An arthropod is an invertebrate animal having an exoskeleton (external skeleton), a segmented body, and jointed appendages. Arthropods include all insects, arachnids, and crustaceans. Their body plan consists of repeated segments, each with a pair of appendages. Their versatility has enabled them to become one of the most species-rich members on the planet. [Source]
They have over a million described species, making up more than 80% of all described living animal species. They range in size from microscopic plankton up to forms a few meters long. [Source]
The USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Program designs and develops large and small-scale surveys and identification tools for native bees. A vital aspect of the program is to create accurate and detailed pictures of native bees as well as the plants and insects they interact with.
On their 1200+ Flickr photostream, the USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab (USGS BIML) has uploaded an astounding collection of macro photographs that you can see in full resolution. The detail and clarify is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
The Sifter went through all 1200 photos earlier today and compiled our 40 favourites. Be sure to check them out on Flickrto appreciate the volume of work they have shared for the benefit of all visitors.
source: [twistedsifter]
1. Unknown Wasp
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
2. Yellow Jacket Mimic Fly
Photograph by USGS BIML/Tim McMahon
3. Female Northern Black Widow Spider
(Latrodectus variolus)
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
4. The Endangered Karner Blue
(Lycaeides melissa samuelis)
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
5. Melissodes dentiventris
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
6. Beetle on glass
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
7. Black Horse Fly
(Tabanus atratus)
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
8. Augochlora regina
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
9. Oblong-winged katydid
(Amblycorypha oblongifolia)
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
10. Megachile-campanulae
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
11. Lasioglossum nr longifrons
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
12. Lace Bug
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
13. Rove Beetle
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
14. Trypoxylon mexicanum
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
15. Centris haemorrhoidalis
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
16. Cone Head
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
17. Agapostemon coloradinus
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
18. Leptochilus acolhuus
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
19. Harlequin Bug Eggs
(Murgantia histrionica)
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
20. Polistes metricus
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
21. Spider Wasp
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
22. Gryllus species
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
23. Hoplitis truncata
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
24. Deer Fly
(Tabanidae)
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
25. Drepanaporus collaris
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
26. Triepeolus donatus
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
27. Drepanaporus collaris
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
28. Sharpshooter
(Oncometopia orbona)
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
29. Trypoxylon mexicanum
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
30. Yellow Jacket Mimic Fly
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
31. Pearl Crescent
(Phyciodes tharos)
Photograph by USGS BIML/Brooke Alexander
32. Camel Cricket
(Diestrammena asynamora)
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
33. Harlequin Bug Nymphs
(Murgantia histrionica)
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
34. Lachnopus guerinii
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
35. Bombus griseocollis
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
36. Coelioxys sayi
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
37. Unknown Spider
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
38. Brown marmorated stinkbug
(Halyomorpha halys)
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
39. Osmia sandersoneae
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
40. Dianthidium curvatum
Photograph by USGS BIML/Sam Droege
Such beautiful.
