Journal

Northern Lights in the Micro World

on
5 January 2011

Many have heard of the northern lights (aurora borealis) – a rare and brilliant spectacle. But not many have witnessed it. When taking pictures of micro beings, the background usually becomes a blur, and sometimes depending on the clutter behind, it may just transform into a micro northern lights! (ok some imagination needed here)

Praying Mantis (Mantodea) - DSC_1502#1 A praying mantis stands in awe at the spectacle

Praying Mantis (Mantodea) - DSC_1508#2 And got bored after a while. After all, they see it everyday. lol

After which, I found a small fluffy blob on a leaf stalk. I knew that these were some insects, and never got to go close to observe them until today.

Planthopper (Fulgoromorpha) - DSC_1510#3 What’s this? A messy hairy blob?

Planthopper (Fulgoromorpha) - DSC_1518#4 I tried many angles, and finally got a peep at it’s face! There’s still some hair coveríng it’s face though. But I must say this is quite a good protective cover!

Planthopper (Fulgoromorpha) - DSC_1533#5 Bad hair day. I was thinking that this is the nymph of a leafhopper, but this looked really old (with the messy and frizzy hair) and even brown compared to the usual white ones. Sunburnt??

Planthopper (Fulgoromorpha) - DSC_1554#6 While shooting the little guy, there was a gentle breeze and we realized that the tail lifted!

Planthopper (Fulgoromorpha) - DSC_1555#7 We simulated that breeze again by blowing gently, and the tail opened up really nicely, like a peacock

Planthopper (Fulgoromorpha) - DSC_1560#8 Got tired of being shot at after a while, and started to turn and walk away

Four Spotted Fungus Beetle - DSC_1571#9 Found this pair of fungus beetles racing around. No they were not interested in each other, so no mating this time!

Four Spotted Fungus Beetle - DSC_1590#10 They had some curious pokes, but their relationship did not blossom 😛

The complete album can be viewed here.

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NICKY BAY
Singapore

Hi my name is Nicky Bay. I am a macro photographer, instructor and book author, travelling the world to document the vast micro biodiversity that nature has to offer. Follow my updates and discover with me the incredible beauty and science behind our planet's micro creatures!

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