Nikon Small World

Bolte captured this image for scientific display and research purposes as part of his job in entomology research with Natural Resources Canada. Bolte’s image conveys a parasitic wasp which, at this magnification and resolution, could never be completely in focus using normal photographic and microscopic techniques. This image’s large size and high resolution allow one to study and appreciate the beauty and complexity of this microscopic insect in its most minute detail.

Bolte used a Nikon SMZ-U stereo microscope attached to a Prius Z axis controller along with a high resolution digital camera, all of which were controlled with software through a computer. Bolte took multiple images through the stereo microscope at different focal planes through the Z axis. He then combined these images to produce one, completely in focus, image illustrating the structural characters that are specific to identifying this species. The metallic and iridescent colors and the complex structures show that beauty can be found in the insect world at a microscopic level.

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