Stink Bug - Mechanics of eating

[Stagecoach]

Testing some newly constructed cardboard and kitchen roll diffusers on my small front mounted flashes tonight I delved deeper into the mechanics of how these critters feed on the palm seeds of which are quite hard.

The bug has a long extending fine tube that extends and is used to bore into the seed. Whilst boring into the seed this fine tube is supported by the articulated protuberance that can be folded up under the body when not in use.
No 1


This boring continues until the fine tube is fully inserted.
No 2


Once the fine tube is fully in it is then pulled out. No support is needed for the tube as it's under tension.
No 3


Now that's a pretty smart bit of engineering I think.

Comments and suggestions welcome as always.

Grahame

[IzzieK]

These are all good shots, Grahame. #1 and 2 are very interesting and so is #3 but I see that there are some un-needed lights at the back of the #3 maybe from your cardboard tube? What was this bug boring at? It looks like a petal of a flower or something similar?

[deetheturk]

More great images Grahame,mother nature never ceases to amaze us,love the way you have caught #1 doing its drilling,fantastic!

I think your diffusers have worked well,these bugs look a nightmare to keep lighting under control.

Keep up the good work bud

David

[flashback]

Grahame,
Fantastic shots and details. The images show perfectly how the rostrum (the collective apparatus of modified mouth parts) functions. One additional bit of info: the stylet that is inserted (into a fruit or stem) is made up of the mandible and maxilla, which when joined together has two internal tubes, one for pumping saliva into the fruit to break it down and the other tube to suck up the plant juices. Absolute genius in design and engineering. Your images would be perfect for an entomology text.

[ClaudioG]

Graham....... I'd swear but I can't on this site so I'll use the other f word. Freaking amazing!!! Great words great images superb sharpness and your diffuser seem to be working well, my have is number 3. It's a top image full of information and looks great.
Btw,have you tried tracing paper as a diffuser yet? I haven't had issues with blown highlights, in fact, i didn't know this was such a big issue with certain type of shelled insects.

[Shadowman]

Nice.

[Wavelength]

Amazing!!!

[Stagecoach]

Thanks for the comments guys, I'm pleased you enjoyed this 'information' series as I sure did photographing it.

Izzie, The bugs are feeding on palm seeds of which there are hundred of seeds attached to stalks in a spray that grow from high up on the palm trunks. The seeds are round oval shaped and about 12mm long. I have to admit I'm guilty of doing minimal PP work on these other than exposure/shadows as the intent was the feeding rather than a good picture plus laziness late at night

David, I'm not convinced the diffusers helped that much here it's something that's very hard to evaluate. I'm starting to consider if a ring-light may be worth a try for these real close ups so that I can get the light closer at a lower intensity.

Jack, I much appreciate the additional information you have given, I find it fascinating that something so small has such well designed apparatus for feeding.

Claudio, I have tried two stationary shops here for tracing paper and it's not something they sell. The other option my be grease proof paper used for cooking so I'll experiment with that.

John, Nandakumar, thanks.


Grahame

[bnnrcn]

It is really amazing to see such an operation,also nice shots, thanks for sharing

[Stagecoach]

It is really amazing to see such an operation,also nice shots, thanks for sharing

Thanks Binnur, I find using macro to show what we would never normally see with the naked eye fun, as for the shots I just wish I could find a way to improve the lighting so it's less harsh on these.

Grahame