Trip to Singapore: May - July 2005

Here are more photos taken on this trip. (Some of the photos may not be of bees or wasps but of other insects encountered, or scenery shots of Singapore and the habitats in which these insects were found.)

Two species of Scoliid wasps found on this trip. The first is apparently a male (note the long antennae), and around 12mm long on average. The second is a female and around 14mm long.

Above: A large Sceliphron sp. (mud dauber wasp), roughly 30mm in length.
Below: Two nests of this or related species.

Above: The three photos above Delta sp. (potter wasp), probably Delta campaniforme, which is occasionally seen in Singapore but appears rarer than the common large brown species of Delta.
Below: Nest of a species of potter wasp.

Above and below: More photos of the minute Sphecid wasps on the beach (probably related to Bembix species)

Above: Another common species of stingless bee, somewhat smaller than the type on the previous page. These bees are extremely adaptable; a swarm of them had built a nest inside a crevice on a lamp-post!
Below: A hoverfly (family Syrphidae). Many people mistake these for bees or wasps.

Some shots of some of my favourite areas to observe insects. These areas are all near human dwellings or city areas, yet they are densely vegetated and home to an unbelievable variety of insects and other creatures. It is indescribably enjoyable to hang around in these peaceful, quiet places, enjoying the greenery and the wildlife all around, despite the heat. These places create opportunities for some nice photos as well.

These two photos were taken from the Bukit Timah Core of the Botanic Gardens. This is the most quiet and natural part of the Botanic Gardens, where I found a number of unusual creatures.

Above: Asian Village, Sentosa. This former attraction has been almost completely abandoned, except for a Chinese restaurant which continues to operate here. This place seems quite productive. I learnt on later trips that Vespa velutina (not known from Singapore) occasionally appears around this area! Vespa tropica and Polistes sagittarius are common here too.
Below: The Southernmost tip of Sentosa, a small "islet" accessible by a suspension bridge from the beach. I found numerous Vespa affinis leisurely foraging across the sand and around the coconut trees here.

Above: View of typical Singapore landscape, taken from my relative's apartment. The building to the right is a school compound, while office, industrial and housing developments can be seen behind the expanse of trees. Despite the urban nature of the place, it is still fairly well vegetated.
Below: View of Changi in the evening. Changi is a seaside area with lots of greenery and forests, and is one of my favourite hunting grounds.

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