Entomologist John Abbott uses high-speed flash photography to capture insects, bats and other animals in motion around Texas. The technique gives him (and the viewer) the ability to see these creatures in a way that is impossible with the naked eye.
In this slideshow, Abbott talks about a few of his insect photos. Some of his subjects, such as the phorid fly attacking the fire ants, are no larger than a pinhead.
Learn more about the research that takes place at the university’s Brackenridge Field Laboratory (BFL).
Read a transcript of the interview (PDF).
To view a linked PDF file, download the Acrobat Reader plug-in for your browser.
Resources for People
Phenomenal!!!
What gorgeous colors!
Very good work. I believe observing the motion of winged-insects is also required to develop new helicopter designs.
"You must have JavaScript enabled and the Flash 8 plugin installed to view this content."
John, These photos are absolutely amazing. Have you considered taking some of the photos to your neighborhood elementary and junior high schools? These kids can get really excited about another aspect of the great diversity of life on earth.
Wow, i have a new respect for insects. So Mr. Abbot, since you have such a high respect for bugs, do you resist the urge to swat them away when they become a nuisance?
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by TexasMemorialMuseum, Jonas. Jonas said: High-speed insect photography at UT Austin. Awesome #science http://bit.ly/cFyKNM [...]
What is the cameras sync speed? this is the problem i have found with my slr. thanks, bill
In response to Bill's question above, I think that with enough flash units, the sync speed becomes irrelevant. Each flash unit must be set at a low power level in order to keep the flash to a minimum duration. By using multiple flashes of short duration, there is a strong but extremely brief flash which registers for a much, much shorter duration than the camera's sync speed.
Bill, Ray is exactly right on this. The camera is actually the most insignificant part of the setup. I use 24 flashes at a duration that results in an exposure of about 1/50,000 sec for these insect shots.
nice shot! imagine from the low technology cameras up to super high-tech cameras that can capture every move of insects. this explains how a persons knowledge develops so fast. thank god for knowledge he given to us.
awesome! you can see up close how beautiful every creature in this world is..even if it is small or big creature still they possess beauty on its own..thanks for the high tech cameras and good photographers..
I'm sure your slideshow is impressive ... unfortunately I can't see it. It would really be nice if you didn't make your content dependent on a plugin (I'm referring to Flash) that has been found to have numerous vulnerabilities that put users at risk ... especially when there are plenty of alternatives for presenting the content without any need for a plugin.
I like smashing bugs.
I love the display. I'm especially interested in Dung beetles, one of my favorites. Also, I grew up on the land that is now BFL, and have very fond memories of collecting and releasing the insects that are in your photos.
Beautiful photographs. Just amazing!
Wow, the photos are beautiful! About the phorid fly - intense! Thank you for sharing!
Wonderful pictures thanks for the slideshow. It is amazingly hard to shoot these tiny insects.
Amazing photos. Gr8 work buddy
Amazing!great shot of taking picture of the Phorid fly.Thanks for this high technology photograph its very useful.Hope you can invented more!!!
really nice bugs, i like it.
Nice Bug... really rocks! thank you for sharing!
Stunning images. I love the videos and pictures taken in slow motion, but never before had seen insects. Thank you for showing them.
I love photography and what Dr. Abbott has displayed here is amazing. A great video of not only describing the insects but the stunning shots as well. I definitely will be bookmarking this site to learn more. Thank you. Patrick
Amazing slideshow with some unique photography. Stopping life in motion at such high speed is a gift.
Truly amazing images. Funny how much is out there that we never notice day to day!
Very nice images and a nice Slideshow!