Doi Inthanon (red marker on the map at right), to the south-west of QSBG (green marker on map), is the highest mountain in Thailand reaching 2340m. Doi Pha Hom Pok (purple marker on map), to the north of QSBG, is the third highest at 2285m. These peaks are only about 150km apart and have a similar hill evergreen forest covering them (see picture below).
Despite the small distance between them, and the similar vegetation types, samples collected during the TIGER project have shown that at least two groups of flies (Empididae – Hemerodromiinae and Hybotidae) have quite distinct species distribution patterns on each of these similar and nearby peaks.
Adrian Plant (National Museum Wales), who has collaborated previously with QSBG Entomology during the TIGER project, is interested to examine the similarities and differences between these two peaks and will be visiting QSBG Entomology this coming December.
In collaboration with QSBG Entomology, Adrian will be selecting sites and setting up malaise traps at various elevations on Doi Inthanon and Doi Pha Hom Pok. QSBG Entomology will then maintain these traps for a further year, collecting and processing the catch.
Hybos ngachang, a recently described species of Hybotidae, an interesting species recently found on Doi Pha Hom Pok
Typical forest habitat of Doi Inthanon and Doi Pha Hom Pok where malaise traps will be set and monitored