1
00:00:01,169 --> 00:00:01,809
(birds singing)

2
00:00:02,329 --> 00:00:04,569
(peaceful music)

3
00:00:06,009 --> 00:00:06,129
- [Narrator] The good,

4
00:00:06,129 --> 00:00:06,649
- [Narrator] The good,

5
00:00:08,489 --> 00:00:09,129
the bad,

6
00:00:10,889 --> 00:00:11,409
the kind,

7
00:00:13,569 --> 00:00:14,129
and the menacing.

8
00:00:18,089 --> 00:00:18,129
Meet the neighbors who've carved
out territories

9
00:00:18,129 --> 00:00:21,569
Meet the neighbors who've carved
out territories

10
00:00:22,129 --> 00:00:23,489
in our neighborhoods,

11
00:00:24,009 --> 00:00:24,129
(dramatic music)

12
00:00:24,129 --> 00:00:25,649
(dramatic music)

13
00:00:26,129 --> 00:00:26,689
on the streets,

14
00:00:29,089 --> 00:00:30,129
and in our nature spots.

15
00:00:30,129 --> 00:00:30,409
and in our nature spots.

16
00:00:35,049 --> 00:00:36,129
Millions upon millions of
pint-sized organisms

17
00:00:36,129 --> 00:00:37,249
Millions upon millions of
pint-sized organisms

18
00:00:38,329 --> 00:00:42,129
live side by side with the human
residents of Singapore.

19
00:00:42,129 --> 00:00:42,289
live side by side with the human
residents of Singapore.

20
00:00:43,169 --> 00:00:45,489
From the heartlands to the
jungles,

21
00:00:47,289 --> 00:00:48,129
these tiny residents live hectic
lives

22
00:00:48,129 --> 00:00:49,129
these tiny residents live hectic
lives

23
00:00:52,649 --> 00:00:54,129
that go almost entirely
unnoticed.

24
00:00:54,129 --> 00:00:54,489
that go almost entirely
unnoticed.

25
00:00:58,609 --> 00:01:00,129
But when lifespans are measured
in mere days and weeks,

26
00:01:00,129 --> 00:01:00,969
But when lifespans are measured
in mere days and weeks,

27
00:01:03,249 --> 00:01:05,049
their every action is urgent.

28
00:01:07,889 --> 00:01:09,969
Here in the "Wild City's Secret
World."

29
00:01:12,769 --> 00:01:15,209
(thunder rumbling)

30
00:01:18,809 --> 00:01:21,369
(suspenseful music)

31
00:01:24,169 --> 00:01:26,409
(wind rustling)

32
00:01:27,889 --> 00:01:28,849
A new day in Singapore breaks

33
00:01:29,729 --> 00:01:30,129
with the arrival of the
northeast monsoon.

34
00:01:30,129 --> 00:01:31,969
with the arrival of the
northeast monsoon.

35
00:01:32,449 --> 00:01:34,689
(rain pattering)

36
00:01:36,729 --> 00:01:38,489
Strong winds and heavy rain
thrash the city

37
00:01:39,089 --> 00:01:40,289
in the warm tropical air.

38
00:01:48,889 --> 00:01:51,609
It's the setting for some common
and not-so-common scenes.

39
00:02:00,249 --> 00:02:02,169
Feisty myna birds wised up to
these wet conditions

40
00:02:02,689 --> 00:02:03,289
a long time ago.

41
00:02:07,729 --> 00:02:09,369
The heavy downpour has sent
flying termites

42
00:02:10,009 --> 00:02:11,329
crash-landing into puddles,

43
00:02:15,809 --> 00:02:17,289
and the patrolling birds are
cashing in.

44
00:02:23,449 --> 00:02:24,129
At this development site in the
center of the city,

45
00:02:24,129 --> 00:02:25,809
At this development site in the
center of the city,

46
00:02:26,889 --> 00:02:28,769
a band of squatters are getting
fired up by the downpour.

47
00:02:32,449 --> 00:02:34,849
(whimsical music)

48
00:02:39,649 --> 00:02:41,129
The ancestors of these banded
bullfrogs

49
00:02:41,929 --> 00:02:42,129
traveled from Malaysia to
Singapore

50
00:02:42,129 --> 00:02:43,169
traveled from Malaysia to
Singapore

51
00:02:43,769 --> 00:02:45,049
a century and a half ago.

52
00:02:45,529 --> 00:02:47,689
(frogs droning)

53
00:02:50,649 --> 00:02:51,849
They adapted to life in the city

54
00:02:52,929 --> 00:02:54,129
and have been here for so long
they're considered locals.

55
00:02:54,129 --> 00:02:54,929
and have been here for so long
they're considered locals.

56
00:03:02,849 --> 00:03:04,569
The bullfrogs usually hide in
the recesses and drains

57
00:03:05,249 --> 00:03:06,129
around the empty apartments,

58
00:03:06,129 --> 00:03:06,729
around the empty apartments,

59
00:03:07,649 --> 00:03:09,129
but the rain triggers a
cacophony of croaks

60
00:03:09,929 --> 00:03:11,449
signaling that love is in the
air.

61
00:03:12,889 --> 00:03:15,129
(frog droning)

62
00:03:17,129 --> 00:03:17,889
The female bullfrogs are looking

63
00:03:18,889 --> 00:03:20,809
for the most attractive males to
be mating partners.

64
00:03:24,129 --> 00:03:25,929
So the boys need to croak to
impress.

65
00:03:27,929 --> 00:03:28,929
Sadly, for these suitors,

66
00:03:29,849 --> 00:03:30,129
there are just not enough ladies
to go around.

67
00:03:30,129 --> 00:03:31,369
there are just not enough ladies
to go around.

68
00:03:33,609 --> 00:03:35,929
(dramatic music)

69
00:03:39,209 --> 00:03:40,329
And the love lagoon quickly
descends

70
00:03:40,969 --> 00:03:42,129
into a watery fighting pit.

71
00:03:42,129 --> 00:03:42,249
into a watery fighting pit.

72
00:03:48,329 --> 00:03:49,689
Male frogs inflate their bodies,

73
00:03:51,369 --> 00:03:53,129
not to keep their heads above
water,

74
00:03:54,249 --> 00:03:56,129
but to make themselves appear
bigger and more threatening.

75
00:04:03,969 --> 00:04:05,449
But bulking up this way can make
doing battle

76
00:04:06,369 --> 00:04:10,009
extremely difficult, especially
in the rain.

77
00:04:10,569 --> 00:04:12,129
(quick classical music)

78
00:04:12,129 --> 00:04:13,289
(quick classical music)

79
00:04:16,129 --> 00:04:17,649
Most of the blows don't quite
land,

80
00:04:21,689 --> 00:04:22,569
but the stakes are high,

81
00:04:23,409 --> 00:04:24,129
and this will be a fight to the
end,

82
00:04:24,129 --> 00:04:25,089
and this will be a fight to the
end,

83
00:04:28,089 --> 00:04:29,689
even if they risk looking like
two angry beach balls

84
00:04:30,169 --> 00:04:30,609
in the process.

85
00:04:38,369 --> 00:04:42,129
In the end, the combatant with
the most stamina prevails

86
00:04:45,849 --> 00:04:47,249
and the lady frog picks a
winner.

87
00:04:48,929 --> 00:04:51,129
(frog droning)

88
00:04:54,889 --> 00:04:57,329
(traffic rumbling)

89
00:05:00,209 --> 00:05:02,969
After the storm passes,
Singaporeans break cover

90
00:05:03,649 --> 00:05:04,449
and get on with their business.

91
00:05:09,049 --> 00:05:10,209
(mop swishing)

92
00:05:10,729 --> 00:05:12,129
(suspenseful music)

93
00:05:12,129 --> 00:05:13,249
(suspenseful music)

94
00:05:20,089 --> 00:05:21,169
At this MRT station,

95
00:05:23,089 --> 00:05:24,129
an urgent mopping-up operation
is underway.

96
00:05:24,129 --> 00:05:25,129
an urgent mopping-up operation
is underway.

97
00:05:28,689 --> 00:05:30,129
These paper wasps have been
raising their young in a nest

98
00:05:30,129 --> 00:05:30,489
These paper wasps have been
raising their young in a nest

99
00:05:31,529 --> 00:05:33,809
amidst the hustle and bustle of
a busy street corner.

100
00:05:38,609 --> 00:05:41,129
Tiny larvae are cradled inside
cells made of wood pulp.

101
00:05:49,529 --> 00:05:51,129
But now the lives of the young
paper wasps

102
00:05:52,129 --> 00:05:54,129
are in serious danger if the
adults don't act fast.

103
00:05:54,129 --> 00:05:55,129
are in serious danger if the
adults don't act fast.

104
00:06:01,369 --> 00:06:02,649
The rainstorm has flooded the
nest

105
00:06:04,209 --> 00:06:06,129
(tense music)

106
00:06:06,129 --> 00:06:06,289
(tense music)

107
00:06:08,209 --> 00:06:09,289
and it's so heavy with
rainwater,

108
00:06:10,249 --> 00:06:11,889
it threatens to collapse from
the extra weight.

109
00:06:17,529 --> 00:06:18,129
If the nest falls,

110
00:06:18,129 --> 00:06:18,609
If the nest falls,

111
00:06:19,529 --> 00:06:21,409
the precious cargo of baby wasps
will be gone.

112
00:06:27,769 --> 00:06:28,689
So all the adults are teaming up

113
00:06:29,369 --> 00:06:30,129
for this emergency exercise.

114
00:06:30,129 --> 00:06:31,569
for this emergency exercise.

115
00:06:32,649 --> 00:06:34,329
The wasps suck the water from
the nest to spit it out.

116
00:06:55,489 --> 00:06:57,689
Six adults work relentlessly for
an hour

117
00:07:00,329 --> 00:07:01,889
until one last drop that is
drawn

118
00:07:04,969 --> 00:07:06,129
and the nest is finally drained.

119
00:07:06,129 --> 00:07:06,409
and the nest is finally drained.

120
00:07:09,529 --> 00:07:11,129
The crisis is averted.

121
00:07:14,449 --> 00:07:15,889
Left undisturbed, the wasps can
get back

122
00:07:16,809 --> 00:07:18,129
to their helpful role of preying
on insects

123
00:07:18,769 --> 00:07:20,209
that humans consider pests.

124
00:07:25,169 --> 00:07:27,649
(optimistic music)

125
00:07:30,289 --> 00:07:31,969
As the rain clouds give way to
clear skies,

126
00:07:33,849 --> 00:07:35,529
shoppers dash to the nearest or
newest mall,

127
00:07:42,049 --> 00:07:42,129
and city gardens become the
hunting ground

128
00:07:42,129 --> 00:07:43,649
and city gardens become the
hunting ground

129
00:07:44,209 --> 00:07:45,129
of a fearsome predator.

130
00:07:46,609 --> 00:07:48,129
(suspenseful music)

131
00:07:48,129 --> 00:07:49,129
(suspenseful music)

132
00:07:57,889 --> 00:08:00,129
Praying mantids are the snipers
of the insect world,

133
00:08:00,129 --> 00:08:00,369
Praying mantids are the snipers
of the insect world,

134
00:08:01,409 --> 00:08:03,329
patiently waiting for their
target to come into view.

135
00:08:11,969 --> 00:08:12,129
Most mantid species only live
six months as adults,

136
00:08:12,129 --> 00:08:14,129
Most mantid species only live
six months as adults,

137
00:08:14,809 --> 00:08:16,129
so this female needs to feed

138
00:08:16,929 --> 00:08:17,809
to build up the strength to
breed.

139
00:08:33,769 --> 00:08:36,129
The praying mantis has three
small eyes and two bigger ones,

140
00:08:36,129 --> 00:08:36,489
The praying mantis has three
small eyes and two bigger ones,

141
00:08:37,409 --> 00:08:39,889
giving it deadly accurate
stereoscopic vision

142
00:08:40,409 --> 00:08:41,129
similar to humans.

143
00:08:46,049 --> 00:08:47,569
The mantis is one of few insects
that have

144
00:08:48,649 --> 00:08:50,689
this kind of vision, which allow
it to judge the distance

145
00:08:51,449 --> 00:08:54,129
between itself and its next
meal.

146
00:08:54,129 --> 00:08:55,289
between itself and its next
meal.

147
00:08:57,809 --> 00:09:00,129
(suspenseful music)

148
00:09:00,129 --> 00:09:00,529
(suspenseful music)

149
00:09:01,129 --> 00:09:02,529
(dramatic musical sting)

150
00:09:03,049 --> 00:09:05,249
(mantis crunching)

151
00:09:06,329 --> 00:09:08,729
Mantids are such voracious
predators that hungry females

152
00:09:09,729 --> 00:09:11,409
will even cannibalize the male
mantid during mating.

153
00:09:13,849 --> 00:09:16,129
(birds singing)

154
00:09:19,649 --> 00:09:22,449
(bright music)

155
00:09:23,529 --> 00:09:24,129
Down by the bay, the supertrees
are a draw for tourists,

156
00:09:24,129 --> 00:09:26,089
Down by the bay, the supertrees
are a draw for tourists,

157
00:09:26,649 --> 00:09:26,969
but their encounters

158
00:09:27,969 --> 00:09:29,489
with some of the garden's most
beautiful inhabitants

159
00:09:30,089 --> 00:09:30,129
may be all too fleeting.

160
00:09:30,129 --> 00:09:32,009
may be all too fleeting.

161
00:09:32,529 --> 00:09:35,049
(inquisitive music)

162
00:09:41,369 --> 00:09:42,129
Butterflies drink nectar from
flowers in the lavish gardens.

163
00:09:42,129 --> 00:09:43,649
Butterflies drink nectar from
flowers in the lavish gardens.

164
00:10:01,089 --> 00:10:03,329
On an island once famous for its
big cats,

165
00:10:05,569 --> 00:10:06,129
this is the last of the tigers,

166
00:10:06,129 --> 00:10:07,129
this is the last of the tigers,

167
00:10:10,969 --> 00:10:12,129
the caterpillar of a plain tiger
butterfly.

168
00:10:12,129 --> 00:10:13,009
the caterpillar of a plain tiger
butterfly.

169
00:10:14,769 --> 00:10:17,529
(caterpillar scuffling)

170
00:10:24,529 --> 00:10:27,449
It has one job to do in its life
as a caterpillar,

171
00:10:27,929 --> 00:10:28,809
and that's eat.

172
00:10:31,369 --> 00:10:32,129
Over the next few days,

173
00:10:33,329 --> 00:10:35,209
it will devour many times its
body weight in leaf material.

174
00:10:40,049 --> 00:10:42,129
The caterpillar will need every
bit of sustenance it can get

175
00:10:42,129 --> 00:10:42,489
The caterpillar will need every
bit of sustenance it can get

176
00:10:43,529 --> 00:10:45,769
to accomplish an incredible
physical transformation.

177
00:10:50,569 --> 00:10:53,129
Well, that's if it doesn't
become the juicy meal itself.

178
00:10:54,569 --> 00:10:57,129
(suspenseful music)

179
00:11:01,049 --> 00:11:02,209
The plain tiger caterpillar
makes itself

180
00:11:03,129 --> 00:11:05,529
as unpalatable as possible to
its predators.

181
00:11:08,569 --> 00:11:10,569
Its cells are laced with toxic
compounds

182
00:11:11,249 --> 00:11:12,129
it sources from eating milkweed.

183
00:11:12,129 --> 00:11:12,169
it sources from eating milkweed.

184
00:11:14,489 --> 00:11:16,409
Its tiger stripes aren't for
camouflage, either.

185
00:11:17,529 --> 00:11:18,129
They warn off predators keen to
avoid a foul-tasting meal.

186
00:11:18,129 --> 00:11:20,049
They warn off predators keen to
avoid a foul-tasting meal.

187
00:11:25,849 --> 00:11:27,089
So this fantail wisely goes
looking

188
00:11:27,729 --> 00:11:28,929
for a more agreeable lunch,

189
00:11:33,049 --> 00:11:34,649
leaving the caterpillar to keep
piling on the weight

190
00:11:35,289 --> 00:11:36,129
ahead of its metamorphosis.

191
00:11:36,129 --> 00:11:36,729
ahead of its metamorphosis.

192
00:11:38,849 --> 00:11:41,129
(birds singing)

193
00:11:50,929 --> 00:11:53,689
A new day is abuzz with
commuters in the morning rush
hour.

194
00:11:54,209 --> 00:11:57,129
(industrious music)

195
00:11:57,809 --> 00:11:58,409
Over the last two centuries,

196
00:11:59,369 --> 00:12:00,129
Singapore has transformed
forests and mangroves

197
00:12:00,129 --> 00:12:01,609
Singapore has transformed
forests and mangroves

198
00:12:02,249 --> 00:12:03,249
into a teaming metropolis.

199
00:12:07,569 --> 00:12:09,129
Surprisingly, wildlife has
continued to thrive

200
00:12:09,729 --> 00:12:10,369
in this urban setting.

201
00:12:17,049 --> 00:12:18,129
A swarm of hungry dwarf
honeybees are hard at work

202
00:12:18,129 --> 00:12:18,929
A swarm of hungry dwarf
honeybees are hard at work

203
00:12:19,489 --> 00:12:20,049
early in the morning,

204
00:12:25,049 --> 00:12:26,249
They're building a new hive
under the window

205
00:12:27,249 --> 00:12:29,529
of a shop house right in the
middle of Chinatown.

206
00:12:32,769 --> 00:12:35,169
(whimsical music)

207
00:12:37,529 --> 00:12:39,049
A scout bee has just returned
from foraging

208
00:12:43,089 --> 00:12:44,449
and she has good news to share
with the colony.

209
00:12:58,369 --> 00:13:00,129
Her dance signals she's found a
source of nectar,

210
00:13:00,969 --> 00:13:02,169
and the movements describe the
distance

211
00:13:02,849 --> 00:13:04,009
and the direction to the food.

212
00:13:11,649 --> 00:13:12,129
The information becomes encoded
in the tiny brains

213
00:13:12,129 --> 00:13:13,329
The information becomes encoded
in the tiny brains

214
00:13:13,849 --> 00:13:15,049
of the worker bees,

215
00:13:15,929 --> 00:13:17,689
and they head off in search of
the prize.

216
00:13:20,689 --> 00:13:23,129
(adventurous music)

217
00:13:28,289 --> 00:13:30,089
Over 100 species of bees

218
00:13:30,929 --> 00:13:32,129
are competing for food in
Singapore.

219
00:13:35,729 --> 00:13:36,129
There's no (indistinct) flowers,
so the race is on.

220
00:13:36,129 --> 00:13:37,849
There's no (indistinct) flowers,
so the race is on.

221
00:13:45,249 --> 00:13:47,089
This time, the scout's
directions were spot-on,

222
00:13:48,089 --> 00:13:48,129
and the swarm gorges on a feed
of pollen and nectar.

223
00:13:48,129 --> 00:13:51,449
and the swarm gorges on a feed
of pollen and nectar.

224
00:13:58,529 --> 00:13:59,129
Some of the pollen attaches
itself

225
00:13:59,809 --> 00:14:00,129
to hairs on the bees' bodies.

226
00:14:00,129 --> 00:14:01,009
to hairs on the bees' bodies.

227
00:14:02,609 --> 00:14:03,369
When bees visit other plants,

228
00:14:04,449 --> 00:14:06,129
pollen is passed on to the
reproductive parts of flowers.

229
00:14:06,129 --> 00:14:06,809
pollen is passed on to the
reproductive parts of flowers.

230
00:14:08,889 --> 00:14:11,049
This will develop into seeds
which spread and grow

231
00:14:11,929 --> 00:14:12,129
into new plants, keeping
Singapore green.

232
00:14:12,129 --> 00:14:14,129
into new plants, keeping
Singapore green.

233
00:14:17,889 --> 00:14:18,129
(bees buzzing) (peaceful music)

234
00:14:18,129 --> 00:14:19,529
(bees buzzing) (peaceful music)

235
00:14:20,609 --> 00:14:23,129
And so the bees' food is payment
for services rendered.

236
00:14:26,649 --> 00:14:27,849
It's an ancient form of trade

237
00:14:28,769 --> 00:14:30,129
nurtured and developed over
millions of years

238
00:14:30,129 --> 00:14:30,649
nurtured and developed over
millions of years

239
00:14:31,249 --> 00:14:32,529
right here in Singapore.

240
00:14:44,969 --> 00:14:46,249
Bukit Brown Cemetery is at first
glance

241
00:14:47,169 --> 00:14:48,129
a peaceful contrast to the
bustling center.

242
00:14:48,129 --> 00:14:48,929
a peaceful contrast to the
bustling center.

243
00:14:57,049 --> 00:14:58,129
It is the final resting place

244
00:14:59,169 --> 00:15:00,129
of almost 100,000 of the city's
early pioneers.

245
00:15:00,129 --> 00:15:02,129
of almost 100,000 of the city's
early pioneers.

246
00:15:06,009 --> 00:15:06,129
The last burial here was almost
50 years ago,

247
00:15:06,129 --> 00:15:08,609
The last burial here was almost
50 years ago,

248
00:15:09,409 --> 00:15:10,769
and since then, nature has
gradually

249
00:15:11,449 --> 00:15:12,129
returned to the grave sites.

250
00:15:12,129 --> 00:15:12,409
returned to the grave sites.

251
00:15:21,849 --> 00:15:23,129
It's become a vibrant habitat.

252
00:15:24,129 --> 00:15:26,129
And today, unsuspecting visitors
share the grounds

253
00:15:26,849 --> 00:15:27,769
with an insect menagerie.

254
00:15:35,049 --> 00:15:36,129
Assassin bugs and a multitude of
cricket species

255
00:15:36,129 --> 00:15:37,649
Assassin bugs and a multitude of
cricket species

256
00:15:38,169 --> 00:15:38,889
are out in force.

257
00:15:41,849 --> 00:15:42,129
The cemetery provides them with
plentiful food and cover.

258
00:15:42,129 --> 00:15:43,969
The cemetery provides them with
plentiful food and cover.

259
00:15:48,169 --> 00:15:49,209
Crickets have powerful jaws,

260
00:15:50,209 --> 00:15:53,329
and will eat decaying plants,
grass, fruits, fungi,

261
00:15:53,929 --> 00:15:54,129
seedlings, and even meat.

262
00:15:54,129 --> 00:15:56,089
seedlings, and even meat.

263
00:16:00,169 --> 00:16:03,209
From afar, this patch of grass
looks like a cricket haven.

264
00:16:03,729 --> 00:16:05,929
(ethereal music)

265
00:16:06,569 --> 00:16:07,729
Up close, it's a minefield

266
00:16:12,129 --> 00:16:13,529
full of spiders.

267
00:16:18,289 --> 00:16:21,209
The web of the lawn wolf spider
is deceptively beautiful.

268
00:16:22,729 --> 00:16:23,729
Bejeweled with raindrops,

269
00:16:24,809 --> 00:16:27,449
this garden ornament has been
crafted with lethal intent.

270
00:16:30,969 --> 00:16:34,049
The spider waits and feels for
disturbances on the web.

271
00:16:38,729 --> 00:16:41,089
(ominous music)

272
00:16:45,049 --> 00:16:46,289
A katydid, or bush cricket, has
landed

273
00:16:46,929 --> 00:16:48,009
in a whole heap of trouble.

274
00:16:57,889 --> 00:17:00,129
(dramatic musical sting)

275
00:17:00,129 --> 00:17:00,849
(dramatic musical sting)

276
00:17:05,529 --> 00:17:06,129
The katydid is bigger than the
spider,

277
00:17:06,129 --> 00:17:06,889
The katydid is bigger than the
spider,

278
00:17:07,889 --> 00:17:10,129
and its powerful kick is enough
to force a retreat.

279
00:17:14,489 --> 00:17:16,529
But this is the spider's turf.

280
00:17:17,449 --> 00:17:18,129
And as the katydid becomes more
entangled,

281
00:17:18,129 --> 00:17:19,249
And as the katydid becomes more
entangled,

282
00:17:20,249 --> 00:17:22,409
the spider is emboldened to move
in for the kill.

283
00:17:37,649 --> 00:17:38,969
The wolf spider restrains the
katydid

284
00:17:39,809 --> 00:17:41,129
with the help of long hairs on
its legs.

285
00:17:45,729 --> 00:17:47,369
Then it paralyzes its victim

286
00:17:48,169 --> 00:17:50,249
with an injection of strong
venom.

287
00:17:50,809 --> 00:17:53,449
(contemplative music)

288
00:17:57,009 --> 00:17:58,689
The spider retreats with its
prize.

289
00:18:01,449 --> 00:18:03,049
A catch like this will sustain
it for weeks.

290
00:18:10,529 --> 00:18:12,129
In the unseen world of this wild
city,

291
00:18:15,329 --> 00:18:18,129
the cycle of life and death
advances at a relentless pace.

292
00:18:18,129 --> 00:18:18,609
the cycle of life and death
advances at a relentless pace.

293
00:18:24,889 --> 00:18:25,849
The cemetery is also a nursery

294
00:18:26,769 --> 00:18:28,929
for an incredible diversity of
insect life,

295
00:18:33,489 --> 00:18:35,649
including countless species
poorly known to science.

296
00:18:40,569 --> 00:18:42,129
These praying mantis nymphs,
just minutes old,

297
00:18:42,129 --> 00:18:42,529
These praying mantis nymphs,
just minutes old,

298
00:18:43,449 --> 00:18:44,929
are from a species that has
almost certainly

299
00:18:45,529 --> 00:18:46,209
never been filmed before.

300
00:18:51,209 --> 00:18:54,129
Fresh from hatching, their
bodies are still soft

301
00:18:55,289 --> 00:18:57,929
and their limbs weak, making
them vulnerable to predators.

302
00:18:58,449 --> 00:19:00,129
(inquisitive music)

303
00:19:00,129 --> 00:19:00,569
(inquisitive music)

304
00:19:01,449 --> 00:19:02,129
They need time for their bodies
to harden

305
00:19:02,809 --> 00:19:03,769
before they can venture off.

306
00:19:07,249 --> 00:19:08,849
So in the warm air, they dance.

307
00:19:25,369 --> 00:19:27,769
To the human eye, their
movements are a hypnotic show,

308
00:19:29,369 --> 00:19:30,129
but to a predator, their swaying
motion

309
00:19:30,129 --> 00:19:31,129
but to a predator, their swaying
motion

310
00:19:31,929 --> 00:19:33,689
helps 'em disappear into the
foliage

311
00:19:34,369 --> 00:19:35,409
as they shift in the breeze.

312
00:19:45,449 --> 00:19:47,129
Even so, some of these mantid
babies

313
00:19:47,929 --> 00:19:48,129
will not see the end of the day.

314
00:19:48,129 --> 00:19:49,089
will not see the end of the day.

315
00:19:52,209 --> 00:19:53,249
Danger lurks around every
corner,

316
00:19:54,169 --> 00:19:55,649
and they will need every trick
they can muster

317
00:19:57,329 --> 00:19:59,209
if they are to survive in the
forest.

318
00:20:15,569 --> 00:20:17,689
Just like a new apartment hunter
seeking a high floor,

319
00:20:18,609 --> 00:20:20,289
the praying mantids have eyes
for the top.

320
00:20:33,729 --> 00:20:36,129
From this vantage point, those
that make it to adulthood

321
00:20:36,129 --> 00:20:36,929
From this vantage point, those
that make it to adulthood

322
00:20:39,369 --> 00:20:41,129
will become deadly hunters in
Singapore's forests.

323
00:20:50,249 --> 00:20:52,489
(playful music)

324
00:20:54,289 --> 00:20:55,089
At the other end of the day,

325
00:20:56,009 --> 00:20:58,209
the city's residents head
outdoors to unwind.

326
00:21:08,529 --> 00:21:09,969
Kent Ridge Park has many
attractions

327
00:21:10,769 --> 00:21:12,129
for two- and six-legged
creatures,

328
00:21:12,129 --> 00:21:12,809
for two- and six-legged
creatures,

329
00:21:18,329 --> 00:21:19,689
(determined music)

330
00:21:20,809 --> 00:21:24,129
and these stingless bees have
set up camp in a tree trunk.

331
00:21:24,129 --> 00:21:24,529
and these stingless bees have
set up camp in a tree trunk.

332
00:21:34,489 --> 00:21:36,129
As the temperature cools, worker
bees are returning home

333
00:21:36,129 --> 00:21:36,809
As the temperature cools, worker
bees are returning home

334
00:21:37,449 --> 00:21:38,689
from hazardous foraging trips

335
00:21:39,489 --> 00:21:41,209
laden with precious nectar and
pollen.

336
00:21:45,569 --> 00:21:46,689
But their work is not done yet.

337
00:21:52,569 --> 00:21:53,769
(ethereal music)

338
00:21:54,849 --> 00:21:57,049
There are over 60 species of
stingless bees in Singapore.

339
00:22:02,689 --> 00:22:05,129
Compared to the orderly
honeycombs of common honeybees,

340
00:22:06,049 --> 00:22:06,129
a stingless beehive is an utter
alien world.

341
00:22:06,129 --> 00:22:08,169
a stingless beehive is an utter
alien world.

342
00:22:15,609 --> 00:22:18,129
These spectacular structures are
made from propolis,

343
00:22:19,449 --> 00:22:22,329
a waxy substance the bees
manufacture from the sap of
trees.

344
00:22:32,009 --> 00:22:32,929
The queen bee gives out
instructions

345
00:22:33,729 --> 00:22:34,889
by fanning her scent around the
hive.

346
00:22:40,569 --> 00:22:42,129
She is the mother to every one
of the bees here.

347
00:22:42,129 --> 00:22:42,849
She is the mother to every one
of the bees here.

348
00:22:48,969 --> 00:22:51,689
Her larvae develop rapidly, fed
on a steady diet of pollen

349
00:22:52,449 --> 00:22:53,889
by the never-resting worker
bees.

350
00:23:03,929 --> 00:23:05,929
More pollen is stockpiled in
chambers for later use.

351
00:23:11,209 --> 00:23:12,129
Nectar is turned into honey in
the bee's stomachs.

352
00:23:12,129 --> 00:23:13,329
Nectar is turned into honey in
the bee's stomachs.

353
00:23:16,969 --> 00:23:17,769
Storing large quantities of
honey

354
00:23:18,449 --> 00:23:19,649
is a safeguard for leaner times,

355
00:23:27,089 --> 00:23:30,129
but make one wrong move and the
bees can be trapped

356
00:23:30,129 --> 00:23:31,169
but make one wrong move and the
bees can be trapped

357
00:23:31,969 --> 00:23:33,889
in their own sticky food
reserve.

358
00:23:34,369 --> 00:23:36,129
(ominous music)

359
00:23:36,129 --> 00:23:36,569
(ominous music)

360
00:23:48,569 --> 00:23:50,129
This worker won't survive his
dunking.

361
00:23:59,729 --> 00:24:00,129
For bees, the sacrifice is
simply the price

362
00:24:00,129 --> 00:24:01,129
For bees, the sacrifice is
simply the price

363
00:24:01,929 --> 00:24:03,129
of ensuring that the next
generation

364
00:24:03,929 --> 00:24:05,129
carry on the legacy of the hive.

365
00:24:14,329 --> 00:24:16,649
(ethereal music)

366
00:24:22,969 --> 00:24:24,129
At the iconic Gardens by the
Bay,

367
00:24:25,049 --> 00:24:26,969
a steady stream of sightseers
are missing out

368
00:24:27,849 --> 00:24:29,609
on one of nature's greatest
magic tricks.

369
00:24:36,209 --> 00:24:38,249
Hidden within the foliage, a
plain tiger caterpillar

370
00:24:39,249 --> 00:24:41,409
is about to undergo an
astonishing metamorphosis.

371
00:24:47,889 --> 00:24:48,129
For over a week, she's been
binge eating,

372
00:24:48,129 --> 00:24:50,089
For over a week, she's been
binge eating,

373
00:24:51,089 --> 00:24:53,209
and now the dramatic changes
written into her DNA

374
00:24:53,809 --> 00:24:54,129
are being switched on.

375
00:24:54,129 --> 00:24:54,449
are being switched on.

376
00:25:07,209 --> 00:25:09,129
She has secured herself beneath
a leaf

377
00:25:09,929 --> 00:25:11,049
as the genetic instructions kick
in.

378
00:25:15,409 --> 00:25:16,249
Her body begins to pulse

379
00:25:17,169 --> 00:25:18,129
as a remarkable transformation
gets underway.

380
00:25:18,129 --> 00:25:19,129
as a remarkable transformation
gets underway.

381
00:25:24,249 --> 00:25:27,129
Over the last few weeks, she has
shed her skin five times.

382
00:25:30,409 --> 00:25:32,929
Now she's about to undergo her
final molt.

383
00:25:43,049 --> 00:25:45,129
What's underneath is no ordinary
skin.

384
00:25:49,449 --> 00:25:52,249
It's a shield against the
outside world, a chrysalis.

385
00:26:05,809 --> 00:26:06,129
Inside this capsule-like
chrysalis,

386
00:26:06,129 --> 00:26:07,449
Inside this capsule-like
chrysalis,

387
00:26:08,369 --> 00:26:10,129
caterpillar's body will
virtually dissolve

388
00:26:14,369 --> 00:26:18,009
and transform as the final and
most extreme makeover occurs.

389
00:26:21,369 --> 00:26:23,689
(ambitious music)

390
00:26:24,329 --> 00:26:25,529
Across town, a forest reserve

391
00:26:26,569 --> 00:26:29,049
attracts nature-loving residents
keen on some exercise

392
00:26:29,609 --> 00:26:30,129
laced with adventure.

393
00:26:30,129 --> 00:26:30,329
laced with adventure.

394
00:26:40,169 --> 00:26:41,409
They'd have to get their noses
to the ground, though,

395
00:26:42,009 --> 00:26:42,129
to notice a termite army

396
00:26:42,129 --> 00:26:43,209
to notice a termite army

397
00:26:44,009 --> 00:26:45,289
carrying out the forest's grunt
work.

398
00:26:53,409 --> 00:26:54,129
From their base in a fallen log,

399
00:26:54,129 --> 00:26:54,569
From their base in a fallen log,

400
00:26:55,409 --> 00:26:56,729
the termites help break down
rotten wood

401
00:26:57,289 --> 00:26:58,209
and turn over the soil.

402
00:27:03,409 --> 00:27:05,009
This recycles nutrients through
the ecosystem,

403
00:27:06,009 --> 00:27:06,129
keeping the forests of Singapore
lush and healthy.

404
00:27:06,129 --> 00:27:07,769
keeping the forests of Singapore
lush and healthy.

405
00:27:13,609 --> 00:27:15,089
Every few days a convoy must
leave

406
00:27:16,009 --> 00:27:17,409
in search of fresh wood to feed
the colony.

407
00:27:23,329 --> 00:27:24,129
And unbeknownst to the jungle
trekkers,

408
00:27:24,129 --> 00:27:24,929
And unbeknownst to the jungle
trekkers,

409
00:27:25,809 --> 00:27:27,129
the termites have chosen a
hazardous route

410
00:27:28,209 --> 00:27:29,849
that takes them directly across
the cleared ground

411
00:27:30,409 --> 00:27:31,129
of the walking track.

412
00:27:31,569 --> 00:27:33,769
(tense music)

413
00:27:36,209 --> 00:27:38,489
It's all the more dangerous
because termites need moisture.

414
00:27:42,729 --> 00:27:43,809
But they must also isolate
themselves

415
00:27:44,489 --> 00:27:45,689
from the elements to stay alive.

416
00:27:49,089 --> 00:27:51,129
Their ingenious solution to
cross this parched walking track

417
00:27:51,729 --> 00:27:52,849
is to build a tunnel.

418
00:27:54,689 --> 00:27:57,249
(suspenseful music)

419
00:27:59,089 --> 00:27:59,809
But the tunnel has been
breached,

420
00:28:00,689 --> 00:28:02,129
leaving them stranded outside
their nest.

421
00:28:08,249 --> 00:28:10,129
Time is of the essence.

422
00:28:11,089 --> 00:28:12,129
If the termites can't repair the
damage quickly,

423
00:28:12,129 --> 00:28:12,409
If the termites can't repair the
damage quickly,

424
00:28:13,449 --> 00:28:15,209
much of the colony could perish
in the tropical heat.

425
00:28:17,529 --> 00:28:18,129
(footsteps pounding)

426
00:28:18,129 --> 00:28:18,729
(footsteps pounding)

427
00:28:19,249 --> 00:28:19,689
It's a mighty task.

428
00:28:25,369 --> 00:28:27,129
But these little guys and girls
are master builders

429
00:28:28,049 --> 00:28:30,129
of the insect world, mixing mud
with saliva

430
00:28:30,129 --> 00:28:31,249
of the insect world, mixing mud
with saliva

431
00:28:32,089 --> 00:28:33,129
to cement their intricate
structures.

432
00:28:39,089 --> 00:28:41,129
What makes their engineering
prowess even more remarkable

433
00:28:41,929 --> 00:28:42,129
is that they are completely
blind.

434
00:28:42,129 --> 00:28:43,489
is that they are completely
blind.

435
00:28:52,049 --> 00:28:53,449
Larger worker termites do the
heavy lifting

436
00:28:55,969 --> 00:28:57,129
while smaller soldiers are on
guard

437
00:28:58,089 --> 00:28:59,649
to defend the construction site
from intruders.

438
00:29:03,569 --> 00:29:05,129
They're armed with a potent
insect repellent

439
00:29:06,129 --> 00:29:07,729
that sprays from the nozzles on
their heads.

440
00:29:25,169 --> 00:29:27,329
Today, the termites are blessed
with good fortune.

441
00:29:28,249 --> 00:29:29,969
They are barely touched by the
scorching sun,

442
00:29:30,969 --> 00:29:32,449
and cooler temperatures buys
them the time they need

443
00:29:32,969 --> 00:29:33,569
to finish the job.

444
00:29:41,329 --> 00:29:42,129
Soon they can get back to their
main mission

445
00:29:42,129 --> 00:29:42,649
Soon they can get back to their
main mission

446
00:29:43,609 --> 00:29:45,369
of ferrying food to their
fast-growing colony.

447
00:29:55,249 --> 00:29:58,489
(anticipatory music) (birds
singing)

448
00:29:59,609 --> 00:30:00,129
Up in the forest canopy, another
bug is busy doing its best

449
00:30:00,129 --> 00:30:02,369
Up in the forest canopy, another
bug is busy doing its best

450
00:30:03,369 --> 00:30:05,089
to convince everyone that it's
not an insect at all.

451
00:30:15,609 --> 00:30:16,929
It's possible this species of
leaf insect

452
00:30:17,569 --> 00:30:18,129
is only found in Singapore.

453
00:30:18,129 --> 00:30:19,089
is only found in Singapore.

454
00:30:25,689 --> 00:30:26,969
By imitating tree leaves,

455
00:30:27,649 --> 00:30:29,049
it's almost indistinguishable

456
00:30:29,729 --> 00:30:30,129
from the foliage it calls home.

457
00:30:30,129 --> 00:30:30,969
from the foliage it calls home.

458
00:30:34,449 --> 00:30:36,129
This kind of deception is known
as mimicry,

459
00:30:36,129 --> 00:30:36,249
This kind of deception is known
as mimicry,

460
00:30:37,129 --> 00:30:39,409
and it's rife in Singapore's
insect world.

461
00:30:45,329 --> 00:30:48,049
But even a near-perfect disguise
can be undone

462
00:30:48,729 --> 00:30:50,049
by the most astute of predators.

463
00:30:55,209 --> 00:30:57,489
(dramatic music)

464
00:31:03,049 --> 00:31:05,089
Hornbills are making a comeback
in Singapore

465
00:31:05,689 --> 00:31:06,129
after decades of absence.

466
00:31:06,129 --> 00:31:06,849
after decades of absence.

467
00:31:10,689 --> 00:31:12,129
These avian predators have
powerful binocular vision.

468
00:31:12,129 --> 00:31:13,089
These avian predators have
powerful binocular vision.

469
00:31:17,609 --> 00:31:18,129
The hornbill scans the foliage

470
00:31:18,129 --> 00:31:19,129
The hornbill scans the foliage

471
00:31:19,969 --> 00:31:21,209
looking for slight color
aberrations,

472
00:31:25,089 --> 00:31:28,809
the smallest movement, a leaf
out of place.

473
00:31:35,609 --> 00:31:36,129
One wrong move, and the game is
up.

474
00:31:36,129 --> 00:31:37,689
One wrong move, and the game is
up.

475
00:31:47,009 --> 00:31:48,129
(wings flapping)

476
00:31:48,129 --> 00:31:49,329
(wings flapping)

477
00:31:51,809 --> 00:31:54,129
(hornbill crunching)

478
00:31:54,129 --> 00:31:54,449
(hornbill crunching)

479
00:31:56,889 --> 00:32:00,129
And this time the leaf insect is
on the losing side.

480
00:32:08,889 --> 00:32:10,689
It's a battle of strategy and
wits

481
00:32:11,489 --> 00:32:12,129
played out over millions of
years.

482
00:32:12,129 --> 00:32:12,929
played out over millions of
years.

483
00:32:16,929 --> 00:32:18,129
(ethereal music)

484
00:32:18,129 --> 00:32:19,249
(ethereal music)

485
00:32:30,849 --> 00:32:33,129
On a lower branch, a jade tree
snail is oblivious

486
00:32:33,929 --> 00:32:35,649
to the sacrifice of its insect
friend.

487
00:32:38,569 --> 00:32:40,129
Like all snails, its eyesight is
poor.

488
00:32:42,569 --> 00:32:43,769
It can only make out shady
areas,

489
00:32:44,609 --> 00:32:46,329
or detect an approaching large
predator.

490
00:32:49,569 --> 00:32:51,129
The jade tree snail is green by
name

491
00:32:51,809 --> 00:32:53,409
and even greener by nature.

492
00:32:55,729 --> 00:32:56,969
They help protect plants from
disease

493
00:32:57,809 --> 00:32:59,729
by consuming fungi from bark and
leaves.

494
00:33:06,609 --> 00:33:07,129
As the snail feeds,

495
00:33:08,049 --> 00:33:09,969
it's wary of threats from above
and below.

496
00:33:13,089 --> 00:33:15,169
(somber music)

497
00:33:16,129 --> 00:33:18,129
Down in the leaf litter, an army
is approaching.

498
00:33:22,609 --> 00:33:24,129
Giant forest ants grow to almost
three centimeters in length

499
00:33:24,129 --> 00:33:25,129
Giant forest ants grow to almost
three centimeters in length

500
00:33:27,929 --> 00:33:29,489
and are among the world's
largest ants.

501
00:33:39,489 --> 00:33:42,129
They live in huge colonies of up
to 7,000 individuals.

502
00:33:42,129 --> 00:33:42,409
They live in huge colonies of up
to 7,000 individuals.

503
00:33:43,209 --> 00:33:44,249
They survive largely on honey
juice

504
00:33:45,089 --> 00:33:46,489
secreted by aphids and scale
insects.

505
00:33:53,209 --> 00:33:54,129
But that's not enough to sustain
this militia.

506
00:33:54,129 --> 00:33:55,369
But that's not enough to sustain
this militia.

507
00:33:56,049 --> 00:33:57,809
They also need to feed on flesh.

508
00:34:00,289 --> 00:34:01,369
Today is a lucky day.

509
00:34:03,089 --> 00:34:04,289
The ants come across a windfall.

510
00:34:05,729 --> 00:34:06,129
(determined music)

511
00:34:06,129 --> 00:34:08,129
(determined music)

512
00:34:10,289 --> 00:34:11,129
A centipede has died.

513
00:34:16,609 --> 00:34:18,129
The ant army immediately
mobilizes to move the carcass.

514
00:34:18,129 --> 00:34:19,289
The ant army immediately
mobilizes to move the carcass.

515
00:34:23,849 --> 00:34:24,129
Using their powerful jaws,

516
00:34:24,129 --> 00:34:24,889
Using their powerful jaws,

517
00:34:25,809 --> 00:34:27,849
the ants dissect the centipede
limb by limb.

518
00:34:38,089 --> 00:34:39,129
The dismembered carcass is
carried

519
00:34:39,969 --> 00:34:41,289
piece by piece back to their
nest.

520
00:34:49,369 --> 00:34:51,449
Nothing living or dead goes to
waste

521
00:34:52,129 --> 00:34:53,569
in Singapore's secret world.

522
00:34:55,609 --> 00:34:58,089
(bikes rattling)

523
00:35:03,209 --> 00:35:06,129
With the coming of night, the
denizens of the day rest

524
00:35:06,129 --> 00:35:07,249
With the coming of night, the
denizens of the day rest

525
00:35:10,809 --> 00:35:12,129
and Singapore switches gear.

526
00:35:12,129 --> 00:35:12,889
and Singapore switches gear.

527
00:35:13,649 --> 00:35:16,369
(mellow music) (people
chattering)

528
00:35:17,049 --> 00:35:17,969
While diners across the city

529
00:35:19,569 --> 00:35:20,169
sit down for their favorite
meals,

530
00:35:30,009 --> 00:35:30,129
(frogs singing)

531
00:35:30,129 --> 00:35:32,249
(frogs singing)

532
00:35:36,649 --> 00:35:39,209
darkness-loving insects begin to
prowl out of sight.

533
00:35:41,209 --> 00:35:42,129
(insects skittering)

534
00:35:42,129 --> 00:35:43,449
(insects skittering)

535
00:35:44,329 --> 00:35:46,049
A flat-back millipede craves for
a dinner

536
00:35:46,569 --> 00:35:47,489
of decaying leaves,

537
00:35:49,649 --> 00:35:52,209
(millipede scuffling)

538
00:35:57,649 --> 00:36:00,129
while spiders wait for a meal to
come to them.

539
00:36:00,129 --> 00:36:00,449
while spiders wait for a meal to
come to them.

540
00:36:00,969 --> 00:36:03,369
(mysterious music)

541
00:36:19,249 --> 00:36:20,889
They spin their webs in the
early hours of the evening

542
00:36:21,689 --> 00:36:23,129
in preparation for a night's
hunting,

543
00:36:30,329 --> 00:36:31,489
The St. Andrew's cross spider

544
00:36:32,289 --> 00:36:34,049
can grow to over 10 centimeters
long.

545
00:36:37,769 --> 00:36:39,249
This smaller one hasn't fed for
days.

546
00:36:43,209 --> 00:36:45,009
A large bush cricket has become
entangled in its web.

547
00:36:50,809 --> 00:36:53,209
The spider must move with
caution around such enormous
prey

548
00:36:53,889 --> 00:36:54,129
is well over twice his size.

549
00:36:54,129 --> 00:36:54,929
is well over twice his size.

550
00:37:15,929 --> 00:37:17,129
The bush cricket struggles to
free itself

551
00:37:19,129 --> 00:37:20,049
and the spider needs to make her
move now

552
00:37:20,609 --> 00:37:21,289
before it gets away.

553
00:37:26,089 --> 00:37:28,929
But the powerful cricket is too
large for the web to hold,

554
00:37:29,929 --> 00:37:30,129
and the famished spider is left
to rue the feast

555
00:37:30,129 --> 00:37:31,769
and the famished spider is left
to rue the feast

556
00:37:32,249 --> 00:37:32,769
that got away.

557
00:37:40,129 --> 00:37:41,209
(ethereal music)

558
00:37:42,329 --> 00:37:44,969
In the nearby bushes, another
bush cricket sheds its skin.

559
00:37:49,289 --> 00:37:51,089
Insects wear their skeleton on
the outside,

560
00:37:52,089 --> 00:37:54,129
so as they grow, they must
periodically cast it off

561
00:37:59,369 --> 00:38:00,129
to reveal a new coat of armor
beneath.

562
00:38:00,129 --> 00:38:01,129
to reveal a new coat of armor
beneath.

563
00:38:09,529 --> 00:38:12,129
As the old skin comes off, it
blocks its airways.

564
00:38:12,129 --> 00:38:12,769
As the old skin comes off, it
blocks its airways.

565
00:38:15,049 --> 00:38:16,849
It can't breathe until the
process is complete.

566
00:38:23,689 --> 00:38:24,129
Finally, it's free.

567
00:38:24,129 --> 00:38:24,689
Finally, it's free.

568
00:38:33,969 --> 00:38:36,129
At this moment, it is soft and
vulnerable.

569
00:38:36,129 --> 00:38:36,769
At this moment, it is soft and
vulnerable.

570
00:38:43,409 --> 00:38:45,129
Darkness is no guarantee of
safety.

571
00:38:54,289 --> 00:38:55,569
The bush cricket slips into the
undergrowth

572
00:38:56,089 --> 00:38:56,969
to evade detection.

573
00:38:58,889 --> 00:39:00,129
(frogs trilling)

574
00:39:00,129 --> 00:39:00,329
(frogs trilling)

575
00:39:00,889 --> 00:39:01,649
Dawn will soon break

576
00:39:03,369 --> 00:39:04,409
and prompt a changing of the
insect guard.

577
00:39:07,489 --> 00:39:09,609
This spells bad news for the St.
Andrew's cross spider

578
00:39:10,289 --> 00:39:11,609
facing another day of hunger.

579
00:39:12,889 --> 00:39:14,009
(moth fluttering)

580
00:39:14,809 --> 00:39:16,129
Suddenly, a moth lands in the
web.

581
00:39:18,089 --> 00:39:18,129
This time the spider doesn't
hesitate.

582
00:39:18,129 --> 00:39:20,049
This time the spider doesn't
hesitate.

583
00:39:20,529 --> 00:39:22,809
(dramatic music)

584
00:39:26,569 --> 00:39:28,369
She wraps her prey in a cocoon
of fine silk

585
00:39:29,049 --> 00:39:30,129
that will become a death shroud.

586
00:39:30,129 --> 00:39:30,409
that will become a death shroud.

587
00:39:34,809 --> 00:39:36,089
She airlifts it to a safe spot

588
00:39:42,209 --> 00:39:45,409
where she can settle down to
feed at her leisure.

589
00:39:54,369 --> 00:39:56,609
(birds singing)

590
00:40:02,169 --> 00:40:05,049
A bright morning invites
visitors into the forest,

591
00:40:05,529 --> 00:40:06,129
(tires crunching)

592
00:40:06,129 --> 00:40:07,929
(tires crunching)

593
00:40:08,409 --> 00:40:09,649
(engine purring)

594
00:40:10,249 --> 00:40:10,849
and the daylight reveals

595
00:40:11,769 --> 00:40:12,129
that wild boar have left their
calling card,

596
00:40:12,129 --> 00:40:13,129
that wild boar have left their
calling card,

597
00:40:15,049 --> 00:40:16,209
(whimsical music)

598
00:40:17,089 --> 00:40:18,129
a pleasant surprise for this
dung beetle.

599
00:40:18,129 --> 00:40:18,449
a pleasant surprise for this
dung beetle.

600
00:40:27,409 --> 00:40:28,249
With specialized antennae,

601
00:40:29,129 --> 00:40:30,129
he can smell the droppings from
far away.

602
00:40:30,129 --> 00:40:30,529
he can smell the droppings from
far away.

603
00:40:42,609 --> 00:40:43,609
Dung beetles need to roll the
droppings

604
00:40:44,609 --> 00:40:46,969
into manageable-sized balls
while it's still fresh.

605
00:40:54,249 --> 00:40:57,129
His future offspring will hatch
inside and use it for food.

606
00:41:10,929 --> 00:41:12,129
He uses his specially evolved
hind legs

607
00:41:12,129 --> 00:41:12,609
He uses his specially evolved
hind legs

608
00:41:13,209 --> 00:41:13,969
to move the dung ball.

609
00:41:19,089 --> 00:41:20,129
You can't muck around

610
00:41:21,089 --> 00:41:22,489
when your nest is on the wrong
side of the road.

611
00:41:26,529 --> 00:41:28,849
Traveling in reverse, the beetle
gets up a surprising speed.

612
00:41:33,969 --> 00:41:35,969
But when you can't see where
you're going,

613
00:41:36,889 --> 00:41:38,169
the trip is an accident waiting
to happen.

614
00:41:43,969 --> 00:41:45,809
Across town, Gardens by the Bay
inspires

615
00:41:46,809 --> 00:41:48,129
and educates people to
appreciate nature's wonders.

616
00:41:48,129 --> 00:41:49,329
and educates people to
appreciate nature's wonders.

617
00:41:52,569 --> 00:41:52,929
(graceful music)

618
00:41:53,889 --> 00:41:54,129
Amongst the displays, a chapter
is being written

619
00:41:54,129 --> 00:41:55,529
Amongst the displays, a chapter
is being written

620
00:41:56,169 --> 00:41:57,369
in the insects' secret world.

621
00:42:03,009 --> 00:42:04,089
After weeks of development,

622
00:42:05,169 --> 00:42:06,129
the plain tiger's chrysalis has
now lost all its color,

623
00:42:06,129 --> 00:42:07,569
the plain tiger's chrysalis has
now lost all its color,

624
00:42:11,129 --> 00:42:12,129
about to reveal the fully-formed
butterfly within.

625
00:42:12,129 --> 00:42:13,449
about to reveal the fully-formed
butterfly within.

626
00:42:17,409 --> 00:42:18,129
(chrysalis rustling)

627
00:42:18,129 --> 00:42:20,009
(chrysalis rustling)

628
00:42:33,249 --> 00:42:35,449
(jaws clicking)

629
00:42:37,369 --> 00:42:40,009
Her wings need to expand and
dry,

630
00:42:41,009 --> 00:42:42,129
so she pumps liquid through the
veins in her wings

631
00:42:42,129 --> 00:42:42,529
so she pumps liquid through the
veins in her wings

632
00:42:43,009 --> 00:42:43,369
to shape them.

633
00:42:48,209 --> 00:42:49,289
She tastes the air for the first
time

634
00:42:49,889 --> 00:42:50,729
with her long proboscis.

635
00:42:53,049 --> 00:42:53,769
Like a delicate straw,

636
00:42:54,809 --> 00:42:56,769
she'll use it to drink nectar
from the city's flowers.

637
00:43:05,209 --> 00:43:06,129
These new accoutrements are a
spectacular last hurrah

638
00:43:06,129 --> 00:43:07,809
These new accoutrements are a
spectacular last hurrah

639
00:43:08,489 --> 00:43:10,249
for this plain tiger butterfly.

640
00:43:11,089 --> 00:43:12,129
For her time in the city will
soon end.

641
00:43:12,129 --> 00:43:13,009
For her time in the city will
soon end.

642
00:43:20,329 --> 00:43:21,049
If all goes well,

643
00:43:21,929 --> 00:43:23,689
she will only live for close to
two weeks.

644
00:43:27,769 --> 00:43:29,449
Just long enough to reproduce.

645
00:43:45,049 --> 00:43:48,129
Time is precious, so she tries
out her wings.

646
00:43:48,129 --> 00:43:48,849
Time is precious, so she tries
out her wings.

647
00:43:52,809 --> 00:43:54,129
Her wings have set firm, and are
ready for flight.

648
00:43:54,129 --> 00:43:54,689
Her wings have set firm, and are
ready for flight.

649
00:44:07,529 --> 00:44:08,809
The plain tiger takes to the air

650
00:44:09,569 --> 00:44:12,129
across the city that birthed
her,

651
00:44:12,129 --> 00:44:12,769
across the city that birthed
her,

652
00:44:13,569 --> 00:44:15,249
completing another turn in the
cycle

653
00:44:16,289 --> 00:44:18,129
that defines the secret world of
Wild City Singapore.

654
00:44:18,129 --> 00:44:19,969
that defines the secret world of
Wild City Singapore.

655
00:44:22,569 --> 00:44:24,129
(majestic music)

656
00:44:24,129 --> 00:44:25,049
(majestic music)

657
00:45:00,089 --> 00:45:00,129
(musical flourish)

658
00:45:00,129 --> 00:45:06,129
(musical flourish)

659
00:45:06,129 --> 00:45:06,369
(musical flourish)