Notonecta glauca
These are the larger of the water boatmen found in ponds. There are two groups,- Notonecta are the larger ones which are often called bacswimmers. They swim upside down and often hang on the surface of the water taking in oxygen. They can , being "bugs" give a bit of a sting. There are 4 species.
The smaller ones, the Corixids., swim the right way up and look quite different.( Coming later )
This is done in the set up tank in my office next to the computer.
Notice how the legs are adapted with hairs to act as oars for propulsion through the water - hence the name " water boatmen "
This one is taking in air and the dark line is the meniscus or surface water level which looks quite thick at this magnification.
They take inthe oxygen through a layer beneath the wings. That is how they are able to colonise new sites, by flying. Folks don't realise that most water beetles have wings.
D7000
Nikor 40 mm Micro
On camera flash and jessops "speedlight as slave pointed to ceiling.
60th sec @f 18 ISO 100
70% of full frame.Levels Paint Shop Pro. Image guru for shadow detail.
White balance /flash warm
Cheers
JR
PS 3 D ones available if any one interested.(David will be ???)
Really interesting subject, I had no idea they had so much colour or such hairy legs. Sheer coincidence I was looking at using a underwater housing with a G12 in a dew pond on the same species. lighting will be the problem I suspect.
You really produce some amazing results with your tank set up. Thanks for sharing.
Taking a break from transforming my back lawn into raised beds. The turf will make a great loam, when rotted down.
John, these images are an inspiration, especially, of course, the 'glyph.
Here is another David who has taken to 3D and slightly more famous
Thanks
David - No - just angle the camera slightly and it seems to miss that dreaded reflection. An thats on camera flash too and about 2 inches off the glass1
Cheers
JR
Discussion
9 repliesThese are the larger of the water boatmen found in ponds. There are two groups,- Notonecta are the larger ones which are often called bacswimmers. They swim upside down and often hang on the surface of the water taking in oxygen. They can , being "bugs" give a bit of a sting. There are 4 species.
The smaller ones, the Corixids., swim the right way up and look quite different.( Coming later )
This is done in the set up tank in my office next to the computer.
Notice how the legs are adapted with hairs to act as oars for propulsion through the water - hence the name " water boatmen "
This one is taking in air and the dark line is the meniscus or surface water level which looks quite thick at this magnification.
They take inthe oxygen through a layer beneath the wings. That is how they are able to colonise new sites, by flying. Folks don't realise that most water beetles have wings.
D7000
Nikor 40 mm Micro
On camera flash and jessops "speedlight as slave pointed to ceiling.
60th sec @f 18 ISO 100
70% of full frame.Levels Paint Shop Pro. Image guru for shadow detail.
White balance /flash warm
Cheers
JR
PS 3 D ones available if any one interested.(David will be ???)
Really interesting subject, I had no idea they had so much colour or such hairy legs. Sheer coincidence I was looking at using a underwater housing with a G12 in a dew pond on the same species. lighting will be the problem I suspect.
You really produce some amazing results with your tank set up. Thanks for sharing.
David
JR
David
John, these images are an inspiration, especially, of course, the 'glyph.
Here is another David who has taken to 3D and slightly more famous
http://www.3dfocus.co.uk/sky-3d-2/kingdom-of-plants-3d-premieres/8358
Do you use optical non-reflective glass for your customised tanks, John?
David - No - just angle the camera slightly and it seems to miss that dreaded reflection. An thats on camera flash too and about 2 inches off the glass1
Cheers
JR
Nick.