Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
These moths are noted for their flying ability, especially their ability to move rap-
idly from side to side while hovering.
Mantids, stick insects, and leaf insects are abundant in the forests of the Asian-
Pacific region. They closely resemble twigs and leaves. These insects are primarily
nocturnal and avoid detection during the day by remaining still. Mantids use cam-
ouflage to avoid detection by the prey they seek to capture. They lie in wait to
ambush an unsuspecting insect. Stick and leaf insects and mantids are quite suc-
cessful in employing camouflage strategy.
Termites are abundant throughout the Asian-Pacific forests and are the domi-
nant decomposers of the seasonal forests. Damp wood termites feed mainly in
fallen trees. This family of termites is thought to have originated in this region. The
majority of termites in the forest are in the higher termite family. As noted in the
African region, these termites are divided into four subfamilies based on feeding
and defense strategies. Soil-feeding and wood-feeding termites belong to this fam-
ily. Most live in nests on the forest floor or underground, although some make
nests in the trees. In addition to playing a major role in the decomposition of fallen
wood, and recycling nutrients within the forest, termites are a major source of food
for pangolins, shrews, sun bears, and sloth bears.
Ants are social insects abundant in the seasonal forest. They have been dis-
cussed at length in the previous chapters. Bees, wasps, and hornets live in the forest
but are less abundant here than in the rainforests. Bees in seasonal forests must be
able to adapt to long intervals between flowering events, which is why less are
found here than in the rainforests. Social bees play a major role in the pollination
of many dipterocarp species in Southeast Asia.
Spiders, scorpions, centipedes, millipedes, and other invertebrates are common
in seasonal forests. Spiders can be classic web weavers, trap-door spiders, and those
that sit and wait to ambush an unsuspecting victim. Very large tarantulas, such as
bird-eating spiders, wait in holes or crevices ready to ambush large insects. Scor-
pions are active hunters that attack large insects at night and spend their days under
stones, bark, or in rotting wood. Whip scorpions are another invertebrate predator
of the forest that feed on worms, slugs, and other arthropods. Centipedes and milli-
pedes are both common forest creatures. Centipedes are nocturnal predators that
feed on other invertebrates. Millipedes are generally active during the day and feed
on soft decomposing plant matter.
The animals of the Asian-Pacific seasonal forests are diverse and abundant.
They have developed adaptation strategies to survive in areas where food is only
seasonally abundant. Birds are plentiful throughout the region and, like mammals,
have become feeding specialists or developed behavioral strategies that allow them
to inhabit particular niches within the forest. Seasonal migration is common
among many mammals and birds that inhabit these forests. Invertebrates make up
the majority of forest animals, some having developed unique appearances to
mimic vegetation, others traveling in large social groups working together to find
food and defend their homes.
