Some Thoughts on Taking Pictures for Identification

Do I Need to Keep the Specimen After Taking the Picture?

Yes, Do not throw out the specimen after you have taken the picture.

Do Specimens Need to Be Fresh for Pictures?

Fresh specimens are best for pictures, however you can used preserved ones just make sure they are thoroughly dry if they have been in alcohol.

Properly Preserve It (70% ethyl alcohol) Until You Receive Identification

What Should the Pictures Show?

Take pictures of everything that looks different in a sample.

In taking Pictures Start Big and Work Down

Insects

  • On host if attached (scales, mealybugs)
  • Top view, have entire specimen fill frame
  • Side view, same as above
  • Ventral view, same as above
  • Close up of head front view and ventral view.

Additional for Larvae

  • Close up of posterior segments
  • Close up of prolegs (small fleshy legs on each segment) if present (looking for crochets)

Additional for Winged Insects Other than Beetles

  • Close up of wing

Spiders

  • Top view, have entire specimen fill frame
  • Side view, same as above
  • Ventral view, same as above
  • Close up of fangs
  • Close up of eye area
  • Close up of spinnerets

Scorpions

  • Top view, have entire specimen fill frame
  • Side view, same as above
  • Ventral view, same as above
  • Close up of entire telson (tail)
  • Close up of sting
  • Close up of “claw” and teeth of claw

Set up of Light/Camera

  • Adjust intensity
  • Adjust angle
    • If available on from top on from side
  • Background should be colored light blue /gray best

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