Bee Orchid (Cottonia peduncularis)

English: Bee Orchid
Binomial: Cottonia peduncularis

Cottonia peduncularis is a wild orchid found in Sri Lanka and India. It is given the name 'Bee orchid' since the lip of the flower resembles a bee. It is believed that the lip of the flower mimics a female bee sitting on the flower that leads to attract male bees, which helps in pollination. Above photographs were taken in March, 2015.

Common tassel fern (Huperzia phlegmaria)

English: common tassel fern
Binomial: Huperzia phlegmaria/Lycopodium phlegmaria
Sinhala: මහ හැඩයා[Maha hedaya]

An epiphytic plant found in wet zone of Sri Lanka. Grows well in shady and moist places. Above photographs were taken close to Makandawa rain forest, Kithulgala.

Dawn Dropwing (Trithemis aurora)

English: Dawn Dropwing
Binomial: Trithemis aurora

Dawn Dropwing is a widely distributed dragonfly in many Asian countries including Sri Lanka. Male is distinctly different compared to the female and they can be easily identified by bright crimson coloured body. Above photographs were taken at Kanneliya forest reserve.

Square-tailed Black bulbul (Hypsipetes ganeesa humii)

English: Square-tailed Black bulbul
Binomial: Hypsipetes ganeesa humii
Sinhala: කළු කොණ්ඩයා[Kalu kondaya]

Square-tailed Black bulbul is a resident breeding bird lives in forest patches of Sri Lanka. Common in wet zone. Most of the time it can be found in tree canopy with the loud unique call. Above photograph was taken at Sinharaja rain forest in February, 2015.

Small Salmon Arab (Colotis amata modesta)

English: Small Salmon Arab
Binomial: Colotis amata modesta

Small Salmon Arab is a widely distributed butterfly around the word. In Sri Lanka it is common in dry zone and arid zone. Above photograph was taken at Anawilundawa Sanctuary in June, 2014.