An Amazing Structure

svalley · Post by **svalley** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 6:41 pm

This is a spider egg case attached to a small blade of grass. The large end was about 1-2 mm across. Note the tether wrapped around the base of the stem.

There is an inner globe of fine silk surrounded be a heavier protective layer.

Leica MZ16 stereomicroscope w/extended depth of field imaging system

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 7:10 pm

Pretty neat photographs there Steve.

Reminds me of the old style hot air or helium filled balloons with the mesh net surrounding them. Interesting how the spider thought to anchor her offspring to the grass blade but I suppose all of that is in the spiders programing.

Charles Krebs · Post by **Charles Krebs** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 9:49 pm

It really is an amazing microstructure.

Nice find, and very nicely done!

Bruce Williams · Post by **Bruce Williams** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:36 am

Very interesting photo Steve. Lighting is excellent and really helps to accentuate structure and detail

Bruce

svalley · Post by **svalley** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 7:31 pm

Thanks for the comments.

beetleman · Post by **beetleman** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:09 pm

Nature is so amazing up close....super find Steve, and a great set of photos. Anyone home? On a side note, there is a post on the macro forum discussing the hairs on a lacewings` wing. Do you know why there would be hairs on a wing?

svalley · Post by **svalley** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 7:20 pm

Doug, the hairs on insect wings probably have multiple functions. The escape from spider web scenario sounds plausible. They also probably have a sensory function during flight. They would also increase lift by trapping a layer of air on the upper surface of the wing that acts as part of the wing. They also create turbulance that can aid lift. I am mostly gussing here, so don't read to much into it. Almost all my knowledge about insect flight comes from my studies of dragonflies, and their flight is distinctly different from other insects. They flap their fore and hind wings independently and can use the hind wings to take advantage of the turbulence caused by the forewings. That is part of the reason they are so manuverable. And yes, they also have some hairs on their wings that are thought to be sensory.

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 7:38 pm

A round of congratulations goes to Steve Valley also.

A great cover piece for our Micro Forums front page. Great work there Steve

Bruce Williams · Post by **Bruce Williams** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 4:35 am

One of the most unusual and interesting posts - great photos too. Thought provoking, extremely memorable and IMO most deserving of selection.

Congratualations!

Bruce

svalley · Post by **svalley** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 5:55 am

Thank you, guys. I am honored.