This tiny moth, as yet unidentified, is likely one of the species whose caterpillars live within a leaf. I usually make a genitalia preparation of moths to get a definitive ID, not likely with this specimen. So, what's amazing? Simply that I saw it in my light trap amongst the other 50 'regular-size...

and rightly so. An introduced species that is very destructive.
A young caterpillar on white birch leaf, excised semicircle has been eaten! Nikon D810, 105 micro
Face view with Apo-Componon 40/2.8

Currently I am running a 40w black-light moth trap in my garden and photographing some of the species caught for posting on BugGuide. I need a quick-and dirty photographing system as I may get 50 live moths each morning. No niceties such as stacking. So, 1 shot for each moth using 1 flash. To get a ...

That's exactly what I do!

OK, I know what 22.5mm is; no idea what a M3 is

I have essentially the same setup as Charles Krebs (same scope, different camera). But, instead of using a bellows I use a tube of black paper - works great.

Very nice image.
It would be useful to know the size of the weevil, 2x means nothing. On my monitor the head alone is 27cm long, I'm sure this does not mean the head is actually 13.5cm.
This is essentially a scientific image and as such needs a scale bar

introduced into NA, known as "Green Immigrant Leaf Weevil"

Having 'worked' with lots of ants I can attest that ant muscles are incredibly strong with a cantankerous will of their own. If the jaw muscle contract, as in your speccimen, then they will likley stay contracted whatever you attempt. When trying to get a lateral view of a dead ant there is often on...

Recently I have been attempting to photograph some local ants. A couple of challenges: small, the big ones are in the 7-10 mm range; the obvious mound builders are at ground level; the ants 'never' keep still; best shots to get a positive ID has to include a lateral view. So, no shooting from above,...

I looked at the ref. for the needles you bought: 1 pound for 10 ??
FST in America is asking $95.75 for 10 with 1 micron tips

Are yours really just about $1.50 for 10, even for 1 that would be cheaper than over here

A low power stereo scope essential for cleaning and orientation. Either choose the subject to fit the objective or fit the objective to fit the subject. If you want an entire wasp face use a much lower power objective, e.g. 50mm Nikkor Enlarging Lens. If you want just mandibles a 10x may be OK, or c...

Not that it's needed, but I agree with Chris S. I have purchased some of the offerings and as a 'finite bellows man' would have snapped up that 4x Nikon in a flash, except I have one (bought a much higher price than $250.00!)

Thanks for all the feedback Rik wrote " I'd place a modest bet on mirror/shutter shock propagating down through the microscope frame to slightly shift the stage with respect to the frame, or maybe even the slide with respect to the stage." The camera is on a separate stand, on same heavy table as th...

Full frame showing multiple clusters of 50 dots/cluster