Hello guys

I would like to share some of my Macro Photographs here which will be updated on a daily basis I hope you will enjoy the photos and more importantly, learn some facts out of them ^___^
I would also like to promote my new blog on Macro Photography, hope you guys can support support: PixelsDimension

Apart from promoting and teaching about Macro Photography, as a Scientist I hope the blog will eventually act as a platform to help us understand and catalogue Malaysian flora and fauna better: It is time we reduce our reliance on foreigners to help us with our wildlife treasures

The following are some of my recent Macro Photos (descriptions are all within the links); thank you for viewing and feel free to C&C!:
#1
Stink Bug by PF T.J., on Flickr

#2
Robberfly by PF T.J., on Flickr

#3
Nephila pilipes ♂ by PF T.J., on Flickr

#4
Stalk-Eyed Fly (Teleopsis sp.) by PF T.J., on Flickr

#5
Flask-shaped pitcher plant (Nepenthes ampullaria) by PF T.J., on Flickr

#6
Ropalidia (?) wasp in flight by PF T.J., on Flickr

#7
Argiope versicolor ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

#8
Mountain Horned Dragon - Acanthosaura armata by PF T.J., on Flickr

#9
Olive Tree Skink - Dasia cf. olivacea by PF T.J., on Flickr

#10
Nephila cf. kuhlii ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

This post has been edited by [PF] T.J.: Nov 3 2014, 11:19 PM

#11
Heavy Jumper (Hyllus sp. ♂) showing fang arrangement by PF T.J., on Flickr

#12
Macracantha arcuata ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

#13
Wagler's Pit Viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri) feasting by PF T.J., on Flickr

#14
Giant Forest Scorpion (Heterometrus spinifer) glowing under UV light by PF T.J., on Flickr

#15
Green Crested Lizard 1- Bronchocela cristatella by PF T.J., on Flickr

#16
Liphistius desultor ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

#17
Cicindela aurulenta Tiger Beetles Mating by PF T.J., on Flickr

#18
Scolopendra subspinipes by PF T.J., on Flickr

#19
Tree-climbing Crab (Episesarma sp.) by PF T.J., on Flickr

#20
Argiope versicolor web wrapping by PF T.J., on Flickr

Awesome macro shots!
My favourites are 1,8,13,14.

+ 1
Very nice pictures..

Thanks man!
And very great taste there mate haha, the ones you mentioned are my favourites too haha

Thank you man, appreciate it!

wow, how did u take tht pic, Wagler's Pit Viper ? fantastic !are u a phd holder ?

Good question mate haha

My cousin just so happen to be doing research on snake venom So I just join in the fun. We gave the viper (reared in aquarium) a frog to eat to distract it, then we took the snake (on a branch) out for shots Most creatures are less sensitive while eating; after all, they don't get meals that often.

Purposely put the snake in a middle of the room so that the background becomes dark.

I just finished my phD haha... weirdly my topic was not on entomology or arachnology

oh congratz..haha a phd who is pro in phtography cnt get any better.. where u graduate from if u dont mind me asking?

Thanks man
Quite a lot of advantages when you are good in photography (photo editing in particular), very useful for publications

Aiya, I graduated locally hehe, University of Malaya

wow u must be smart UM is #1 in malaysia..u shld consider apply for nat geographic freelance photographer haha. keep up the work, inspiring for me

p/s: do u shoot macro handheld or tripod? ppl tend to suggest use tripod to avoid shake, but i find it very troublesome to set it up, not to mention the time it takes...the insects would have vanish by the time i am ready with the tripod.

This post has been edited by justified: Jul 1 2014, 08:44 PM

wah the sifu finally opens a showcase thread.

too much awesomeness

Thanks again for the praise haha, but overpraise liao haha, UM is #1 in Malaysia only
I need better skills and knowledge to be able to qualify for NatGeo I guess haha, but I will try my best, thanks for the encouragement!

I agree with you, most of the time its too cumbersome and slow to bring a tripod, so macro photographers rely on using flashguns instead to "freeze" the moment. By doing that, you will essentially minimize minor handshakes and wind movements

More details here if you are interested hehe: http://pixelsdimension.com/using-flash-in-macro-photography/


Thanks man, your shots are good also ma, very artistic, I will never be able to get those kinds of shots haha... I'm too impatient

Had to open a showcase thread to help promote my blog haha, no choice

Adding some more recent photos to the thread~ been taking a lot of photos lately since I really wanted to improve my light diffusion system


#21
Transverse LadyBird (Coccinella cf. transversalis) copulation by PF T.J., on Flickr

#22
Crab Spider (Mastira sp.? ♀) by PF T.J., on Flickr

#23
Hibiscus Stamen by PF T.J., on Flickr

#24
Siler semiglaucus ♂ by PF T.J., on Flickr

#25
Telamonia cf. dimidiata ♂ by PF T.J., on Flickr

Wah Sifu opens a showcase thread laio, support!

Thanks man, still no chance to take awesome flower macros like you do

i no that awesome anymore

Your flower shots still are
Not shooting macro anymore?

#26
Argiope versicolor reborn by PF T.J., on Flickr

#27
Argiope versicolor underside by PF T.J., on Flickr

#28
Nephila cf. kuhlii underside by PF T.J., on Flickr

#29
Multi-coloured Phintella- Phintella versicolor ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

#30
Iridescent Green Garden Jumper- Cosmophasis thalassina ♂) by PF T.J., on Flickr

This post has been edited by [PF] T.J.: Jul 10 2014, 12:54 AM

wa.. master sifu open gallery liao

Thank you sifu!
I haven't reached masta level yet bro huhu...

Still a lot to improve, especially with light diffusion... really a lot of trial-and-error to do with DIY diffuser haha

#31
Blackwood Golden Orb Spider wrapping up food- Nephila cf. kuhlii by PF T.J., on Flickr

#32
Huntsman Spider- Heteropoda sp. ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

#33
Kidney Garden Spider- Araneus mitificus ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

#34
Common White Crab Spider- Thomisus callidus ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

#35
Electric Blue Banded Phintella- Phintella vittata ♂ by PF T.J., on Flickr

#36
Thiania bhamoensis ♂ upclose - Fighting Spider by PF T.J., on Flickr

#37
Argiope catenulata ♀ upclose- Silver-Yellow St. Andrew's Cross Spider by PF T.J., on Flickr

#38
Pear-shaped Opadometa- Opadometa fastigiata ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

#39
Wagler's Pit Viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri) feasting by PF T.J., on Flickr

#40
Blue Dasher- Brachidiplax chalybea ♂ by PF T.J., on Flickr

#41
Jumping Spider ♂ (unidentified) by PF T.J., on Flickr

#42
Trithemis aurora ♂- Crimson Dropwing by PF T.J., on Flickr

#43
Euthalia sp. (?) Butterfly by PF T.J., on Flickr

#44
Vestalis cf. amethystina ♀ salute- Common Flashwing Damselfly by PF T.J., on Flickr

#45
Nisitrus vittatus ♀- Common Bush Cricket by PF T.J., on Flickr

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#46
Stink bug (?) by PF T.J., on Flickr

#47
Plexippus petersi ♀- Common Housefly Catcher by PF T.J., on Flickr

#48
Liphistius malayanus ♀- Malaysian Trapdoor Spider by PF T.J., on Flickr

#49
Liphistius desultor ♀- Giant Trapdoor Spider by PF T.J., on Flickr

#50
Coremiocnemis sp. ♀- Common Black Femur Tarantula by PF T.J., on Flickr

For more info and guides on Macro Photography, please kindly visit my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

interesting macro photos

Thank you man, really appreciate it

#51
Robberfly with mosquito prey by PF T.J., on Flickr

#52
Unidentified Jumping Spider (Ptocasius sp.?) ♂ by PF T.J., on Flickr

#53
Bronchocela cristatella feasting- Green Crested Lizard by PF T.J., on Flickr

#54
Dendrolycosa sp. ♀- Mangrove Swamp Dendrolycosa by PF T.J., on Flickr

#55
Orchithemis pulcherrima ♂- Variable Sentinal by PF T.J., on Flickr

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#56
Fruitfly (Adrama sp.) by PF T.J., on Flickr

#57
Telamonia dimidiata ♀ with prey by PF T.J., on Flickr

#58
Hersilia sumatrana ♀ - Sumatran Two-tailed Spider by PF T.J., on Flickr

#59
Angry Malaysian Trapdoor Spider (Liphistius malayanus ♀) by PF T.J., on Flickr

#60
Stingless bee collecting nectar (Trigona sp.) by PF T.J., on Flickr


*For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#61
Golden-Coloured Tortoise Beetle (Aspidomorpha sp.; Cassidinae) by PF T.J., on Flickr

An extremely beautiful Tortoise Beetle, especially when it flies around under the morning sunlight!

These bugs have transparent exoskeleton that sort of act like a shield to the bug (Not sure why these are not called Shield Bugs instead )

Unfortunately, this gorgeous-looking beetle is kind of a pest >_<

*For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

This post has been edited by [PF] T.J.: Sep 16 2014, 05:53 PM

#62
Stalk-eye Flies (Teleopsis sp.) mating by PF T.J., on Flickr

I was lucky enough to find and observe a mating pair recently

Stalk-eye Flies, as the name suggest, have very long eye-stalks (yes, those are the eyes on the far left and right ).

The males (on top) tend to have much longer eye stalks, which acts as a prerequisite to "tackle" the females (bottom).

Males and females tend to rub their forelegs together (also in my Flickr account), which I suspect it to be a mode for stridulation- calling out for a mate.

When a pair of male and female are close together, the male will bend its body low while using its forelegs to continuously tap the surface of the leaf as a sign for mating.

When mating, the male steps on top of the female. The forelegs of the male are put on the "V-shaped" abdominal spines of the female (so that's what its for lol )

PS: These flies are a nightmare to photograph up-close due to their very weird body shape!

*For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

This post has been edited by [PF] T.J.: Sep 16 2014, 05:53 PM

#63
Stag Beetle- Aegus parallelus by PF T.J., on Flickr

A male Stag Beetle and its powerful pincers; heavily built yet capable of flying- essentially a flying tank!

*For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#64
Hoi Sen's Trilobite Beetle (juv)- Platerodrilus ruficollis (?) by PF T.J., on Flickr

This particular beetle was originally described as Duliticola hoiseni; likely a juvenile.

Trilobite beetles are so-called due to their resemblance to the already-extinct Marine Trilobite arthropods.

The females of these beetles are termed Neotenous since they remain in larvae-form throughout its life.

*For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#65
Ladybird vs. Aphid by PF T.J., on Flickr

A size comparison between a common ladybug and its breakfast- an aphid!

*For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#66
Oriental vine snake- Ahaetulla prasina by PF T.J., on Flickr

A yellow morph of a beautiful juvenile Oriental Vine snake, which will probably change colour with age (?).

These particular genus of snakes are known to have binocular vision and horizontal pupils (see photo). They are ovoviviparous as well, unlike other snakes that lay eggs.

Snakes often flick out their forked tongues to "smell", detecting both friend and foe, predator and prey.

*For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

This post has been edited by [PF] T.J.: Sep 16 2014, 05:57 PM

#67
Malayan vine snake feasting- Ahaetulla mycterizans by PF T.J., on Flickr

As a member of the Colubrid family, the Malayan vine snake has groove teeth located at the back of its jaw (opisthoglyphous), which is very much different from those in vipers (Viperidae) and cobras (Elapidae). Although constituting the largest snake family, colubrids are generally harmless to humans (not un-painful though ) .

Ahaetulla mycterizans is morphologically similar to Ahaetulla prasina apart from a white belly with paired longitudinal green lines.

*For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

This post has been edited by [PF] T.J.: Sep 16 2014, 05:58 PM

#68
Harvestman-Opiliones; Tithaeus sp. (?) by PF T.J., on Flickr

Harvestmen look a lot like spider superficially (often confused with daddy-long-legged-spiders) but they are not considered as true spiders.

Despite also having eight legs, harvestmen do not have a distinctively separated thorax and abdomen like spiders do: The thorax and abdomen are merged together (as seen in photo .

Harvestmen are usually herbivours or scavengers.

*For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#69
Banded bullfrog- Kaloula pulchra ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

This cute and chubby frog is pretty well adapted to urban environments and often come out before heavy rains during the night.

Banded bullfrogs let out a loud and distinctive calls at night which we are all very familiar with.

When threatened, Banded Bullfrogs will inflate itself and becoming even rounder (and cuter!), and at the same time releasing sticky, and irritating goo from the skin of its body.

*For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#70
Eriovixia sp. ♀ - Red Morph by PF T.J., on Flickr

This brilliant-looking, female orb web spider looks superficially like the common whitish-grey Eriovixia laglaisei found in gardens, but is fiery red in colour! And I am quite sure there are plenty of different colour variants out there: Are the colour differences due to the difference in species? Adaptation to different environments? Or simply different stages of instar?

*For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#71
Tree-Stump Spider moulting- Poltys cf. illepidus ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

Most photos of Tree-Stump Spiders are taken while in resting stage, where the legs are all clumped together, making the superficial details less observable. I was lucky to find one moulting; took a few shots for record hehe XD

Tree-Stump Spiders are so-called due to their unique camouflage (note the abdominal spines) that look like tree branches.

*For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#72
Scorpion Spider- Arachnura sp. ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

Despite imitating stings of scorpions, Arachnura uses the overall appearance to look like wilted leaves.

The tail itself is very flexible and can be curled upwards or downwards whenever necessary (i.e. walking on the ground). The tip of the tail is composed of three pointed ends which can also be used to hold on to the spider's web.

*For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#73
Malayan Forest Gecko removing water droplets- Cyrtodactylus pulchellus by PF T.J., on Flickr

This unique-looking gecko is different from the normal geckos since it has bent, curved toes. As a result, a Malayan banded gecko cannot climb plastic or glass like the usual ones do (but the tail will break off like normal as a distraction to predators )

This gecko is nocturnal in nature, evident from the slit pupils. Unlike lizards, geckos do not have eyelids, so they have to lick water droplet or small irritants off using their tongues!

*For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

This post has been edited by [PF] T.J.: Sep 30 2014, 12:51 PM

#74
Funnel-Web Spider hunting a helpless grasshopper- Macrothele cf. segmentata ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

Macrothele spiders are known to be some of the most vicious-looking around; with several members within the Hexathelid family known to be fatal to humans.

Macrothele spiders can be identified by its dark body colour and the long and flexible spinnerets. These spiders build sophisticated webs (which can be very large) among leaf litter or within crevices of tree trunks or mud slopes.

Trip-silks are positioned throughout the entrance of the lair so as to warn the spider of predator and prey. The nest is built with plenty of entrance/ escape holes.

*For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#75
A Tent Spider grooming itself- Cyrtophora sp. ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

Many are often surprised that spiders know how to groom themselves- they would be very dirty indeed if they don't haha

Spiders will not hesitate to clean their legs and mouthparts when water is available; they do so by inserting and moving their legs (one each time) in between the fangs to remove dirt and debris.

*For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#76
Size Comparison- Ant vs. Stag Beetle (Aegus parallelus) by PF T.J., on Flickr

Was trying to see whether a Stag Beetle's legs were suited for moving and climbing on leaves (apparently not, it kept slipping). Awhile later, an ant came along, making a wonderful size comparison shot haha

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#77
Moth Pupa and Basket by PF T.J., on Flickr

Likely a pupa of an Arctiid moth. These brilliant builders take cocooning to a whole new level by "stitching" the hairs from their caterpillar stage to build a mesh-like cage for protection.

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#78
A juvenile Malabar Hermit Spider going in for the kill- Nephilengys malabarensis ♀ juv by PF T.J., on Flickr

Most, if not all web spiders detect their prey through vibrations. When a prey gets caught onto the webs, constant struggling will send vibrations through the silk lines which will alert the spider of its presence. The spider will then come in for the kill.

If the prey doesn't struggle, the spider will usually not be able to "detect" it since web spiders do not have the best eyesights.

Vibrations that are too strong (i.e. when a very large insect lands on the spider web) will also warn the spider, which will either flee, or shake its web violently to evict the unwanted visitor!

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#79
Ornamental Coin Spider- Herennia multipuncta ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

To me, the Ornamental Coin Spider is one of the most beautiful spiders out there. Photo of the spider here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/59583171@N07/...t-izag3r-iza2Sw

This spider can often be found lying flat on tree trunks, so most of the time people miss the opportunity to see the underside which is brilliant orange in colour! Amazingly beautiful!

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#80
Great Angle Head Lizard- Gonocephalus grandis ♂♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

Beautiful Great Angle Head Lizards perching on tree trunks to sun themselves for energy~

The male (left) has cool-looking body crests and richer body colours as compared to the female (right). Both lizards display yellow ventral spots although the ones on the males are surrounded by bluish body tints. Like most lizards, these will change colour depending on behaviour and environment.

Male may fight with one another, but usually the females will choose the males with the most brilliant display of colours- an indication of good genes and health essential for the survival of their next generation!

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

Admire your knowledge in identifying all the species, salute to you

I bumped into a green scorpion today at FRIM, is it just a normal scorpion or? Because normally scorpions are in black or brown right?

Sorry for tumpang thread, but I will remove this if it distracts your thread.



This post has been edited by mingyuyu: Oct 5 2014, 08:20 PM

Nice find there man~
Its a Giant Forest Scorpion, likely Heterometrus spinifer
This one is quite difficult to photograph since it has very reflective carapace

But like all scorpions and many other arthropods, this one will glow under UV, very nice to photograph

Giant Forest Scorpion (Heterometrus spinifer) glowing under UV light by PF T.J., on Flickr

Yeah, was really lucky to bump into a large scorpion at the middle of the pathway. I heard that scorpion is quite hard to found at FRIM right?

It looks really funny in real life, the very shinny carapace and saturated green color make it looks like plastic toy at first.

Yeah I know what you mean haha They sure look plasticy, at first I was rather surprised too since like you I thought they are usually black in colour haha

Scorpions are quite common, just that they are nocturnal animals, thus harder to find during the day.
Finding a scorpion (and alot of other arthorpods) is very easy as long as you have a UV light

#81

Curved Long-Spined Spider- Macracantha arcuata ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

Not all spiders are creepy ^___^

This spider is undoubtedly one of the most bizarre and beautiful out there due to its brilliant colours and of course, the two long protruding abdominal spines.

As wonderful as they may be, I am always amazed at how this particular species of spider (along with those of the genus Gasteracantha) manages to survive in the wild- although tough, the weird abdominal shapes actually hinders their movements significantly. The relatively short legs mean that they cannot really handle larger preys and have to rely very heavily on their large web constructions for food.


For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

Saving a Wagler's Pit Viper by PF T.J., on Flickr

My cousin saving a Pit Viper from potential harm, moving it into deeper areas of the forest, far away from humans.

Humans fear things that they do not understand. So when they see a Pit Viper (Ular Kapak) resting on the fence, they either kill it, or they run away and get someone else to come and kill it @@

Most people "understands" that common pit vipers will attack them on sight, thus the hostility. Of course, they are dangerous and shouldn't be fooled around with, but I don't think they should be killed on sight- they won't attack unless seriously provoked

#82
Wagler's Pit Viper- Tropidolaemus wagleri ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

This Pit Viper may be relatively common, but its fearsome looks make it seem like it was sent directly from hell itself- not a snake to be trifled with.


That said, this Pit Viper is not as bad-tempered as several others out there; but make no mistake, it can be deadly if you are bitten and envenomed.

The Wagler's Pit Viper produces unique Waglerin venom which is used as anti-wrinkle creams supposedly functioning like Botox (marketed, but not proven).

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#83
Great Angle Head Lizard- Gonocephalus grandis ♂ by PF T.J., on Flickr

The same male Great Angle Head Lizard from the shot here:


Note how to colour changes into dark brown when it senses danger? The darker colour is more frightening I suppose

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

The common Argiope versicolor:
Argiope versicolor web wrapping by PF T.J., on Flickr

This one is quite different:
#84
Cross Spider, web stabilimenta and exuvia- Argiope sp. juv ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

Not your average Cross Spider. This one (juvenile) doesn't have a hairy thorax like most of the common Argiope; instead it is glossy and reflective.

When adult, the abdomen is becomes very pentagonal with alternating, beautiful yellow-silver bands.

Note the continuous cross-shape web stabilimenta, many Argiope spiders build this type of webs at certain wind conditions.. Note also the remaining exuvia (shell) above the spider.

Beautiful spider ^___^

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#85
Stick Insect- Pylaemenes cf. mitratus by PF T.J., on Flickr

A bizarre-looking, dull-coloured stick insect. These insects are masters of disguise- not easy to see unless if you are very careful and thorough!


For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#86
Harvestman by PF T.J., on Flickr

If you are afraid of daddy long-legged spiders, then you are going to be terrified by these arachnids!

Many harvestmen may look like much larger versions of daddy long-legged spiders we have at home, but they are not considered as spiders due to the lack of a true thorax and abdomen.

Harvestmen are usually omnivores and can be found in moist, shaded areas of parks or forests.

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#87
White Lipped Frog- Hylarana cf. labialis) by PF T.J., on Flickr

A common frog usually found near streams. These frogs are nocturnal even though they can be often found resting on leaves during the day.

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

This post has been edited by [PF] T.J.: Oct 20 2014, 12:19 AM

like +1

Thank you mate!

#88
Freshly moulted grasshopper by PF T.J., on Flickr

A beautiful, freshly moulted grasshopper. Note the shedded skin (called exuvia) on the upper right.

Many insects shed their skin in a process called ecdysis in order to grow up. This is because unlike us, they have hard exoskeletons that restrict further growth, and thus have to be "renewed" in order to grow larger.

After ecdysis, insects that emerge are often most vulnerable to harm due to the new exoskeletons which are still soft. Winged insects cannot fly right after moulting as well, pretty much the only reason why I managed to get this shot!

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#89
Rajah Brooke's Birdwing- Trogonoptera brookiana ♂ by PF T.J., on Flickr

This is Malaysia's National Butterfly, named after Captain James Brooke, a White Rajah of Sarawak.
The males of this species are often observed in huge numbers over streams and springs, where they sip mineralized water required for adulthood.
For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#90
A moulting Net-Winged Beetle Larvae (Lycidae) by PF T.J., on Flickr

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

This post has been edited by [PF] T.J.: Oct 21 2014, 12:50 PM

hallo sifu,

where u shoot macro nowadays ah?

Hey sifu, thanks for the message
I usually visit forest parks or reserves with streams for my shots- more pristine and more insect diversity hehe

#91
Heavy Jumper (Hyllus sp. ♂ ) with blowfly prey by PF T.J., on Flickr

This is a shot that most of the local Macro Enthusiasts have, and I am glad that I have finally got the chance to photograph one ^__^

This particular Hyllus spider is known to be quite cooperative (staying still) when it feeds, which is good news for us photographers! Most spiders will not give up their food without a fight, because most of them only get a meal every once in a while..

Thank you little Hyllus :3

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

hahah.. any place to recommend? i'm not really sure around PJ/KL.. heard it's not very safe. lol

Not many places around PJ/KL unfortunately huhu

Best is FRIM if u want rarer stuffs.. otherwise Bukit Gasing
Try not to go alone safety in numbers

u go in groups too? Yeah there's a snatch theft cum murder case in bukit gasing before if im nt mistaken

I usually go with at least one partner haha
Some places can be dangerous, and its not just crooks that we have to worry about huhu...

Yeah, the Bukit Gasing case is pretty notorious @@ Bukit Gasing is not that safe to go alone because its in the middle of a residential area- easier access by crooks
But since Bukit Gasing is pretty strategic, you should be able to find some friends to go along with you~

#92
Doleschall's Cross Spider- Argiope doleschalli ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

Argiope spiders, especially large ones like this, will drop from its web onto the foliage or ground below at the slightest of disturbance.

Its amazing how far they can drop (even when hitting hard surface) without hurting themselves, equivalent to humans jumping down from a 2 storey or higher building (without dying of course XD)!

The spider is pretty smart, releasing a silk-thread (Note the thin line at the back of its abdomen) as it drops so that it can easily get back to its web after the potential threat is gone.

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

This post has been edited by [PF] T.J.: Oct 26 2014, 10:43 AM

#93
Five-legged Stick Insect by PF T.J., on Flickr

Note the curled, right foreleg of this Stick Insect

Insects, like many other arthropods display a certain degree of restoration powers!
This stick insect is no exclusion.

Stick insects often break off one of their legs as a distraction to threats (much like the lizards breaking off their tails). These legs will grow back the next time the stick insect moults, albeit at a shorter length.

However, the legs do not regenerate in old and adult stick insects (that no longer moults).

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: pixelsdimension.com

#94
A Sunning Wagler's Pit Viper- Tropidolaemus wagleri ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

A Wagler's Pit Viper out in the sun early in the morning~

Snakes are cold-blooded animals and rely on the sun to increase body temperature. This large female Pit Viper will become more active after gaining a fair amount of heat from the sun~

#95
Lantern Bug Nymph (Zanna sp.) by PF T.J., on Flickr

Thanks to guidance from the Macro Sifus, I have finally got my first proper Lantern Bug shot, albeit only a nymph haha XD

Lantern bugs are easily recognized by their long snouts, and are often found on tree trunks. it is not uncommon to observe them in pairs, or even groups.

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

Wide-Jawed Viciria- Viciria praemandibularis ♂ by PF T.J., on Flickr

A Wide-Jawed Viciria has a... well, wide jaw lol, just look at the size of it! I look forward to photographing them eating; I wonder how they do it.

These jumping spiders are capable of growing up to a 1-2cm large, and are fast and agile, preferring to hide under leaves like most other salticids.

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#97
Robberfly by PF T.J., on Flickr

Robberflies have two compound eyes and three simple eyes (ocelli), allowing them to see precisely the location and distance of the flying prey before lifting off and piercing them in mid-air! Robberflies also have moustaches" that make them look more awesome while doing that.

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#98
Yellowish Black Jumping Spider by PF T.J., on Flickr

An unidentified Salticid cleaning its fangs and legs. Note the colour difference of its two main eyes (also called Anterior Median Eyes [AME]). This phenomenon is often seen in Telamonia, Epeus etc. too, probably due to the way the eye lenses reflect light.

A typical Jumping Spider possesses a 4-layered retina in each of its AME eyes, enabling it to see very differently from us, even up to the ultraviolet range.

#99
Flesh Fly by PF T.J., on Flickr


Flesh flies are common around compost piles, rotten vegetables or dung.

Flesh flies are often found along with blowflies though adults are much larger, faster and sensitive to its surroundings.

Flesh flies are known to develop embryo within the body and lay hatched maggots on suitable materials.

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#100
Planthopper nymph (Fulgoromorpha) by PF T.J., on Flickr

A Peacock bug? NOPE! Just a Planthopper nymph excreting fireworks!

These "tails" are actually hydrophobic, waxy secretions from the abdomen of the Planthopper nymph. These serve as deterrents to predators and perhaps also act as an "umbrella" for the bug.

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#101
A Spiny Gea (Gea sinipes) resting on its web by PF T.J., on Flickr

This small little spider rests near the centre of its web. Most web-weaving spiders have unique and colourful patterns on the bottom side of its abdomen.

Some think that when spiders rest on the centre of their webs (which many do), the patterns may misdirect insect preys to mistake the spider as a flower, luring them into a trap.

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#102
Jumping Spider with prey by PF T.J., on Flickr

An unidentified Jumping Spider with a huge flesh fly dinner!

Jumping Spiders are capable of hunting and killing preys that are larger or stronger than themselves, provided that they manage to grasp the prey, bite and inject venom in time- impressive!

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#103
Gold-coloured Tortoise Beetle (Aspidomorpha sp.; Cassidinae) by PF T.J., on Flickr

A beautiful, gold coloured Tortoise Beetle.

These beetles are capable of changing their colour depending on the environment they are in.

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

nice macro!
btw sifu, how you identify each species scientific name?

Thank you man! Appreciate it!

Oh, unfortunately no, there are just too many species out there to remember or recognize unfortunately
I only know the more common ones

#104
An Ornamental Coin Spider (Herennia multipuncta) with prey by PF T.J., on Flickr

This gravid (pregnant) is busy having her breakfast and decided to not bother about me taking her photos XD

Note the "twists" on the legs of the spider. These allow the legs to point forward (or backwards) instead of downwards, enabling this spider to lie flat on surfaces, which is usually does.

PS: I love this beautiful and unique spider <3

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#105
Boomerang Spider- Rhomphaea sp. ♂ by PF T.J., on Flickr

These bizarre-looking spiders are easy to recognized based on their long and curvy "tails".

Often hanging on the bottom-side of leaves or branches, these spiders don't really spin a lot of webs to catch preys.

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#106
Yellow Tent Spider (Cyrtophora sp. ♀) drinking by PF T.J., on Flickr

Spiders need to drink water to function healthily, and they usually get their dosage by sipping off morning dew drops.

I have seen and reared quite a number of spiders but this particular type seem to drink alot more than the others. As seen in photo, the spider dips its mouth into the water on the leaf and spent quite some time drinking.

Note that one of its hind legs is attached to the safety line which (i) prevents the spider from falling and (ii) acts as a guide back to its nest.

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog: http://pixelsdimension.com/

#107
Batik Golden Web Spider- Nephila antipodiana ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

A gigantic Nephila antipodiana (easily 10cm) resting on its web which is covered with.. not dead leaves, but plenty of termite flies!

These Nephila spiders are some of the largest around (even the males can grow larger compared to other species) and build impressively large webs. The yellowish tints of the webs will "shine" in gold under the morning sun- thus the name!

If you take a closer look, there is a male N. antipodiana at the back of the female, and a sneaky food-stealing spider (Argyrodes flavescens) stealing a bite out of the host's preys.

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog:
http://pixelsdimension.com/

Everyone has said you've taken plenty of good shots. I have to agree. And I can say I'll never have the eye for it like you do.

Hi sir, thank you so much for your kind words, much appreciated!
I'm still learning la haha, there are many out there who are even better

#108
Robberfly lift off! by PF T.J., on Flickr

And she's off!

Only managed to get one shot of this magnificent flyer which probably took off to hunt down the mosquitoes surrounding me! Awesome

Note the small protrusion below the wings? Those are called Halteres (occur in pairs) which help flies to maintain balance during flight. Halteres evolved from hindwings.

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog:
http://pixelsdimension.com/

#109
Common Flashwing- Vestalis amethystina ♂ by PF T.J., on Flickr

A colourful and relatively large male damselfly. I am not really sure what this one is doing- stretching its tail?

Usually when a female damselfly is seen in this position, it is slitting tiny holes in leaves or stems to lay eggs.

For more photos and guides on Macro Photography, please check out my blog:
http://pixelsdimension.com/