Plants & Insects

The Knight ~ Lebadea martha

Butterflies can be found throughout the year in Siem Pang. However, in certain seasons, they can be seen more frequently. There has been no formal study of the butterfly fauna in Siem Pang, so we’re unsure about the true diversity.

Praying Mantis ~ Mantidae

Most mantis species adopt cryptic camouflage. This praying mantis is an expert in camouflaging with the dry leaves of the dry dipterocarp forest. Praying mantis lay their eggs in hard clusters on the under-sides of leaves for greater protection against predators.

Flower Mantis ~ Cretobroter elongata

The flower mantis camoflages perfectly with the stem of the plant in the background, even the gradient of colour and hue. Flower mantis are excellent predators, they conceal themselves in their habitat to trick prey and then attack. Mantis can also change their appearances to mimic the behaviour or look of a predator if they feel threatened.

Two-spinneret Spider ~ Hersilia sp.

Spiders are most commonly seen in Siem Pang in October. In Siem Pang, many species of spider (such as tarantulas) are taken from the forest and eaten by Cambodian people. However, this specific smaller species is safe from collection.

Hawkmoth ~ Sphingidae

They are approximately 10 cm across their wingspan, but there are variations in size. This particular hawkmoth species has frosted faint designs on its wings.

Dragonfly ~ Rhyothemis plutonia

74 species of Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies) have been formally recorded during two survey periods. It is likely that the true number of species present will be greater given the short survey periods. Feel free to find out more about this species by reading the Cambodian Journal of Natural History by Hopkins, P. on our Publications page.

Sundew ~ Drosera

In the above photo, one can see the carnivorous sundew plant consuming a dragonfly after it has been trapped by the sundew’s sticky tendrils. This plant wraps its tendrils around its prey and releases digestive enzymes.

Bladderwort ~ Utricularia delphinioides

There are many potentially undiscovered species of bladderwort across Siem Pang at certain times of the year. This specific species of bladderwort's purple blooms carpet the grassy areas within the dry dipterocarp forest of Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary.

Lady Susan's Orchid ~ Pecteilis susannae

Compared to most tropical regions, Siem Pang has a very low diversity of orchids but a very specific set of species that specialise in dry grassland. They can largely be seen flowering in August and September. This orchid is pollinated by nocturnal hawkmoths.

Cumin ~ Curcuma plicata

This species emerges in the early rainy season. When fresh, it is frequently used by local people as a salad vegetable. It is a member of the family zingiberaceae of which there are 2500 species within South-East Asia.

Amorphophallus scaber

This plant is in the Aroidia family, and has no common name. It releases a foul odour which attracts insects. It was first discovered in Vietnam in 1994. This is the second time it has ever been discovered, in Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary in 2020, as the first time it has been recorded in Cambodia.