Alex Wild (Myrmecos) and Ted MacRae (Beetles in the Bush) are well known entomologists who blog regarding various arthropods they encounter throughout the year. These exceptional ambassadors for the six- and eight-legged end each blogging year with a “Best of …” set of photographs that stand out personally for each of them.
Following Alex and Ted’s lead, I’m doing the same thing. I’ve selected thirteen shots that will hopefully allow others to experience some of what I experienced this year on the other side of the lens, as well as publicize some great opportunities for those with an interest in arthropod biology, macrophotography and/or a melding of the two!
Double-clicking each image will allow you options regarding image enlargement. The original link, which includes much more information, is included below each entry.
Here we go, and thanks for reading!
A virtually absent winter led to early emergence of six-spotted tiger beetles (Cicindela sexguttata) throughout the forests of east central Illinois (Kickapoo State Park, Oakwood, IL). Original link – “An abundance of six-spotted tiger beetles (Cicindela sexguttata)”
A Craigslist ad led to the $5 purchase of my first arboreal tarantula. Pink toe tarantulas (Avicularia avicularia) are native to South America, Costa Rica to Brazil, and the southern Caribbean. Original link – “Arboreal tarantula foot pads“
This year’s kitchen arthropods included this beautiful pseudoscorpion (Chelifer cancroides). Original link – “House pseudoscorpion (Chelifer cancroides) in our kitchen“
One of several unexpected darkling beetle larvae feeding on the exuvial fluids of a molting Mexican red knee tarantula (Brachypelma smithi). This really brought home the vulnerability of arthropods during and shortly after molting. Original link – “Redknee tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) molt & an arthropod husbandry lesson“
Though white box photography does take individuals out of their natural environment, it often leads me to a fuller appreciation of the beauty of arthropods such as this red phase Chilean rose tarantula (Grammostola rosea). Original link – “A third molt cluster? The pace of growth picks up during the summer.“
Night photography remains my favorite. Newly emerged dog day cicada (Tibicen canicularis) on a downed hackberry (Celtis occidentalis). Original link – “Night shooting: Dog day cicada (Tibicen canicularis)“
One of the many beetles photographed in the Sonoran Desert during the 2012 Invertebrates in Education and Conservation Conference in Tucson, AZ, my favorite conference each year! Original link – “Invertebrates in Education and Conservation Conference, 2012“
Mexican vine snake (Oxybelis aeneus) photographed during the 2012 Invertebrates in Education and Conservation Conference in Tucson, AZ. Original link – “Brown vine snake (Oxybelis aeneus)“
- Leafhopper with brochosomes photographed during Bugshot 2012, my favorite workshop, at Archbold Biological Station in Venus, FL. The original link goes into much greater detail and includes links regarding brochosome structure and function. Original link – “Bugshot 2012, Leafhopper with brochosomes“
Aptenopedes aptera (Acrididae: Melanoplinae: Conalcaeini) at Archbold Biological Station in Venus, FL. This image links to my to-do list of items to investigate after the workshop. Original link – “Post-BugShot 2012 to-do list“
White box image of mating devil’s rider walkingsticks (Anisomorpha buprestoides) captured in the “Toy Room” at BugShot 2012. Original link – “Devil’s rider walkingstick (Anisomorpha buprestoides)“
I’ve recently begun using my macro set-up to determine tarantula gender from shed exoskeletons. The original entry includes a link to the video that I used in preparing exoskeletons for examination. Original link – “My new Halloween skill: Hydrating exoskeletons for gender determination!“
The Mexican red knee tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) who owns the shed exoskeleton pictured above! Original link – “Another Mexican red knee (Brachypelma smithi) molt, and another female…“
Excellent post. Of course, any post with a tiger beetle photo is excellent- nice shot! I’ll have to try something similar on my blog.
Thanks, Doug! Happy New Year to you and Leon!
Nice selection, Dave. I think my favorite is the darkling beetle larvae feeding on the exuvial fluids of a molting Mexican red knee tarantula – great natural history story contained in the image.
Thanks, Ted! Happy New Year to you, Lynne, Mollie and Madison!