My recent trip to the Tambopata Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon Jungle was an eye opener to me. I have always shied away from trying to take photographs of wildlife and flora, being more of a snap happy photographer, trying to capture people in front of a sight, rather than focussing on non-posed photos. I think I definitely owe myself a photography course, but in the meantime I am really happy with the way these have turned out. These shots were all taken of flora and fauna of the rainforest during an early morning walk through the jungle.

This looks like a flower, but is actually a leaf that has evolved to change colour and take on the form of a flower. It is known as hot lips, although I am sure there is a more serious Latin name.

This mound is a burrow for a cicada nymph, built vertically so they can survive the rising water during the rainy season.

This tree is known as a 'walking tree.' Comptition is so fierce for trees to reach the leaf canopy, that this tree grows elongated roots that allow it to bend and grow in impractical angles to find a space above. 

This beautiful insect is an owl butterfly, given the name, presumably, due to the owl-like eye pattern on its wing.

I would like to claim credit for this as a really wild spot, but actually this monkey was hanging out really near to where we staying, in the trees by our lodge.

And finally, for all the arachnid fans out there, a giant spider.