Atari Space Invader

If there is ever going to be a cute spider, this has to be it. What does the pattern remind you of ?
Spiny spider (Gasteracantha)are known to use markings on their backs to attract prey.

The mystifying lip

Found this small Phalaenopsis growing plentifully on trees just beside a stream which used to be clear but now has turned dirty brown due to construction and erosion upstream.
Not totally sure what species it is - Phalaenopsis lamelligera ? Perhaps pantherina...or even a spotted cornu-cervi. I decided to zoom in on the complicated lip to assist identification. In orchids, the lip is usually the landing pad for insect pollinators. I wonder what the 2 small hair-like appendages are for - tickle the pollinator ? And what about the erect structure with narrow via like the eye of a needle ? Quite baffling.

Hopefully, an expert can come along and throw some light on this.

Bulbophyllum membranifolium

A native of SE Asia, this smallish orchid is tricky in the lowland as it prefers cooler temperature - which is a pity.

Blue Club Moss

A couple of years ago Huperzia goebellii was the rage in collector's circle, with large specimens fetching several hundred USD in the west. I used to see big clumps of these on sale by natives along a jungle road, but I doubt they are still as common now . I was totally captivated by these bluish fronds, some of the truly awesome specimens have branches more than 2 metres long.

This club moss is native to the tropical jungle of Malaysia and Borneo, its northern distribution appeared to terminate before Thailand. Growing this plant can be a bit tricky. Being an epiphyte, it rots easily if its over watered so growing it in spagnum is a bit dicey. The plant was actually mounted on a small fern slab so I merely adhere this on a bigger slab. Despite all the care I took, my large mother plant recently rotted away - perhaps a victim of the La Nina wet spell, and I was left to pick up the pieces, literally, recloning it from bits of rooted cuttings.