Super Tiny Critter
May 19, 2023 18:45:11 #
This is the smallest specimen that I have yet to focus stack. I adjusted the focus distance on my camera which requires the Raynox D150 that I use as a tube lens to be focused to infinity so that I could mount the Mitutoyo 10X Plan M APO microscope objective on it.
I plucked a blossom from the Asian honeysuckle to test it out and I noticed movement and caught a glimpse of "something" crawling. I placed the blossom in the "kill jar" and searched the blossom hoping to find the "critter" and this is what I found.
This is a focused stacked image of the tiny unknown critter. If anyone can identify it, please let me know.
I plucked a blossom from the Asian honeysuckle to test it out and I noticed movement and caught a glimpse of "something" crawling. I placed the blossom in the "kill jar" and searched the blossom hoping to find the "critter" and this is what I found.
This is a focused stacked image of the tiny unknown critter. If anyone can identify it, please let me know.
May 19, 2023 19:56:22 #
That is a thrip, and a very good picture of one. A whole insect order, right there.
They have asymmetric piercing mouthparts (it would be interesting to try to get that). Some feed on plants, but apparently some are predators.
They have asymmetric piercing mouthparts (it would be interesting to try to get that). Some feed on plants, but apparently some are predators.
May 19, 2023 20:02:01 #
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
That is a thrip, and a very good picture of one. A whole insect order, right there.
They have asymmetric piercing mouthparts (it would be interesting to try to get that). Some feed on plants, but apparently some are predators.
They have asymmetric piercing mouthparts (it would be interesting to try to get that). Some feed on plants, but apparently some are predators.
Thanks ever so much, Mark for the ID of this little critter. I am at a loss as to how I would stage it for a view of its mouthparts for I could not see it without viewing through the 10X objective. I do have a trinocular compound microscope and if I can find the little bugger I may be able to get it on a slide. Of course, I may also win a lottery which may be about the same odds.
May 19, 2023 22:21:03 #
Take an insect pin and wet the sharp end with your tongue. On this scale, that is a glue. Before it dries, tap it gently on the back of the critter, and try to stand that up before your lens. I'm semi-guessing, but that might work.
May 19, 2023 22:35:01 #
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
Take an insect pin and wet the sharp end with your tongue. On this scale, that is a glue. Before it dries, tap it gently on the back of the critter, and try to stand that up before your lens. I'm semi-guessing, but that might work.
Thanks, Mark. Columbus took a chance, of course, he ended up in the wrong place so what's the worst that could happen to me?
May 20, 2023 06:47:59 #
May 20, 2023 08:36:33 #
dpullum wrote:
So many designs and still only 6 legs!!
Thanks, Dpullum. There are some grains of pollen in view which helps put a perspective of the thrip size.
May 20, 2023 08:39:50 #
May 20, 2023 09:15:01 #
EnglishBrenda wrote:
Super image of something so small.
Thanks, Brenda. It was difficult and frustrating to find the critter in the viewfinder. Fortunately, I do this in my room in the basement so no one can hear me cussing.
May 20, 2023 10:24:08 #
Sippyjug, you do absolutely amazing work. I look forward to your every post. Well done, as usual! Thx!!
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