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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum

@hkbm.bsky.social
160 followers 18 following 215 posts

Explore ecology & biodiversity Research 🔬 • Education 📚 • Preservation 🦴 🖥️site www.hkbiodiversitymuseum.org 📷insta www.instagram.com/hkbiodiversitymus… 📖 fb www.facebook.com/hkbiodiversitymuse…

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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
With a striking appearance, the yellow-spotted stink bug 𝘌𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘰 are part of the family Pentatomidae, commonly called stink bugs due to their defensive chemicals and very smelly sprays. This species is native to Asia, but has recently expanded its range to Europe and the Americas.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The lunate window firefly, 𝘗𝘺𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘢 𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘢 Yiu, 2017, uses bioluminescence for courtship. Males emit a continuous glow while flying in search of mates, while wingless, larviform females glow from the ground to attract them — a remarkable reproductive strategy.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
𝘈𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘴 sp. belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, commonly called Darwin wasps. Wasps in this family are parasitoids — their larvae develop by feeding on or inside other insect bodies. The genus has been reclassified taxonomically, reflecting the need for more research to understand them.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Recorded right here in Hong Kong, this beetle is often called the flower chafers because adults are frequently found visiting blossoms to feed on nectar and pollen. In fact, 𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘴 has even been documented as a pollinator of orchids in Southeast Asia.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Meet the blood-spotted swimming crab, 𝘗𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘴 (Herbst, 1783) - a master of both seabed and water column. Its species name means “bloody”, inspired by three blood-red shell spots, which break up its outline, confusing predators just long enough for this agile crab to paddle to safety.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Male beetles in the family Callirhipidae are known for their comb-like antennae used to detect females. Not much is known about their specific habits, but they're considered a rare find in Hong Kong. Their larvae are nature’s little recyclers, feeding on decomposing material within rotting wood.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Think a venom-fanged snake is fearsome? Wait till you meet one that steals poison from dinner. Meet 𝘙𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘥𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘪 (Schlegel, 1837), the red-necked keelback: it makes its own toxins and hijacks bufotoxins from toads, becoming both venomous and poisonous - a double-threat in the snake world!
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
The Green Leaf Chafer 𝘈𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘢 𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘴 is heavily attracted to strong floral volatile cues, acting as important pollinators in their adult stage. They prefer wide, bowl-shaped flowers (eg. roses, daisies and evening primroses). Larvae are harder to find as they feed on plant roots underground.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
The armyworm moth, 𝘔𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘯𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘢 (Walker, 1865), may look just like a "plain little moth," but it's actually infamous in farmlands as the "nocturnal army corps." All the rice paddy leaves can be devoured and turned into transparent films overnight, like a lawnmower working in the dead of night.
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Reposted by Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum
Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
【🎨Art X HKBM✨】The August line up of HKBM’s Art Jam Series 🖌️🎨 is coming up real soon! ‼️Use the QR codes to register for either event or go to the link : linktr.ee/artxhkbm . Register quickly as spots are limited~ !!!
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Beetles of the genus 𝘈𝘨𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘴 are a rare find in Hong Kong, documented only in Lantau Island so far. They are commonly called leaf-rolling weevils, where the female will cut slits into leaves to deposit her eggs, and roll that part of the leaf into a safe "nest", which the larvae will feed on.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Often called one of the “happiest fish” for its friendly “smile”, the pale-edged stingray, 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘨𝘰𝘯 𝘻𝘶𝘨𝘦𝘪 (Müller & Henle, 1841), relies on a “super-parenting” strategy that channels massive energy into just 1–4 pups, born strong, robust (7–10 cm), and hunt-ready from day one.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
【🎨Art X HKBM✨】The August line up of HKBM’s Art Jam Series 🖌️🎨 is coming up real soon! ‼️Use the QR codes to register for either event or go to the link : linktr.ee/artxhkbm . Register quickly as spots are limited~ !!!
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
The Minor Blueleg Centipede, 𝘙𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘱𝘦𝘴 is highly distinguished by its ontogenetic coloration, where its coloration dramatically shifts as it ages. As a nocturnal and highly agile predator, it relies on its fast-acting venomous forcipules (modified venomous front legs) to subdue prey.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
🩴The slipper coral, 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘹 (Esper, 1792), have developed a special trait: repetitive sexual change. They release male gametes 🚹during early life stages, and start releasing female gametes 🚺when they become bigger. Some individuals even release male and female gametes alternately🔄.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
The Maritime Earwig 𝘈𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢 (Bonelli, 1832) is a large, flightless insect that has spread across worldwide shorelines via international shipping commerce. They exploit dark, warm, and humid microclimates found beneath washed up seaweed, driftwood, and rocks along the upper tideline.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
【🎨Art X HKBM✨】 🐁 Nature Art Jam: Mouse-deer & Friends 🦌 [Aug 21 (Fri) 5:30-7:30PM] Get up close and personal with a Java mouse-deer specimen in this themed art jam. ✨ ART JAM @ HKBM ✨ [Aug 22 (Sat) 5:30-7:30PM] Enjoy a cozy Saturday evening at the HKBM, and find inspiration from 8000+ specimens!
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
【🎨Art X HKBM✨】This August at the Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum, the arts are making a splash 🌊! ‼️Register quickly as spots are limited! You may scan the QR code to access the registration forms or use the link here (linktr.ee/artxhkbm) or in our bio (artxhkbm).
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
While most tiger moths are strictly nocturnal, the Marbled White Moth breaks the mold by flying actively during the day. The bright colors on its body and wings are warning colors known as aposematism, warning predators like birds that the moth contains toxic chemicals and is highly unpalatable.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 invites families to explore, create, and learn together at the Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum. Parents and children can discover fascinating facts about museum specimens, observe them up close and sketch them in an engaging, hands-on learning experience.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Unlike most sea cucumbers that are cylindrical, the thorny sea cucumber 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘶𝘴 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴 (Troschel, 1846) is rectangular in shape, which comes from four longitudinal ridges that run along the body. As a benthic organism that lives on the seafloor, this shape provides a great stability🧘🏻.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
The queen ant of 𝘖𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢, also known as the Asian weaver ant spends her life safely sequestered inside the most secure leaf-woven nest, laying hundreds of eggs daily to support a vast, rapidly growing society that can reach up to half a million workers spread across multiple trees.
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Reposted by Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum
Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
And this is 5️⃣ reasons why YOU 🫵 should visit the HKBM! Book your visit using the QR code at the end of the carousel or using the following link: www.hkbiodiversitymuseum.org/visits . We can’t wait to see you here! 🤩
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
The climbing perch (𝘈𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘶𝘴) owes its survival in low‑oxygen waters to a special breathing organ called the labyrinth organ. It is a specialized breathing structure that develops from the first gill arch, and is made up of layered folded bony plates forming a complex, maze-like structure.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
The Antlered Crane Fly 𝘗𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘭𝘢𝘦𝘵𝘢 (Fabricius, 1794) is renowned for its remarkable Batesian mimicry, this defenseless cranefly mimics the striking warning coloration of wasps, gaining protection without wasting biological energy on developing actual venom and tricking its predators.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
When extreme weather like sudden heavy rain occurs in the desert, dormant plant seeds germinate and form temporary "oasis". Desert locusts then gather around these newly concentrated food sources and reproduce, leading to a massive boost in the local population.
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Reposted by Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum
Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Only a few spots remaining for ART JAM @HKBM! Join our first ART JAM 🎨 on July 17-19 & July 24-25 and enjoy our extensive biological specimen collection where you can draw ✏️, paint 🖌️, and create art! ‼️ Register now using the QR code or the following link: forms.gle/zW4qWAXjMGSP...
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
The Oriental Carpenter Bee, 𝘟𝘺𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘢 𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴 specializes in Hong Kong's abundant bamboo groves. Females use powerful mandibles to chew perfectly circular holes into dead, hollow bamboo stalks. Inside, they build linear nurseries partitioned with a mixture of scraped wood fiber and saliva.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
And this is 5️⃣ reasons why YOU 🫵 should visit the HKBM! Book your visit using the QR code at the end of the carousel or using the following link: www.hkbiodiversitymuseum.org/visits . We can’t wait to see you here! 🤩
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
This is the Southern Greater Glider 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘴 (Kerr, 1792), Australia's largest gliding marsupial! Their patagium, or gliding membrane, extends from elbows to ankles. When deployed, it acts like a gliding cloak, allowing them to glide gracefully between trees exceeding 100 meters apart!
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
The Spotted Black Cicada 𝘎𝘢𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘢 (Drury, 1773), are known for their loud, high-pitched calls. A single male can generate significant noise, while swarms can reach sound levels up to 120 decibels which is comparable to a chainsaw or the threshold of pain for human hearing!
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
🌼One of the most unusual facts about 𝘓𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘢 𝘢𝘭𝘱𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘴 is that it is the only species in the entire 𝘓𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘢 genus that grows in a tight, ground‑hugging rosette with an extremely short stem.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Only a few spots remaining for ART JAM @HKBM! Join our first ART JAM 🎨 on July 17-19 & July 24-25 and enjoy our extensive biological specimen collection where you can draw ✏️, paint 🖌️, and create art! ‼️ Register now using the QR code or the following link: forms.gle/zW4qWAXjMGSP...
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
The Taiwan Six-spotted Longhorn Beetle 𝘖𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘴 is a subspecies of the longhorn beetle 𝘖𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘶𝘴. Records date back to the mid-20th century, with its presence noted in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Hainan etc., highlighting the biogeographical links between these areas.
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Reposted by Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum
Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
The HKBM invites you to join our first ART JAM 🎨 on July 17-19 & July 24-25! ✨ Enjoy our extensive biological specimen collection through drawing ✏️, painting 🖌️, and making art 🧑‍🎨! ‼️ Register using the QR code or the following link: forms.gle/zW4qWAXjMGSP... (Limited spots available!)
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
HKBM received a donation of 83 specimens from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) this year, confiscated from illegal wildlife trade. These include the pelts of multiple large mammal species, all top predators whose loss has dire implications for their ecosystems.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
🦀Unlike most crabs that scuttle sideways, 𝘗𝘺𝘳𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘶𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘢 is one of the few species that walks straight forward, looking like a little ball gliding along. That’s why it is described as the “rebel walker” of the crab world.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
The HKBM invites you to join our first ART JAM 🎨 on July 17-19 & July 24-25! ✨ Enjoy our extensive biological specimen collection through drawing ✏️, painting 🖌️, and making art 🧑‍🎨! ‼️ Register using the QR code or the following link: forms.gle/zW4qWAXjMGSP... (Limited spots available!)
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Reposted by Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum
Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
A gentle reminder😉 The booking sessions in June will be released at 12:00pm HKT on 9 June! Set your alarm⏰ and book for visiting our museum! www.hkbiodiversitymuseum.org/visits We release new sessions every 2 weeks. If you don’t grab your space yet don't worry! There'll be more in the near future😉
An announcement from the Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum! Bookings for visits will be available soon on June 9, 2026 12:00pm. There is also FREE ADMISSION! Please come and visit if you can.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
This week’s neighbour is 𝘓𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘴 (Lepeletier, 1845) also known as the Yellow-headed Spider-hunting Wasp. The female wasp paralyzes spiders, such as large huntsman spiders (𝘏𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘰𝘥𝘢 sp.), where it is served as a living food source for the wasp's developing larva.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
𝘕𝘦𝘰𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘬𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘴 van der Weele, 1909, also known as the fishfly, was named 𝘬𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘴 due to a museum labelling error that mistakenly linked the specimen to Seoul, Korea. Ironically, modern surveys show this insect is actually native to South China and Hong Kong and does not exist in Korea.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
This fascinating creature is a member the Heterodontidae family, also known as the Zebra Bullhead Shark, 𝘏𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘻𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢 (Gray, 1831). It is specialized in crushing hard-shelled prey using its large, ridged posterior teeth, mainly feeding on spiny sea urchins.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
To celebrate the 5th anniversary of HKBM, we are officially launching our limited edition poster, showcasing the nuts and acorns of 23 Fagaceae plant species found in Hong Kong! 🌰 Email hkbiodiversitymuseum@gmail.com to get a free digital copy! Physical copies can be obtained at the museum.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
The 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘰𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴 Saussure, 1869, also known as the Jeweled Flower Mantis, is native to Hong Kong. They have a vibrant green body adorned with jewel-like patterns in white, yellow, and other hues that mimic flowers, blending perfectly into flowering plants where they ambush their prey.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Did you know we post highlights of our wildlife 🐆 camera traps 📸 onto our YouTube channel? Here's a compilation of the small predators we caught on the camera this March! It's surprising what you can find in the forests of Hong Kong 🤯 www.youtube.com/shorts/jCHyY...
youtube.com
【香港的小型掠食者 The Small Predators of Hong Kong 🎥】#predator #wildlife #hongkong
YouTube video by HKBM 香港生物多樣性博物館 Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
A gentle reminder😉 The booking sessions in June will be released at 12:00pm HKT on 9 June! Set your alarm⏰ and book for visiting our museum! www.hkbiodiversitymuseum.org/visits We release new sessions every 2 weeks. If you don’t grab your space yet don't worry! There'll be more in the near future😉
An announcement from the Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum! Bookings for visits will be available soon on June 9, 2026 12:00pm. There is also FREE ADMISSION! Please come and visit if you can.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
The Malayan giant millipede, or 𝘛𝘩𝘺𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘺𝘨𝘶𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘺𝘶𝘳𝘶𝘴 Pocock, 1894 has the length of about 20 cm, making it one of the largest millipedes in Southeast Asia. Their cylindrical body is composed of dozens of segments, each bearing two pairs of legs, totalling an astonishing 200 to 300 legs.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
This week’s neighbour is 𝘚𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘹 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘶𝘴 (Fabricius, 1804), also known as the Yellow Digger Wasp. It is a striking solitary wasp found in Hong Kong, characterised by its slender, thread-waisted body. They are notable predators that specialise in hunting Orthoptera, like grasshoppers and katydids.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Cucumber moths, 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘢 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢 (Saunders, 1851) are named after the group of plants it feeds on as they prefer plants of the Cucurbitaceae family. These plants enhance the attractiveness of the sex pheromones spread by females to attract males by increasing pheromone production and release.
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum @hkbm.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
While they display strong aggressiveness towards other fish, they usually do not attack humans. The few cases where this happens are mainly due to shiny jewelry worn by divers 💍. The light reflected by the jewelry is similar to that reflected by fish scales, causing the barracuda to mistake.
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