Parasitic wasp (Ophion obscuratus)

Matthias · Post by **Matthias** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 4:23 am

It is now about one year ago that I saw by chance stacked macro photographs. I was intrigued and decided to learn this technique.
I had to acquire the needful equipment and I’ve read a lot interesting facts in this forum (Thanks to all!). There were “a few” setbacks but finally I am satisfied with some of my results.

Enclosed is a current series of a parasitic wasp. Ophion obscuratus is a nocturnal ichneumon wasp of about 2 cm length. This wasp is a parasitoid of noctuid moth larvae: The adult wasp finds the host larvae at night (therefore they have very large ocelli), the host is temporarily paralysed and a single egg laid in the body.

All photos were taken with Canon EOS 5D, Mitutoyo M Plan Apo 10x on bellows, ISO 50, flash, paper cylinder diffuser, stacked with Zerene, mostly mix of PMax and DMap method.

This photo was taken only one day later. It is apparent that the structure of the compound eyes dissolves rapidly:

The sting will be used both as ovipositor and for purposes of defense:

Large versions on my flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/63933727@N06/

Big Thanks to Craig Gerard who provided me a tube lens!

seta666 · Post by **seta666** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 5:36 am

Very beautifull set; love the last one.
What tube lens; morfanon?
Regards
Javier

lauriek · Post by **lauriek** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 5:39 am

Very nicely done! Looks like the eyes have started to go off a bit in the third shot though...

Matthias · Post by **Matthias** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 7:53 am

Thanks!

@ Laurie: ... yes, as I said

@ Javier: ... Morfanon, indeed

rjlittlefield · Post by **rjlittlefield** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 8:56 am

Matthias wrote:I am satisfied with some of my results.

I should think so! These are beautiful!

--Rik

RogelioMoreno · Post by **RogelioMoreno** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 10:10 am

Beautiful set!

Rogelio

Harold Gough · Post by **Harold Gough** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 11:18 am

The first is my favourite but I love the OOF halo effect in the second.

Harold

seed · Post by **seed** » Fri Nov 04, 2011 7:41 am

I would perfectly happy putting #2 on my wall. Excellent work on the color.

Martin G. · Post by **Martin G.** » Fri Nov 04, 2011 8:59 am

gorgeous series!

Matthias · Post by **Matthias** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 8:04 am

Thank you guys!

Tesselator · Post by **Tesselator** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 9:58 am

Wow! Danm! So beautiful!

What an awesome lighting setup you must use!?!?! Is there a link to it in the Set-up thread?

Matthias · Post by **Matthias** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 12:41 am

Tesselator wrote: What an awesome lighting setup you must use!?!?! Is there a link to it in the Set-up thread?

I use a fairly ordinary vertical setup. The lighting consists of 2 flashlights. In this case I used a paper cylinder as diffuser ... nothing special.

madmacro · Post by **madmacro** » Wed Nov 09, 2011 5:26 am

Every pic is a masterpiece it's self, brilliant color and detail,
appreciate your sharing.

Cyclops · Post by **Cyclops** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:11 am

These are superb shots! Braver than me to attempt stacking! I wouldnt have the patience!

abpho · Post by **abpho** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 7:58 pm

WOW! You are going to give sebastian a hard time to secure that front page spot.

I think Morfanon is my new drug word.

Morfanon.
Morfanon.
Morfanon...

Those are awesome stacks. Very well done.