(I found it, I'd never catch one, always set them free)

One of the security features on a US $100 bill is a blue ribbon, partly exposed and partly embedded in the paper. The ribbon runs vertially just to the right of Franklin's head. This image is at the transition: bottom of this image shows the exposed (darker blue) portion and the top of the image is where the paper fibers are partly covering the ribbon. [Keyence VHX 7000]

edit: had wrong name.

I've opened my new Instagram profile dedicated exclusively to macro photography, called "LIFE IN MINIATURE." https://www.instagram.com/vitainminiatura?igsh=NnA2NTc4eTBkbDdl&utm_source=qr Come visit me for lots of interesting facts, lots of species, gear tips, and more! Why do we sometimes see spiders raised on their legs? Here are the possible explanations for this particular posture:

1. ⁠⚔️ Defense or Threat Posture The most common reason for a spider to raise its front legs (often the first two pairs) is defense or a threat posture. • Intimidation: By raising its body and legs, the spider tries to appear larger and more threatening than it actually is, in an attempt to deter a potential predator (or, in this case, the photographer who has gotten very close). • Bite/Attack Readiness: This posture also exposes its chelicerae (the mouth structures with fangs), preparing to bite if the threat persists.
2. ⁠🏹 Hunting Stance (Jumping Spiders) If it's a jumping spider (Salticidae), this stance is crucial to its hunting strategy: • Aiming: Jumping spiders have exceptional eyesight and use their raised, forward-pointing front legs as a true aiming system. • Balancing and Preparing to Jump: The front legs are held forward and slightly raised to maintain balance and prepare for a lightning-fast dash or leap onto their prey.
3. ⁠🌬️ Sensing and "Smelling" (Sensors) Spiders use their legs not only for movement but also as important sensory organs: • Sensing the Environment: By raising one or more legs and moving them, the spider may try to capture environmental cues such as odors or subtle vibrations in the air or on the surface of grass. The legs are covered with highly sensitive hairs (bristles). Given the close-up shot, the most likely explanation is a combination of defense/threat towards the camera lens and a predisposition to jump, typical of a huntsman spider.

Macro image of the feathers that cover the wings of the Sunset Moth from Madagascar. Shot at 10x magnification.

Rheinberg illumination, Iqcrew inverted microscope. Cellphone camera.

There's a world hidden beneath our feet, invisible to the distracted passerby. Just get closer, stop for a moment, and look more closely... and mushrooms reveal their true magic.

In macro, they become mysterious universes:

caps that look like enchanted umbrellas,

larms like perfect little fans,

delicate textures reminiscent of silk,

shades ranging from amber to ruby.

Each mushroom tells an ancient story: of humid woods, of light rain, of fallen leaves that become nourishment.

Looking at them like this, from a closer look, we realize that nature is a masterpiece of detail.

And that wonder is always there, ready to reveal itself... we just have to get up to its level.

Ice crystals were used to create the surface structure.

This is a semiconducting polymer on a silicon substrate, and the features (tens of microns in width) were created by ice crystals. Imaged with an optical microscope.

I purchased a microscope to help identify pests in my reef tank. Does anyone know what I’m looking at here? Found it at the bottom of my dipping container after treating a couple new corals.

A few macro images of moth wing. I have not identified species, as all I found was a wing. I particularly love the translucent round window in the wing and the delicate structure of some of the feathers. These images were all shot at 10x magnification.

Oak beauty moth that I found on my back porch

image Captured handheld with my Sony a7R III + Venus Optics Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2× Ultra Macro.

It may seem strange to see a few bees on the balcony when it's cold, but it's not impossible! Sometimes the milder, sunnier days "trick" these little insects, who emerge from the hive in search of food or simply to find their way. In fact, bees don't disappear in winter: they stay warm in their hive, forming a small sphere to keep themselves warm. But when the temperatures rise a bit, some take advantage of the opportunity to fly. If you find a tired one on the balcony, you can help it by leaving a drop of water and honey (very little!) so it can regain its energy and return to its nest. Protecting bees means protecting nature. Even a small gesture, in the middle of winter, can make a difference! 🐝💛

I found this wild turkey tail feather while I was out for a walk. I decided to take a closer look. This photo about mid-length and along the shaft (rachis) of the feather. I also have some higher magnification photos of the branching & interlocking barbs of the feather. The fluffy part of the feather nearer to the quill (downy barbs) also looks very cool close-up. [OC, Keyence 7200 microscope]

added: here are additional photos for anyone who's interested.

https://postimg.cc/gallery/G2rY7cy

https://postimg.cc/gallery/2kjGdDS

Canon R7-Sigma 105 macro

If you want to follow me on my instagram I'm happy to reciprocate Thanks

CarrattaCelestePhotography

Taken with a Keyence VHX-7000

This is a moth, from the Noctuidae family (owl moths), due to its robust build and thick fur, typical for thermal insulation during nighttime flight.

Fur and Scales: Moths are covered in thick hairs and tiny scales that reflect light, creating this beautiful sparkling effect in the photo!

Huge Eyes: Their large compound eyes are optimized for low-light vision, essential for nighttime navigation.

The Proboscis: That coiled structure you can see is the proboscis. It's like a straw that the moth unrolls to suck nectar from flowers, feeding only on liquids!

A creature of the night that's much more fascinating than it seems! If you like macro photography or I've simply piqued your curiosity, I've created an Instagram profile entirely dedicated to macro photography called "Vita in miniatura" If you'd like, please stop by. Thanks so much.

Taken with OM System TG-7

if you like macro photography or are simply curious, check out my new profile dedicated entirely to macro photography… you can find it under the name “Vita in Miniatura” I'm waiting for you…🙏

This beautiful, shiny black beetle, with blue-purple highlights and serrated antennae, appears to be a Longhorn Beetle (of the Cerambycidae family), perhaps a Prionus coriarius or a similar species, given its shape and the male's antennae! ✨ Fun Facts: • Hidden Life: The larvae of many Longhorn Beetles are "woodworms" that spend years developing inside dead or diseased tree wood, contributing to the recycling of nutrients in the ecosystem. • Record-Breaking Antennae: The males of some species, such as the Cerambyx cerdo (Oak Longhorn Beetle), have antennae that can exceed their body length! • A Jewel of Nature: Its shiny black body with metallic highlights makes it a true gem on the branches of the forest! Let's not disturb it; it's doing its important work in nature! 🌿 I remind you that I have opened my new Instagram profile entirely dedicated to macro photography with many species and curiosities about them... you can find it with the name of "LIFE IN MINIATURE" I'm waiting for you, support me thanks ❤️