Articles
Written by Kawin Jiaranaisakul
When guests step into the beautiful surroundings of our hotel, they often notice the lush gardens, the vibrant flowers, and the fresh, clean air.
What they might not immediately see, however, is the rich and bustling world of insects that thrive in this environment. From the delicate flutter of butterflies to the powerful jaws of predatory beetles, insects play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of our ecosystem.
Insects can be broadly categorized into herbivores and carnivores based on their feeding habits.
Herbivorous insects, such as butterflies and cicadas, feed on plant materials like leaves, nectar, and sap. They are essential pollinators and seed dispersers, helping plants reproduce and maintaining plant diversity in our gardens and forests. The colorful presence of butterflies not only enhances the beauty of the landscape but also signals a healthy, thriving environment.
The Blue Pansy (Junonia orithya)
The Autumn Leaf (Doleschallia bisaltide)
Carnivorous insects such as tiger beetles, praying mantises, and dragonflies act as nature’s pest control agents. They keep the populations of other insects in check, maintaining ecological balance. A praying mantis might silently capture flies, while dragonflies hunt mosquitoes in midair, offering natural solutions to pest problems.
Wandering Midget (Agriocnemis pygmaea)
Banded Flower Mantis (Theopropus cf. elegans)
Ants, although tiny, play multiple roles. They aerate the soil, aid decomposition, and even protect plants from pests in exchange for food.
Their organized societies are key examples of teamwork and resilience in nature.
One of the most fascinating insects found in tropical forests is the Malayan Jungle Nymph (Heteropteryx dilatata),
one of the heaviest and most impressive stick insects in the world!
Females are bright green and large, growing up to 15 cm long, while males are smaller and brown, better suited for camouflage. Despite their bulky appearance, these insects are masters of disguise, blending seamlessly with leaves to evade predators. If threatened, the Jungle Nymph displays its bright underwings and produces a startling noise by rubbing its wings together, a defense mechanism to scare off attackers.
Interestingly, this insect also plays a role in the ecosystem by feeding on a variety of plant leaves, thus participating in plant population control and nutrient cycling.
If insects were to disappear, the consequences would be catastrophic.
Plants that rely on insect pollinators would struggle to reproduce, leading to food shortages for countless animal species, including humans.
Without predators like dragonflies and mantises, pest populations could skyrocket, damaging crops and spreading diseases.
Insects also form the base of many food chains; without them, the ripple effects would lead to ecosystem collapse.
The insects around our hotel: cicadas calling from the trees, stick insects hiding among branches, beetles darting across paths are much more than tiny creatures. They are key players in a complex and beautiful system that sustains life all around us.
Next time you walk through the gardens, take a moment to observe these incredible beings.
You might just discover a whole new appreciation for the small but mighty residents of our natural world.
