Microscope camera!

The exciting news for me this week is that I bought a field microscope, a Skybasic Wifi model, and that I started taking pictures with it. This is a pretty difficult process: centipedes don't really like staying still long enough to have their picture taken with a microscope. It is physically very exhausting to try to get these pictures: I am usually contorting my body into a shape where I can find a specimen, and then trying to keep my hand still enough to get the specimen in the center of the picture. The picture is actually taken in an app on my phone, which means using both hands. Most pictures don't turn out good, but the ones that do have shown me things I have never seen before. A spider that was barely noticeable to my unaided eye resolves into something where I can see its eyes...and its front legs, lifted up into what looks to be a defensive posture. Animals that I would have dismissed as "bugs" now show themselves to be discernible in detail. It has opened a new world for me!

Because it is a delicate instrument, I will probably use it close to where I am. But, of course, when a single shrub can show once-invisible species, it is not needed to take it out to larger parks.

And, in other news, the days are going to start getting longer tomorrow, and I am looking forward to getting out more.

Posted on December 21, 2020 06:28 AM by mnharris mnharris

Observations

Photos / Sounds

What

Cobweb Spiders (Family Theridiidae)

Observer

mnharris

Date

December 18, 2020 02:39 PM HST

Description

Of all the microscope pictures I tried to take today, this is the one that turned out best. In the microscope photo, it shows details such as its raised forelegs,which I assume is a defensive stance.

Comments

Wow! This is great!

Posted by sedgequeen over 3 years ago

Also, the prices on them start in the 30-50 dollar range, so they are really affordable...

Posted by mnharris over 3 years ago

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