Cavite State University - LIKÁS Project

Cavite State University - LIKÁS Project The LIKÁS Project aims to document and promote the biodiversity of Cavite State University.

It identifies species, creates field guides, collects specimens, and produces educational materials for conservation and awareness

𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘂𝘀‎ 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟯, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 is when this amazing 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒖𝒔 𝘀𝗽., which is an example of jumping spiders of the family 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘁...
22/07/2026

𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘂𝘀

𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟯, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 is when this amazing 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒖𝒔 𝘀𝗽., which is an example of jumping spiders of the family 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗲, was captured in a picture taken by 𝗔𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗖. 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗮 at 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺, 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨. Although the jumping spider is small, they are known as one of the most visually endowed of the arachnids, using their superior vision and jumping abilities to pursue and catch their food, rather than weaving a web for trapping their prey.

The 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘂𝘀 genus is a significant contributor towards preserving the ecological balance by being natural enemies of various small arthropods. These arthropods mostly prey on flies, mosquitoes, aphids, leafhoppers, caterpillars, and other similar insects, thus helping maintain the numbers of these insects which can otherwise cause harm to crops as well as spread diseases. While the web-spinning spiders hunt their preys through webs, the Carrhotus species have a very good eye-sight, track their prey, and then jump with amazing precision.

Instead of being a nuisance, Carrhotus spiders are extremely beneficial for both biodiversity and agriculture. Since these spiders act as biological pest control by naturally eliminating insects that might pose a problem for agriculture, they help in saving the environment from the ill-effects of harmful chemicals and pesticides. Even though they can be quite scary-looking at times, these non-threatening spiders play an integral part in maintaining the ecological balance in the natural environment of CvSU.

𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:

Caleb, J. T. D., & Sampathkumar, M. (2023). A new species of Carrhotus Thorell, 1891 (Araneae: Salticidae) from India. Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics, 10(4), 747–756. https://doi.org/10.61186/jibs.10.4.747

World Spider Catalog. (2026). Genus Carrhotus Thorell, 1891. Natural History Museum Bern. https://wsc.nmbe.ch/

Foelix, R. F. (2011). Biology of Spiders (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Jackson, R. R., & Pollard, S. D. (1996). Predatory behavior of jumping spiders. Annual Review of Entomology, 41, 287–308.
National Geographic Society. Jumping spiders. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/jumping-spiders

𝑳𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂‎ 𝑳𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂 𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒔, a small but extraordinary mushroom found in forests, was captured by 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗕. 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗲...
16/07/2026

𝑳𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂

𝑳𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂 𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒔, a small but extraordinary mushroom found in forests, was captured by 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗕. 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗲 on 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, outside the 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨. This tiny organism may appear insignificant, but it is a vital part of the biological diversity found within the university, growing unseen in the soil and helping nearby plants grow strong and healthy.

In contrast to mushrooms that mainly subsist on decaying material, An ectomycorrhizal fungus, which establishes a symbiosis with tree roots. As a result, the fungus derives carbohydrates from its host plant by sending mycelia into the soil, thereby improving the efficiency of water and nutrient absorption by trees, including phosphorus and nitrogen. The genera of 𝑳𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂 fungi are known to play a significant role in the forest ecosystem, since they help the growth and development of trees, promote seedling establishment, increase the resistance of trees to environmental stresses, etc. This species of fungus is usually located in soil in forests and meadows surrounded by compatible trees, where it reproduces via spores.

𝑳. 𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒔 is not considered a pest. Instead, it plays a vital ecological role by strengthening forest biodiversity and promoting nutrient cycling below ground. Its underground fungal networks help sustain healthy soils, connect plant roots with essential resources, and support the long-term stability of terrestrial ecosystems. The presence of this mushroom is often an indicator of functioning soil ecology and thriving plant-fungal relationships, making it an important contributor to biodiversity conservation rather than a threat to plants or agriculture.

𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:

Cho, H. J., Park, M. S., Lee, H., Oh, S.-Y., Wilson, A. W., Mueller, G. M., & Lim, Y. W. (2018). A systematic revision of the ectomycorrhizal genus Laccaria from Korea. Mycologia, 110(5), 948–961. https://doi.org/10.1080/00275514.2018.1507542

Martin, F., Kohler, A., Murat, C., Veneault-Fourrey, C., & Hibbett, D. (2016). Unearthing the roots of ectomycorrhizal symbioses. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 14(12), 760–773. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro.2016.149

Tedersoo, L., May, T. W., & Smith, M. E. (2010). Ectomycorrhizal lifestyle in fungi: Global diversity, distribution, and evolution of phylogenetic lineages. Mycorrhiza, 20(4), 217–263. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00572-009-0274-x

Wilson, A. W., Hosaka, K., & Mueller, G. M. (2017). Evolution of ectomycorrhizas as a driver of diversification and biogeographic patterns in the model mycorrhizal mushroom genus Laccaria. New Phytologist, 213(4), 1862–1873. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.14270

𝗚𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝘆𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿‎ The 𝗚𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝘆𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿 (𝑮𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒚𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒔) was captured in a photo tak...
15/07/2026

𝗚𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝘆𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿

The 𝗚𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝘆𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿 (𝑮𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒚𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒔) was captured in a photo taken on 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, by 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗹𝗼 from the 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶-𝗘𝗰𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸, 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨. Camouflaged by the leaves of the host plant where it is found, this amazing caterpillar is one of the amazing insects living in the park that should be conserved since it is essential for the life cycle of the butterfly.

Giant Redeye Butterfly is a member of the skipper family (𝗛𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗲). The caterpillars of this species have a characteristic wax-covered white skin to guard against dehydration and predation. Larvae feed on palm trees, which include coconuts, rattans, fan palms, and other palms. This provides them with the energy required for them to transform into adult butterflies. Adults visit flowers for food in the form of nectar; in doing so, they help with pollination and also act as food for other animals like birds and reptiles.

Even though the caterpillars feed on the leaves of the palms and may sometimes be pests when their population grows too much in coconut or ornamental palm plantations, they are normally just part of nature in its true form without being any danger to people. Rather, their presence reveals that there is a food chain that operates in an efficient way in which all things exist in relation to each other.

𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:

Butterfly Research Centre. (n.d.). Larval host plants and other hosts of Indian butterflies. I Found Butterflies. https://ifoundbutterflies.org/larval-hosts

Kasambe, R. (2021). Areca palm Dypsis lutescens (Arecaceae) as new larval host plant for the Giant Redeye Butterfly Gangara thyrsis (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae). Bionotes, 23(2–3). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355105144_ARECA_PALM_DYPSIS_LUTESCENS_ARECACEAE_AS_NEW_LARVAL_HOST_PLANT_FOR_THE_GIANT_REDEYE_BUTTERFLY_GANGARA_THYRSIS_INSECTA_LEPIDOPTERA_HESPERIIDAE

Kunte, K., Roy, P., Kalesh, S., & Kodandaramaiah, U. (Eds.). (n.d.). Butterflies of India. https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org

𝗧𝗶𝗻𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺𝘀‎ Photographed by 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗥. 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗮 on 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟳, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, at the 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶-𝗘𝗰𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸, 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨, these delic...
08/07/2026

𝗧𝗶𝗻𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺𝘀

Photographed by 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗥. 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗮 on 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟳, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, at the 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶-𝗘𝗰𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸, 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨, these delicate 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗳𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 (𝑨𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒉𝒐𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒐𝒍𝒂) may appear modest in size, but they mark the beginning of one of the tropics' most recognizable fruits. Their small pink to lavender blossoms bloom in clusters along branches and even on older stems, creating a beautiful display while signaling the tree's reproductive stage. Each flower has the potential to develop into the distinctive star-shaped fruit that has made the species popular throughout tropical regions.

Starfruit flowers play a vital ecological role by attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other nectar-feeding insects. These visitors feed on the flowers' nectar and pollen while transferring pollen between blossoms, enabling successful fertilization and fruit production. The resulting fruits provide food for birds, fruit bats, squirrels, and other wildlife, which in turn help disperse the seeds across the landscape. As a flowering fruit tree, Averrhoa carambola contributes to ecosystem productivity by supporting pollinator populations, providing shelter and food resources, and enhancing plant diversity within gardens, farms, and forest edges.

𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:

Aziz, A., Ali, H., Adnan, M., & Khan, A. H. (2017). Nutritional, medicinal and toxicological attributes of star-fruits (Averrhoa carambola L.): A review. International Journal of Food Properties. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5357571/

Muthu, N., Lee, S. Y., & colleagues. (2021). Traditional uses, phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties of Averrhoa carambola L.: A review. Frontiers in Pharmacology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8407000/

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. (n.d.). Carambola (Averrhoa carambola). https://www.fws.gov/species/carambola-averrhoa-carambola

𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿‎ On 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, this elegant 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 (𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒂 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒔𝒂) was photographed by 𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗲 𝗕. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮...
06/07/2026

𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿

On 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, this elegant 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 (𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒂 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒔𝒂) was photographed by 𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗲 𝗕. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼 at the 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶-𝗘𝗰𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸, 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨. Its striking white, crepe-like blossoms emerging from vibrant crimson cone-shaped bracts make it one of the most eye-catching flowering plants in tropical landscapes. Native to Southeast Asia, this perennial herb thrives in warm, moist environments where it adds beauty while supporting the ecological richness of forest edges, gardens, and riparian habitats.

Crepe Ginger is an autotrophic plant, meaning it produces its own food through photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Growing from underground rhizomes, it forms dense clumps that help stabilize soil and reduce erosion in moist environments. Its nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including carpenter bees, bees, butterflies, and sunbirds, which play essential roles in pollination and maintaining healthy plant communities. After flowering, the plant produces bright red fruits that are consumed by birds, which disperse its seeds to new locations and contribute to natural forest regeneration. Beyond its ecological value, 𝑯. 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒔𝒂 has long been recognized in traditional medicine and is valued for its diverse bioactive compounds, although its greatest ecological importance lies in supporting pollinators and wildlife while enriching tropical plant diversity.

𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:

Govaerts, R. (2013). Hellenia Retz., the correct name for Cheilocostus C.D.Specht (Costaceae). Phytotaxa, 151(1), 63–64. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.151.1.7

National Parks Board Singapore. (n.d.). Cheilocostus speciosus (Crepe Ginger). https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/1/8/1869

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. (n.d.). Plants of the World Online: Hellenia speciosa. https://powo.science.kew.org/

Sohrab, S., Mishra, P., & Mishra, S. K. (2021). Phytochemical competence and pharmacological perspectives of an endangered boon—Costus speciosus (Koen.) Sm.: A comprehensive review. Bulletin of the National Research Centre, 45, 209. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42269-021-00663-2

National Tropical Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Hellenia speciosa – Tropical Plants Database. https://ntbg.org/database/plants/detail/hellenia-speciosa

𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒂 𝘀𝗽.‎ 𝗔𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗖. 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗮 captured an image of a 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒂 𝘀𝗽. on 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, in 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘂𝘆𝘀𝗼𝘆, 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨. The geometer moth ...
02/07/2026

𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒂 𝘀𝗽.

𝗔𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗖. 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗮 captured an image of a 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒂 𝘀𝗽. on 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, in 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘂𝘆𝘀𝗼𝘆, 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨. The geometer moth is just one of the many overlooked insects that form part of the impressive biodiversity of CvSU through their existence in its natural environment.

Traminda moths belong to the Geometridae family and experience complete metamorphosis whereby they begin life as caterpillars known as inchworms or loopers due to their characteristic looping motion. The larvae are mostly herbivores whose diet is mainly based on leaves of shrubs and trees. On the other hand, adult moths are short lived, and they feed on nectar, tree sap, or other sources of liquid food. In some cases, Traminda moths hardly feed in adulthood. Similar to many geometer moths, Traminda species are a critical component of forest food webs because they form prey to different predators such as birds, bats, spiders, reptiles, amphibians, and other predatory insects.

𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:

Burrell, G. (2023). Geometridae. Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Geometridae/

Biodiversity Explorer. (n.d.). Genus Traminda (Geometridae). https://www.biodiversityexplorer.info/lepidoptera/geometridae/traminda.htm

Sihvonen, P., et al. (2019). A comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Geometridae (Lepidoptera) with a focus on enigmatic small subfamilies. PeerJ. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6716565/

Goyal, T., Kirti, J. S., & Stella, S. S. (2023). Studies on external genitalic attributes of two species of genus Traminda Saalmüller (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Sterrhinae) from India. Entomon, 48(1), 83–88. https://doi.org/10.33307/entomon.v48i1.847

𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒑𝒉𝒖𝒔 𝘀𝗽.‎ Captured on 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, by 𝗔𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗖. 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗮 from the 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨, this beautiful 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒊...
01/07/2026

𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒑𝒉𝒖𝒔 𝘀𝗽.

Captured on 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, by 𝗔𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗖. 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗮 from the 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨, this beautiful 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒑𝒉𝒖𝒔 𝘀𝗽. is one of the colored shield bugs found in the 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗲 family. Despite being frequently confused with the common stink bugs, They can be differentiated through their metallic appearance and vivid colors. The presence of this insect in the green areas of the university shows how abundant insects still are in urban environments.

Like most other members of the family Tessaratomidae, It consists of mostly phytophagous insects, which employ their proboscis mouthparts to suck sap from host plants. Their importance in ecosystem functioning is based on their role in plant-insect relationships that affect vegetation succession and nutrient recycling. On the other hand, They act as a food resource for various organisms such as birds, spiders, lizards, and predatory insects. Although the biological features of numerous species of Mattiphus are poorly understood, Mattiphus is distributed throughout Southeast Asia, which includes the Philippines, and serves as a native part of biodiversity in this area.

In well-functioning ecosystems, better regarded as natural herbivores than as pests. The behavior of feeding is essentially a part of ecological activities, but there are cases where some members of this family, for example, lychee stink bug can develop into pests as a result of population growth in orchards and intensive feeding on economically significant trees. In other cases, their activity is just a sign of a functioning community of insects in the ecosystem. Protection of diverse habitats will ensure the stability of populations of both insects and their natural enemies.
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𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:

Xu, S., Wu, Y., Cai, W., & Song, F. (2020). The complete mitochondrial genome of the lychee stinkbug Mattiphus splendidus (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae). Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 5(1), 321–322. https://doi.org/10.1080/23802359.2019.1703609
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23802359.2019.1703609

Pal, E., Allison, J. D., Hurley, B. P., Slippers, B., & Fourie, G. (2023). Life history traits of the Pentatomidae (Hemiptera) for the development of pest management tools. Forests, 14(5), 861. https://doi.org/10.3390/f14050861
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/14/5/861

Mi, Q., Zhang, J., Gould, E., Chen, J., Sun, Z., & Zhang, F. (2020). Biology, ecology, and management of Erthesina fullo (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): A review. Insects, 11(6), 346. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11060346
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/11/6/346

HandWiki. (2025). Mattiphus. https://handwiki.org/wiki/Biology:Mattiphus

𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻‎ This amazing 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒈𝒐𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒔 𝒈𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒖𝒔) can be found hidden under the litter of leaves a...
28/06/2026

𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻

This amazing 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒈𝒐𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒔 𝒈𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒖𝒔) can be found hidden under the litter of leaves and in the obscure places within the 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨, and it was captured in a picture by 𝗔𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗖. 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗮 on 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟲, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱. Contrary to its threatening appearance, this intriguing creature is neither a scorpion nor is it venomous. This creature actually falls under the order 𝗨𝗿𝗼𝗽𝘆𝗴𝗶 or the whip scorpions due to its characteristic whip-like tail and the ability to release its vinegar-like spray as a form of defense.

A significant nocturnal predator whose role in maintaining ecological balance cannot be overstated. Coming out at night, it feeds on numerous small invertebrates such as cockroaches, crickets, termites, beetles, millipedes, other arachnids, and even small amphibians. Using its strong pincers called pedipalps, it catches the prey and then dismembers it using its special mouthparts. It has very poor eyesight, but its long front legs, which act as antennae, help it sense vibrations and move around. Since it is a natural predator to numerous insects, It can control the population of those insects that could become a nuisance for agriculture and other arthropods.

Contrary to popular belief, this animal is not a pest at all but rather a highly valued and beneficial organism which adds to biodiversity in the form of biological regulation. It contributes to maintaining a balanced population of insects which eliminates any possibility of pest outbreak without the use of harmful chemicals. It is also a part of the diet of other animals, thus playing an important role in connecting different trophic levels. Though the animal uses defense mechanisms of spraying harmless acetic acid and pinching, it cannot be considered as dangerous for humans since it rarely resorts to this behavior.

𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:

Barrales-Alcalá, D., Francke, O. F., & Prendini, L. (2018). Systematic revision of the giant vinegaroons of the Mastigoproctus giganteus complex (Thelyphonida: Thelyphonidae) of North America. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, 418, 1–62. https://doi.org/10.1206/0003-0090-418.1.1

Miner, A. (2013). Mastigoproctus giganteus. Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mastigoproctus_giganteus/

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. (n.d.). Mastigoproctus giganteus. https://www.fws.gov/species/mastigoproctus-giganteus-mastigoproctus-giganteus

Oregon Zoo. (n.d.). Vinegaroon. https://www.oregonzoo.org/animals/vinegaroon

𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗔́𝗦 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟰 𝗢𝗿𝗮𝘀! 🦨Mr. Isaiah Gray Fernandez, BS Biology major in Animal Biology of CvSU and the only student-me...
24/06/2026

𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗔́𝗦 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟰 𝗢𝗿𝗮𝘀! 🦨

Mr. Isaiah Gray Fernandez, BS Biology major in Animal Biology of CvSU and the only student-member of the LIKÁS Project, was featured in the "Kuya Kim, Ano Na?" segment of 24 Oras today, June 24, 2026, where he shared interesting facts about skunks.

Congratulations, Isaiah! Your LIKÁS family is proud of you! 💚

Source: 24 Oras – "Kuya Kim, Ano Na?" segment, GMA Integrated News, June 24, 2026.

𝗕𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗻‎ Another magnificent photo taken by 𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗲 𝗕. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼 on 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, at the 𝗛𝗮𝗴𝗱𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 – 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶...
17/06/2026

𝗕𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗻

Another magnificent photo taken by 𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗲 𝗕. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼 on 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, at the 𝗛𝗮𝗴𝗱𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 – 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶-𝗘𝗰𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸, 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨. The plant is 𝑫𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒙 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒔, locally known as 𝗕𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗻. It belongs to the arrowroot family, Marantaceae, and is a perennial herb plant. The species grows in clusters and attains several meters in height in a conducive environment of moisture and water. Such an environment includes wetlands, swamps, secondary forest areas, and along rivers and farmland areas.

In contrast to animals, “eating” is not the process by which Bamban receives nutrition because it generates its energy from photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create food that supports its development. Ecologically, it supports diversity within the ecosystem because it acts as a habitat for insects, invertebrates, amphibians, and others who reside in moisture-filled areas. Bamban’s extensive root system helps in preventing erosion while retaining moisture within the soil. In Southeast Asia, Bamban has historically been an important material resource for weaving baskets, mats, fish nets, and other handicraft products.

Viewed as a positive native resource, not as an invasive species. Through maintaining the structural integrity of the soil and promoting biodiversity within wet environments, this plant helps promote ecological well-being. The sustainable use of bamban as a non-timber forest product allows for job creation among the local populations while also motivating them to preserve natural bamban growth, rather than destroying them. Additionally, there is archaeological evidence from the Philippines indicating that humans have been using bamban for cords and weaving materials for thousands of years.

𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:

Alli, R. A., Labramonte, L. L., & Roncesvalles, L. L. (2012). Bamban (Donax cannaeformis K. Schum) as an alternative source of livelihood for upland communities in Panay Island, Philippines. WVSU Research Journal, 1(1), 60–68. https://doi.org/10.59460/wvsurjvol1iss1pp60-68

Plant Resources of South-East Asia (PROSEA). (n.d.). Donax canniformis. Retrieved June 15, 2026, from PROSEA Donax canniformis Profile

Socfindo Conservation. (n.d.). Bamban (Donax canniformis (G.Forst.) K.Schum.). Retrieved June 15, 2026, from Socfindo Conservation Bamban Profile

FilipinoHistory Community. (2023). Prehistoric evidence for ropemaking and cordage in Tabon Cave. Reddit discussion citing PLOS ONE and University of the Philippines Diliman research. Retrieved June 15, 2026, from Reddit Discussion on Bamban in Ancient Cordage Technology

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