler can be found through out the island although confined to small areas of forests, National Parks and Forest Reserves. Among the best areas for these birds are the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary.

The large 'tanks' (reservoirs) in the dry zone attract numerous types of ducks, while the large water birds - the storks, herons and egrets - can be easily spotted in the National Parks. The Kumana Bird Sanctuary in the Eastern Province and Bundala, Kalametiya and Wirawila in the south, abound in these aquatic birds. Bundala is especially famous for its flocks of visiting flamingoes. The Ceylon elk ( sambhur ) and the polonga snake are unique to Sri Lanka. Insects abound and numerous fish are found in the shallow offshore waters.
An interesting place to visit for more bird life is the Muthurajawela marshes, just outside the northern border of the Colombo city.

Mammals
Sri Lanka has 90 species of mammals including leopards, monkey and the pride of place goes to the majestic elephant. Although rapid destruction of its habitat has depleted the elephant population, sizeable numbers can be seen in Gal Oya and Udawalawe National Parks and at Handapangala. Extinction also threatens the island's biggest cat - the leopard, although Wilpattu National Park is justifiably proud of its leopard population. Many species of deer - the Sambhur, the Hog Deer, the Mouse deer can also be seen in the Parks.
Other mammals include the Sloth Bear, the protected Dugong, the Wild Boar, the Porcupine and Monkeys, especially the Grey Langur, which are common throughout the island. Of special interest is the endemic purple faced Leaf Monkey, found in the higher hill regions.

Flora of Sri Lanka
Tropical rainforest covers much of the southwestern part of the island, where teak and ebony grow.The plant life ranges from that of the equatorial rain forest to that of the dry zone and the more temperate Climate of the highlands. Tree ferns, bamboo, palm, satinwood, ebony, and jak trees abound. Orchids abound in the lush forest.

Well-preserved rainforests, exotic gardens areas provide an enriching insight of how rich Sri Lanka is with her natural resources. With the emphasis on preservation of the environment, Sri Lanka ensures that its natural assets are maintained in their original state. These assets, combined with the island's tourist attractions, make a winning combination. From March to May numerous flowering trees such as the fiery Poinciana Regia, the white Mesua Ferrea, the cherry blossom-like Tabebuia, burst into bloom. Flowering orchids include endemic varieties such as the protected Daffodil and Wesak Orchids.

The hills in central Sri Lanka have the perfect climate for tea cultivation and whole hillsides are dedicated to growing this compact, dark-leafed camellia for its fragrant leaves. It is in the cool hills that most of the commercial vegetables such as peppers, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce are grown. The coasts are more arid, with low scrub and grasslands, and it's here you'll see tall coconut palms lining the roads. Outside of the city, most homes have their own stands of papaya and mango trees, banana plants, breadfruit and jackfruit trees. Many of the ornamental plants that adorn temples and homes are not native to the Indian Sub-continent but are so familiar now that their origins seem unimportant. Indeed lantana, with its clusters of red and orange blossoms on a prickly shrub, is a native of the Americas but now grows in almost impenetrable thickets in parts of Sri Lanka. The fragrant frangipani, originally from the West Indies, with its white/yellow or pink flowers, is a common tree found outside homes and temples throughout the country.

Insect attack on world heritage site in Sri Lanka sparks controversy

2012-05-03T01:41:00.000-07:00

An insect menace in Sigiriya ancient rock fortress in Sri Lanka has sparked controversy with the environmentalists and authorities arguing over the removal of wasps domiciled for eons in the fortress.
While the archaeological authorities are busy in wiping out the insects that harm the world famous frescoes, media and environmentalists charge that the environmental imbalance caused by the removal of wasps from Sigiriya caused the damaging insect population to thrive.
However, the allegation of the environmentalists is yet to be proven. Few months back the archaeological authorities used chemicals and fire to wipe out the wasps from Sigiriya. Environmentalists criticized this action as a violent move.
Wasps lived in Sigiriya for eons of years and when they were disturbed by the visitors, the wasps attacked causing panic and injury to visitors.

The new attack of insects was immediately followed by the removal of wasps from Sigiriya. The officials of Archeological Department are using chemicals to wipe out these insects.
The Director General of Archeological Department Dr. Senerath Dissanayake said that the chemical used is the same as that was used around 100 years ago when the same insect was spread and it was not harmful to frescoes.
Sigiriya was declared the 202th World Heritage site at the summit of UNESCO held in 1982.

Insects of Sri Lanka

2012-05-03T01:38:00.004-07:00

A small selection of other insects of Sri Lanka - click on the image for a larger photo.

Highly cryptic orthopteran species on green stem: Sathrophyllia rugosa (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Pseudophyllinae)

Large brown long-horned grasshopper: Mecopoda elongata (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Mecopodinae)

Red ants (Oecophylla smargadina)
A red ant? or spider? It's .....
The red ant spider: Myrmarachne plataleoides (not an insect but nevertheless...)

Tarantula ("divimakuluwa" in Sinhalese): Poecilotheria sp. There are currently 8 species known from Sri Lanka (the genus is restricted to South India & Sri Lanka). The oldest name is Poecilotheria fasciata. They are well known in the tarantula pet trade as "Sri Lankan Ornamentals". Arboreal.
Thanks to Priyantha Wijesinghe for identifications.

Insects

2012-05-03T01:37:00.002-07:00

Insects (from Latin insectum, a calque of Greek ἔντομον [éntomon], "cut into sections") are a class of living creatures within the arthropods that have a chitinous exoskeleton, a three-part body (head, thorax, and abdomen), three pairs of jointed legs, compound eyes, and two antennae. They are among the most diverse groups of animals on the planet, including more than a million described species and representing more than half of all known living organisms.[2][3] The number of extant species is estimated at between six and ten million,[2][4][5] and potentially represent over 90% of the differing metazoan life forms on Earth.[6] Insects may be found in nearly all environments, although only a small number of species occur in the oceans, a habitat dominated by another arthropod group, the crustaceans.

The life cycles of insects vary but most hatch from eggs. Insect growth is constrained by the inelastic exoskeleton and development involves a series of molts. The immature stages can differ from the adults in structure, habit and habitat and can include a passive pupal stage in those groups that undergo complete metamorphosis. Insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis lack a pupal stage and adults develop through a series of nymphal stages.[7] The higher level relationship of the hexapoda is unclear. Fossilized insects of enormous size have been found from the Paleozoic Era, including giant dragonflies with wingspans of 55 to 70 cm (22–28 in). The most diverse insect groups appear to have coevolved with flowering plants.

Insects typically move about by walking, flying or occasionally swimming. As it allows for rapid yet stable movement, many insects adopt a tripedal gait in which they walk with their legs touching the ground in alternating triangles. Insects are the only invertebrates to have evolved flight. Many insects spend at least part of their life underwater, with larval adaptations that include gills and some adult insects are aquatic and have adaptations for swimming. Some species, like water striders, are capable of walking on the surface of water. Insects are mostly solitary, but some insects, such as certain bees, ants, and termites are social and live in large, well-organized colonies. Some insects, like earwigs, show maternal care, guarding their eggs and young. Insects can communicate with each other in a variety of ways. Male moths can sense the pheromones of female moths over distances of many kilometers. Other species communicate with sounds: crickets stridulate, or rub their wings together, to attract a mate and repel other males. Lampyridae in the beetle order Coleoptera communicate with light.

Humans regard certain insects as pests and attempt to control them using insecticides and a host of other techniques. Some insects damage crops by feeding on sap, leaves or fruits, a few bite humans and livestock, alive and dead, to feed on blood and some are capable of transmitting diseases to humans, pets and livestock. Nevertheless, without insects to pollinate flowering plants, a necessary process in their reproduction, the terrestrial portion of the biosphere (including humans) would be devastated as a great many organisms rely on flowering plants.[8] Many other insects are considered ecologically beneficial as predators and a few provide direct economic benefit. Silkworms and bees have been used extensively by humans for the production of silk and honey, respectively.