Yellow Springtail

Not the best images. Shot with a T1i, a full set of Kenko tubes, a Sigma 105, lighting is a twin Halogen illuminator for a microscope. I was set up for tethered shooting using EOS Utility and manual focussing.

You probably can't tell here, but he is bright yellow and fairly active. I went out in the back yard to get some moss to see what was in it and found this guy. It was quite cold today, about 37F, and about 27F last night. It has been single digits for a number of nights recently, so those guys seem to be able to stand some low temps.

I first found him with my stereo zoom Nikon dissecting microscope. I really wish I had an adapter to use the camera with that, cause it goes from 3.5 to 8x. I could see his segmented eyes very well, and all the hairs on him and the leg joints. Maybe I can get some pics with the big scope tomorrow. The hard part is just figuring out how to photograph him.

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Good captures Mitch.
Brian v.

Not bad shots at all Mitch

Linda

Thanks Brian and Linda. I was hoping you would look in. This one is bright yellow, with no spots or other markings. He or she was very fat, quite active and aware. It would back away when I put the tip of a pipette near it, so it could see pretty good, even with it's simple eyes.

I don't think it's going anywhere, cause it is in a covered petri dish for now. I'm trying to think of a way to get better shots of it. I suppose if I tried to use the big scope and take the cover off the dish it will just spring away?

Nice looking springy , u need an mpe. Lol

HAHA, too costly for me. Since I shot these though, I was able to attach my camera to my stereo microscope. I do need to dial it in though. One problem is getting enough light on the subject. I think I will try flash today, see how that works out.

Great shots Mitch.

It must be strange taking shots of something that big

Thanks Bas. It was different. The pictures are terrible, compared to what I could see through the lenses. Watching him live, he was beautiful. I could see all the cells of the simple eye, every hair on his back and the joints of the antenna and legs.

I have since found a way to attach my camera to the scope, but alas, he seems to have made his escape.