Tag Archives: techniques

Wrong lens

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

During the past couple of years, as I’ve transitioned from strictly a net-wielding entomologist to one that also carries a camera, I’ve had to start making choices about whether to keep the camera in the backpack or hold it at the ready, … Continue reading →

Posted in Reptilia, Vertebrata | Tagged , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Bichos Argentinos #7 – Naupactus xanthographus

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

This weevil (family Curculionidae) was one of just a few beetle species that I encountered earlier this month in Buenos Aires, Argentina at La Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur.  Weevils are, of course, one of the most taxonomically diverse and difficult groups of … Continue reading →

Posted in Coleoptera, Curculionidae | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Bichos Argentinos #6 – Jumping Spider

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

I photographed this jumping spider (family Salticidae) two weeks ago in Buenos Aires, Argentina at La Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur. In gestalt it is very similar to our North American species of the genus Phidippus, but I can’t say for … Continue reading →

Posted in Arachnida, Araneae | Tagged , , , , , , | 19 Comments

North America’s largest scarab beetle

Posted on March 4, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

As one of North America’s largest, most written about, and most photographed beetles, Dynastes tityus (eastern Hercules beetle) hardly needs an introduction.  I photographed this male specimen from my collection back in December while testing my DIY diffuser for the MT-24EX … Continue reading →

Posted in Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 28 Comments

Frenatae 2011 Calendar

Posted on February 23, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

Even though we’re now in the latter part of February, I wanted to spread the word about a cool insect-themed calendar shown to me by a colleague during my recent trip to Brazil. Produced by Frenatae, the Graduate Student Entomology … Continue reading →

Posted in Coleoptera, Diptera, Scarabaeidae, Tabanidae, Zopheridae | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Diversity in Tiger Beetle Larval Burrows

Posted on January 13, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

One of the fascinating aspects of tiger beetle study is their often high degree of fidelity for specific habitats.  Some species prefer wet habitats, while others frequent the drier uplands.  Some like sand while others need clay.  Differences in salinity, vegetational cover, … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicindelidae, Coleoptera | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

North America’s largest stag beetle

Posted on December 30, 2010 by Ted C. MacRae

  Here is the full-sized photo that provided the image for yesterday’s Super Crop Challenge #3.  The insect in the photo is, of course, a fine example of a male Lucanus elaphus – the giant stag beetle (family Lucanidae).  This … Continue reading →

Posted in Coleoptera, Lucanidae | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 30 Comments

My MT-24EX flash diffuser

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Ted C. MacRae

When I purchased my insect macrophotography rig two summers ago, I already knew that one of the biggest challenges I would face (besides a steep learning curve) was lighting.  While it is possible to do insect macrophotography using only natural light, this … Continue reading →

Posted in [No taxon] | Tagged , , | 20 Comments