sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

This is a dry-mount preserved Pine Borer Beetle that was provided by Bill (newtoyou) for use in my focus stacking sessions. If you look closely at the upper part of the beetle you will see a second one. These little buggers have evolved a camouflage that makes them blend into the pine bark that they live on. They blend in so well that from a short distance they are nearly impossible to see.

This is a 291 image stack taken with a reversed mounted 28mm lens on 12mm of extension tube and adapters.

As always, thanks in advance to all who view and for your comments, suggestions, questions and critique.

(Download)

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

Indeed, another can be seen in the background.
These are an 'aberrant' Longhorn, Cerambicidae. Stenocorus inquisitor.
Besides the obvious antenna, a few more microscopic features placed it here and not Chrysomelidae.
These came to me in this way.
In another month, find standing dead pine with loose bark. Peel the bark carefully and have a vial handy for bonus creatures. Don't need any chemicals, bring them back alive. This beetle larva will be in a 1.5 inch diameter ring of frass, loose, stringy and MOIST wood fiber.
Collect those and loose material from under the bark and put these in a container at home. Larva will rebuild a cell. Then LEAVE IT ALONE. I use throw away petri dishes to house. 20 pac for maybe $10 delivered. Order now.
This collecting method is good for almost never seen spring emerging beetles and other insects.
Collect now and see maybe three life stages of the same insect.
A water spritz is all the maintenance needed.
Along about April these slowly pupate, emerging in a month to start the cycle again.
Then publish here on the Hog.
Bill

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Bill, I am deeply indebted to your generosity of collecting and providing me specimens for my sessions. I treasure each one highly and you have helped me in more ways that I could ever explain in words. I've also learned a lot about a world that was foreign and seldom seen by me.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

👍 This is well done. Your productivity continues thru the winter, and it sustains us.
And Bill, besides your generously suppling our mutual friend here, your innovation in collecting and rearing are also very educational to me and many others, I am sure.

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

I appreciate the compliments. This is an enjoyable pastime for me.
My interest in nature, insects in particular has been reinvigorated.
My memory gets a workout.
If I have been informative or helpful, it is a pleasure.
I am not the originator of this saying, but I agree, knowledge is to be shared, not hoarded.
Leaf mimic update. Two are shedding. This is a critical time. I see that a leaf mold substrate would help this. Humidity and uneven surface for grip and leverage.
I have, I believe seven or eight now and more eggs.
My readings say only about 10% to adult, so from 40 or 50 eggs I am ahead now.
Bill

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

Looks very well done to me. Nice detail.