Winged Critters @ Kuala Woh Jungle Park, Perak

It was an overcast Labour Day in Kampar, Perak. After breakfast at the hotel, without much delay we were on an hour-long journey to Kuala Woh Jungle Park situated at the foot of Cameron Highlands. This jungle park is another picnic site for the local families indulging themselves in their very own way of fun-filled outings.

It was my first time seeing so many male RBBs, Rajah Brooke's Birdwings (Troides brookiana albescens) puddling on two spots on the river bank, what a magnificent sight for me.

The river banks were crowded with kids and overnight campers, the ground wasn't ideal for good photography. After taking some record shots, we decided to cross the suspension bridge to explore the forested area along a jungle walk. Here is a video clip shot by Ben Jin, showing how a group of male RBBs was puddling on the river bank.

According to Les this is Appias albina albina , puddling on the damp ground near the suspension bridge which had less picnickers.

We have a look-alike species in Singapore, Lesser Darkie ( Allotinus unicolor unicolor). Due to the difference in size and the hindwing submarginal markings look slightly different to me, I guess what I shot is another Allotinus species . Perhaps due to the cool and cloudy weather, we didn't see many butterfly species. So when BJ and I spotted this Yellow Grassy Tiger (Parantica aspasia aspasia), I was rather determined and eager to get a good shot of it despite this guy being super active and alert. I was patiently chasing and stalking it. But, at the end, I still could not get a satisfactory shot - this is why butterfly photography is challenging and full of thrills and excitement.
However, some unique critters did catch my attention. First of all, this gregarious and strikingly coloured red Stainer Bug was rather abundant along the jungle trail.This large Katydid species was resting peacefully in the shade. I think most Katydid species wear a green outfit and feed on plant leaves with a pair of long and powerful hind legs .Another specimen was found on a Hibiscus shrub in an open space next to the park's toilet.

A male Heliocypha perforat perforat damselfly was found in the forested area. Though resting on a twig tamely, the vegetation obstructed me going nearer to take more shots.
Carrying a green grasshopper prey, this wasp was making several stops on the leaves before it was out of my sight. Perhaps John can help me to identify the species. (This is a Liris species in the Crabronidae family according to John. Thanks)
In terms of butterfly diversity and species recorded, Kuala Woh is not as good as Gua Tempurung. However, the magnificent scene of many puddling and free-flying RBBs in Kuala Woh is definitely attractive enough for butterfly photographers to visit the place often.

My last write-up of this series of blog posts will feature some insects that were found around the Lata Kijang waterfall area.