Testing out a microscope mounted camera (wasp/bee)

Kristoph · 2 Jun 2011 at 23:07

I was originally going to post this in GD, but didn't. I don't own a fancy camera at home so it's just a bit of experimentation that I'd like you all to see. Who isn't interested in big close ups of insects?!

Had a bit of free time today and got out a few microscopes, some of them have mounts for cameras. We've got a handful of D60's and found an adaptor that mounts to the body. Also got a remote to avoid any shakes.

As for light, we've got a couple of these

Here was the result. I fancy playing a bit more with different objects when I have more time.

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Quite an interesting bit on bee eyes / compound eyes - http://andygiger.com/science/beye/beyehome.html

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Kris.

Kristoph · 2 Jun 2011 at 23:11

Bloomfield said:
O RLY? .

But I have now

as its something I think is generally of interest.

Kristoph · 2 Jun 2011 at 23:28

-Tauren- said:
interesting.. the wings have minute hairs on them. i wonder why this is.

I didn't realise this until today, I'm guessing, but maybe it's just an aid to the way they fly by helping cause more drag and push? Interesting seeing them fly in slow motion on youtube.

As for stingers I didn't notice it on the bee, possibly why it was found dead somewhere. Could have a look at the wasp.

I also learnt today, the wasp has three 'simple' eyes at the centre of its forehead. A quick read seems to suggest they're used for stability and possibly detects polarised light for use in navigation.

Kristoph · 2 Jun 2011 at 23:29

Six7th said:
Amazing shots! Really detailed. Think you get get a shot of a bumble bee?

If one turns up dead!

These were found in the lab/prep room.

Kristoph · 3 Jun 2011 at 00:21

simulatorman said:
Great pictures there. What magnification were you using on the eyes?

I'm fairly sure the eye piece and camera mount are 10x, and the smallest objective lens is 4x, followed by 10x, so 40x and 100x magnification.

The closest shot on the eyes would be 100x.

There's another two more, one requires oil immersion and the other was slightly too large.

If I spot anything interesting I'll hold onto it until I can get it back under the microscope when I have some free time.