Lynx spider with lunch and macro ants

[Dennis]

Hello,

Here’s the latest batch of macros from our back garden. The Lynx spider didn’t want to let go of his lunch so he remained quite still, helping me slowly inch closer. It was nice to have more time, compared to chasing bees around the shrub!

I also managed to get lucky and grab a couple of ants – tricky subjects due to their fast, seemingly random motion!

Cheers

Dennis

[lacad01 (Adam)]

Nice set of macros
What's the one with the unicorn like horn, #6 ?

[vanwonky (Dave)]

Awesome stuff Dennis. That's one shiny ant!
Cheers
Dave

Edit: Is that your reflection on his head?

[iceman (Mike)]

Incredible.

[traveller (Bo)]

Originally Posted by lacad01

Nice set of macros
What's the one with the unicorn like horn, #6 ?

It's a type of grass hopper I believe.
Great shots Dennis. Lens?
Bo

[Dennis]

Originally Posted by lacad01

Nice set of macros
What's the one with the unicorn like horn, #6 ?

Thanks Adam.

I’m not sure what these “cone heads” are but as Bo has suggested, there is a strong similarity to the grasshopper family in the configuration of their legs and the way they hop when disturbed. The current bunch in our garden are approx 1.5cms to 3cms long.

What was fascinating is that they look normally long and slim but when they munch, their head hinges to reveal their mouth and little feelers. This little fella is chomping on the petals of a daisy like flower.

Here is a photo of one when the head is not deployed in munching mode.

Cheers

Dennis

[Dennis]

Originally Posted by vanwonky

Awesome stuff Dennis. That's one shiny ant!
Cheers
Dave

Edit: Is that your reflection on his head?

Thanks Dave.

I don’t think that is me, although I have seen my outline reflected in the eyes of an Eastern Water Dragon when I viewed the image full size.

Cheers

Dennis

[Dennis]

Thanks Mike and Bo.

@Bo, a new beaut Canon MP-E65 landed on my door step last week and these are the first batch at the lowest end of its range, which spans 1:1 to 5:1.

It is a beast of a lens to tame compared to my fully automated Canon 100mm F2.8 so I’m still learning the ropes at the 1:1 end before I climb the 5:1 mountain!

Cheers

Dennis

[Paddy (Patrick)]

Great shots Dennis. Love the spider and the second one of the ant. Having tried to photograph some ants recently I can fully relate to the difficulty!

[multiweb (Marc)]

Some really pretty pictures there Dennis. I particularly like the first ant. I don't think I've ever seen one that close before. That cone head insect too next to that pointy leaf makes for a nice symetrical composition. The rest of the set is simply superb. Pro stuff all the way.

[StephenM (Stephen)]

Nice set Dennis! It looks like that MP-E will be a lot of fun (and perhaps a bit of a challenge at the same time!)

Cheers,
Stephen

[Dennis]

Thanks Patrick, Marc & Stephen, it’s been nice to have a photographic challenge to compensate for my lack of time at the telescope.

Cheers

Dennis