Oecophylla weaver ants are exceptionally cooperative subjects for photography, allowing for plenty of experimentation with lighting while the ants preen and pose. While developing the photographs from South Africa I discovered that strong backlighting allows a crystal-clear view of the tracheal system:
Oecophylla longinoda, St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
The tracheae are visible as dark canals running through the body. These connect to the outside air in a series of circular spiracles and are essentially the lungs of the insect, channeling oxygen to the respiring cells and carrying away carbon dioxide. I never though I’d photograph them in a living insect.
photo details: Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x macro lens on a Canon 20D
ISO 100, f/11, 1/250 sec
backlight with handheld strobe, 60% crop in PS.
Wow… this photo is astounding. The effect of the backlighting really adds an awe-inspiring effect to this ant.
one of the most amazing shots i’ve seen!
Mmm. Much tastier than smaragdina – full of lemony-goodness!
I ate one of these (longinoda) in the Gambia, with our Gambian guide looking on in disbelief. I’m sure he still tells the tale of the crazy white guy who came to eat the ants!
Incredible shot BTW.
Nice shot. Backlighting is indeed very useful for revealing otherwise hidden details. Here is my picture of the lung of a snail, likewise revealed with backlighting.
I agree – an excellent shot, Alex. Perfect use of backlighting.
That’s just beautiful.
Curious… Do weaver ants have a thinner cuticle than other ants?
Amazing shot.