Predation

[Steve Maxson]

This Predaceous Diving Beetle larva (Dytiscus spp.) has captured and is feeding on a dragonfly nymph (one of the skimmers - Family Libellulidae). Prey is captured with the large sickle-shaped mandibles which contain a hollow tube - much like a syringe. Digestive enzymes are injected into the prey and later, body fluids are sucked back up through the tubes. The beetle larva was feeding on the dragonfly about 4 hours. 2 gallon aquarium, 5D II, 100 mm macro, 1/200, f/16, ISO 100, MT24-EX macro twin flash (diffused), tripod, cable release. I cleaned up tiny bits of debris in the water and ran nr on the background. All comments are welcome and appreciated.

[Allen Sparks]

Wow Steve, love this behavioral shot and being able to see the eye of the beetle larva. Great lighting, DOF, and foucs too. well done!

[OvidiuCavasdan]

As usual very nice sharpness and details. Great DOF. Very good pose of the predator but I think the "pose" of the prey is also perfect and this put the image over the top for me.

[bhavya joshi]

Again Great behavioral shot.. nice habitat, sharpness, and Clean Image.. Nice action to see here..

[Ofer Levy]

This is excellent!!! Which Canon 100mm was it?

[christopher galeski]

great shot Steve,good detail,and with prey as well, bonus.thanks.

[Steve Maxson]

This is excellent!!! Which Canon 100mm was it?

Hi Ofer. This is the "old" version of the Canon 100 mm macro - no USM, no IS.

[Dave Leroy]

I really like the composition, colour and clarity on this one. I am guessing that getting the lighting just right must take some practice and/or experience.

Excellent behavior shot and action as well.

Dave

[Steve Maxson]

I am guessing that getting the lighting just right must take some practice and/or experience.

Dave

Hi Dave. Changing the lighting just slightly can make a big difference in the image - as I found out - and am still finding out. If I have a cooperative subject, I'll usually try a number of adjustments to the flash position and power to see what works the best.

[Carel v/d Sanden]

Hi Steve
It surprises me every time on these photo `s.
the sharpness and nice clean environment.
I once tried to photograph as larvae of toads, but it does not succeed.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Steve,
This is "killer"....yeah....pardon the bad pun! I'm an action junkie....so getting both heads just right and the great DOF just puts this over the top!

[Galliani Carlo]

great shot Steve
I love sharpness on Dytiscus and dragonflie nimphs and good BG
Very great clarity

[Susan Candelario]

Amazing shot, Steve!

[Nancy Bell]

This is awesome! Love all the little hair fringes on both insects. I agree with Roman...this is "killer" action!

[John Platt]

Wow Steve..... that is a great shot!

[Steve Maxson]

Thanks everyone for your comments.

[Ofer Levy]

Hi Ofer. This is the "old" version of the Canon 100 mm macro - no USM, no IS.

Thanks Steve!
I own this lens for years and completely forgot about it....
Now, after seeing these shots, I am going to treat it with much more respect...!

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Whoooo you guys are good in this forum. I am seeing great macro images and this one scared the joo joos out of me LOL.Excellent detail shot thru water. Your light set up is great here as well. Love it Steve.