riverlass Loc: northern California

I went back to the oak tree branch down our road and scoured the area for more lacewing eggs. I actually found some. Took the leaf home and set up my tripod and camera. I put the leaf on a brown envelope.
This time I used a old flashlight aimed at the leaf and my speedlight + diffuser + Raynox 150. The tripod is a Manfrotto 055xPRO that has a center column that can lean horizontally over a table and works really well for a project like this. I was able to sit in a chair and use the equipment without the awkwardness that I usually have when doing outdoor macro. I was able to adjust the camera and lighting and move the tripod as needed. It was a semi comfortable hour or so of focused work.

I think I got some decent images of this amazing work of nature. I think the lacewings are hatched, but there is one close up that shows something sticking out of the egg sack. I just couldn't get the shot any sharper that this. What do you think it looks like?

Where the stems attach to the leaf it looks like some kind of transparent glue had been used... that's what I call fairy spit.
Please comment and give all the advise you can. For me this is about the journey. I'm lovin' this macro ride.

The leaf with eggs attached




rigid stems holding the eggs

(Download)

The "glue" that holds the stems in place. Fairy spit.

(Download)

close up of eggs


What is that coming out of the egg on the right?

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

An interesting morning and a good investigation - beats housework. I assume anything that eminates from one of these eggs ought to be a nymph but perhaps some are sterile. If they are nymphs I have read that they will come out and start searching for aphids to eat straight away so you had better have some ready!! That is the limit of my knowledge but I look forward to hearing more of your results.

astroturf Loc: vacaville ca.

Again neat stuff well done. have the same tripod use it for stacking love it.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I read that fertile, unhatched eggs start green, and darken over four days before hatching.
Usually, a white egg on a stalk is empty: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/NE/green_lacewing.html

tinusbum Loc: east texas

i like the last best,i have put fresh eggs in a jar and hatched out lacewing larva,leaf footed bugs, assassins and probably some i cant think of right now.i feel like a 3rd grader :-)

riverlass Loc: northern California

Interesting article, Douglass. Thank you.

riverlass Loc: northern California

I would love to see one of these lacewings hatch. I need to find some that are fresh and use your technique.
Yes, this is like being a 3rd grader again. down in the creek, barefoot, catching pollywogs and feeling like the world is mine for the finding. This never gets old. Thanks.

riverlass Loc: northern California

I love this tripod. It's heavy, steady and the swinging arm is a real advantage for table top macro. I'm sure that there is a focusing rail in my future, but until then, this works well.

riverlass Loc: northern California

A morning of macro beats housework all to h*$$. I can get lost in it.
The Lacewing images may come to an end, but other insects will take its place. That's the fun. There is always something out there to shoot and learn about. Thanks for the info and comment.