Climbing Plants
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Lookin into Mt Doom! A selfie taken at the summit of Mt. Nyiragongo in DR Congo. Nyiragongo is an active stratovulcano with an elevation of 3470 m and the worlds largest lava-lake. The last eruption was back in 2002.
Kruger national Park
South Africa
Smith's bush squirrel (Paraxerus cepapi), also known as the yellow-footed squirrel or tree squirrel, is an African bush squirrel which is native to woodlands of the southern Afrotropics.
It is found in Angola, Botswana, the DRCongo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is a common rodent which is diurnal by nature.
Its total length is 350 mm, half of which is tail. This species only weighs 200 g. The coat colour varies throughout the region. In the western and arid parts of its range, it is pale grey, and in the eastern localities, more brown. Its head and legs are a rusty colour. Colouration on the chest varies from yellowish to buff in the east, to white in the west. This squirrel's belly is white. These alert and ever busy creatures carry their long tails extended backwards.
Smith's bush squirrels are primarily vegetarian, but like most rodents, they take insect prey and use their front feet to manipulate food items when feeding. They scatter-hoard seeds next to tree trunks or grass tufts, thereby facilitating tree regeneration.
Essentially arboreal animals, they also spend a great deal of time on the ground, foraging for food. When disturbed, Smith's bush squirrels always seek the refuge of trees. At night, territorial family groups nest together in holes in trees. - Wikipedia
A most colorful bug (Sphaerocoris annulus, Scutelleridae, Hemiptera) feeding on herbaceous plants along the Luapula river (Upper-Katanga, DR Congo, 1 February 2018).
Live specimen. Fieldstack based on 66 images (fast method, Zerene Stacker, Dmap & Pmax). Sony A6500, FE 2.8/90 Macro G OSS; ISO-200, f/3.5, 1/400s, -0.3step, diffused natural light.
Find a previous post of this specimen in the first comment line
Gear and methods: www.flickr.com/photos/andredekesel/8086137225/
Article about this image here: www.boredpanda.com/picasso-bug-sphaerocoris-annulus/
Black and white coloured weevil (Cercidocerus albicollis; Curculionidae) from the Yangambi Man-and-Biosphere Reserve (DR Congo, November 2013, ethanol preserved).
Studio work with a staged dead specimen. Focus stack, 122 images, assembled in Zerene Stacker (Dmap & Pmax). Sony A7Rm3 (cropped mode) + Metabones EF to Sony E, Canon MP-E 2.8/65mm at approx. 1.3x; ISO-50, f/6.3, 1/200, 1 diffused flash.
A nymph of an eyed flower mantid (1cm nymph, possibly Pseudocreobotra wahlbergi , Hymenopodidae, Mantodea) found in low vegetation in the miombo of Mikembo (Upper-Katanga, DR Congo, 31 January 2018).
Live specimen, great model. Fieldstack based on 36 images (fast method, Zerene Stacker, Dmap & Pmax). Sony A6500, FE 2.8/90 Macro G OSS; ISO-400, f/3.5, 1/250s, -0.3step, all natural light. Slightly cropped.
For explanations on gear and methods see: www.flickr.com/photos/andredekesel/8004355391/
Portrait of a blister beetle (ca. 25mm long, Epicauta sp., Meloidae) from Mikembo sanctuary (DR Congo, Katanga, 35km NE of Lubumbashi, February 2015; collection specimen).
Studio work with a prepared and staged specimen. Stack of 45 images (on tripod), obtained by focus bracketing with a Canon EOS M6 Mark II, EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM (ISO-100, f/4, 1/6 sec, -0.7step, natural diffused light). Images assembled in Zerene Stacker (Pmax & Dmap), slightly cropped.
This is a slice of malachite from Katanga DR Congo courtesy of Pala International. My guess would be that it is a slice of a malachite stalactite. Any correction will be appreciated.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malachite
Malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, with the formula Cu2CO3(OH)2. This opaque, green-banded mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, and most often forms botryoidal, fibrous, or stalagmitic masses, in fractures and deep, underground spaces, where the water table and hydrothermal fluids provide the means for chemical precipitation. Individual crystals are rare, but occur as slender to acicular prisms. Pseudomorphs after more tabular or blocky azurite crystals also occur.[5]
The stone's name derives (via Latin: molochītis, Middle French: melochite, and Middle English melochites) from Greek Μολοχίτης λίθος molochites lithos, "mallow-green stone", from μολόχη molochē, variant of μαλάχη malāchē, "mallow".[6] The mineral was given this name due to its resemblance to the leaves of the mallow plant.[7] Copper (Cu2+) gives malachite its green color.[8]
Malachite was mined from deposits near the Isthmus of Suez and the Sinai as early as 4000 BCE.[9]
It was extensively mined at the Great Orme Mines in Britain 3,800 years ago, using stone and bone tools. Archaeological evidence indicates that mining activity ended c. 600 BCE, with up to 1,760 tonnes of copper being produced from the mined malachite.[10][11]
Here is information on Katanga DR Congo
www.mindat.org/locentry-1306408.html
www.visittucson.org/tucson-gem-mineral-fossil-showcase/
Every year the world-renowned Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase is like a time portal, a trip around the world, and a treasure hunt all rolled into one. Every winter, more than 65,000 guests from around the globe descend upon Tucson, AZ, to buy, sell, trade, and bear witness to rare and enchanting gems, minerals, and fossils at more than 50 gem show locations across the city. If you're planning a winter visit to Tucson, you won't want to miss this three-week-long event filled with shows, related events, a free day at the gem & mineral museum, and much, much more!
"Whether you’re looking for a $5 shimmering crystal necklace or a show-stopping $200,000 crystallized rock from an exotic location, the Tucson Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Shows have something for everyone.
www.visittucson.org/blog/post/gems-and-minerals/
The theme this year was Shades of Green- Experience the Magic. The theme for next year's show will be Red, White, and Blue Celebrate the Spirit of Minerals
xpopress.com/news/article/783/shades-of-green-70th-annual...
Green-colored gemstones are part of almost every mineral group. Famous members include emeralds (beryl); chrysoprase, bloodstone, aventurine, imperial jasper, kabamba jasper, and ocean jasper (quartz); green tourmaline; green sapphires; nephrite jade and imperial green jadeite; as well as tsavorite, grossular, demantoid, and drusy uvarovite (garnets).
There are also the soloists: malachite, amazonite, chrysoberyl, chrome diopside, maw-sit-sit, drusy liebethenite from Congo, fluorite, peridot, gaspeite, lime magnesite, seraphinite, prehnite, idocrase, and serpentine.
Green gems vary in hue, chroma (saturation), lightness, and tint, each with an identifiable green shade. They evoke memories of picturesque and scenic vistas, gardens, and lush meadows. Green is considered relaxing and pleasing to the eye and symbolizes nature, spring, healing, fertility, rebirth, and regeneration. It is linked to over thirty similes, idioms, and phrases used in everyday language.
TGMS 2025
Tucson Gem Show 2025
Portrait of a large click beetle (5cm, aff. Tetralobus flabellicornis, Elateridae) from Yangambi (DR Congo, November 2013).
Studio work with a dead specimen, rehydrated and staged. Focus stack, 56 images, assembled in Zerene Stacker (Pmax & Dmap). Sony A7Rm3 + FE 2.8/90 Macro G OSS; ISO-100, f/4, 1s, -0.3step, natural light.
A couple of ground beetles (17mm, Chlaenius dusaultii, Carabidae) from the miombos of Mikembo (DR Congo, Upper-Katanga, January 2015, under wood, collection specimens).
Image made to show structural coloration. In this case the color of the thorax changes (from reddish orange to green) according to the angle of view.
Studio work with staged specimens. Focus stack, 60 images; assembled in Zerene Stacker (Dmap & Pmax). Sony A7Rm2, FE 2.8/90 Macro G OSS; ISO-100, f/3.5, 1/60s, -0.7step, all natural diffused light.
"Monsieur et madame" grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus, Orthoptera) from the miombo forest of Mikembo (DR Congo, Katanga, 26 January 2018).
Live specimens. Fieldstack based on 43 images (fast method, Zerene Stacker, Dmap & Pmax). Sony A6500, FE 2.8/90 Macro G OSS; ISO-200, f/3.5, 1/250s, -0.3step, all natural light. Slightly rotated.
For explanations on gear and methods see image in first comment or follow this link:
www.flickr.com/photos/andredekesel/8086137225/in/dateposted/
A small weevil (6mm, Curculionidae) found in the dense rainforest of Yangambi (Tshopo province, DR Congo, November 2013).
Studio work with an ethanol preserved specimen. Focus stack based on 79 images (25µm step), assembled in ZereneStacker (Pmax & Dmap). Sony A7RM3 (cropped mode), Canon MP-E 65mm at 4x, f4, ISO50, 1/250s, one diffused flash. Cropped image.
Portrait of a ground dwelling curculionid beetle (28mm, Curculionidae). Collection specimen from the dense rain forests of Yangambi (DR Congo, spring 2014, pitfall trapped, ethanol preserved).
Studio work, staged specimen, focus stack based on 101 images, assembled in Zerene Stacker (Dmap & Pmax).
Sony A7RM5 + Metabones adapter + Canon MP-E 2.8/65mm @2.5x; ISO-100, f4.1 (f/7.1 = last image), 0.8 sec, 1 diffused daylight led.
Find an earlier post of this species in the first comment line.
A nymph of an eyed flower mantid (1cm nymph, possibly Pseudocreobotra wahlbergi, Hymenopodidae, Mantodea) found in the miombos of Mikembo (Upper-Katanga, DR Congo, 31 January 2018).
Live specimen, great model. Fieldstack based on 41 images (fast method, Zerene Stacker, Dmap & Pmax). Sony A6500, FE 2.8/90 Macro G OSS; ISO-400, f/3.5, 1/250s, -0.3step, all natural light. Cropped.
For explanations on gear and methods see: www.flickr.com/photos/andredekesel/8004355391/
Previous post of this same specimen in the first comment line
This is a Malachite stalactite cave, Kolwezi Mine 2005, from Katanga near Kolwezi, Democr. Rep. of Congo, Africa courtesy of the Collection of Willam B. Wray
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malachite
Malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, with the formula Cu2CO3(OH)2. This opaque, green-banded mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, and most often forms botryoidal, fibrous, or stalagmitic masses, in fractures and deep, underground spaces, where the water table and hydrothermal fluids provide the means for chemical precipitation. Individual crystals are rare, but occur as slender to acicular prisms. Pseudomorphs after more tabular or blocky azurite crystals also occur.[5]
The stone's name derives (via Latin: molochītis, Middle French: melochite, and Middle English melochites) from Greek Μολοχίτης λίθος molochites lithos, "mallow-green stone", from μολόχη molochē, variant of μαλάχη malāchē, "mallow".[6] The mineral was given this name due to its resemblance to the leaves of the mallow plant.[7] Copper (Cu2+) gives malachite its green color.[8]
Malachite was mined from deposits near the Isthmus of Suez and the Sinai as early as 4000 BCE.[9]
It was extensively mined at the Great Orme Mines in Britain 3,800 years ago, using stone and bone tools. Archaeological evidence indicates that mining activity ended c. 600 BCE, with up to 1,760 tonnes of copper being produced from the mined malachite.[10][11]
Here is information on Katanga DR Congo
www.mindat.org/locentry-1306408.html
www.visittucson.org/tucson-gem-mineral-fossil-showcase/
Every year the world-renowned Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase is like a time portal, a trip around the world, and a treasure hunt all rolled into one. Every winter, more than 65,000 guests from around the globe descend upon Tucson, AZ, to buy, sell, trade, and bear witness to rare and enchanting gems, minerals, and fossils at more than 50 gem show locations across the city. If you're planning a winter visit to Tucson, you won't want to miss this three-week-long event filled with shows, related events, a free day at the gem & mineral museum, and much, much more!
"Whether you’re looking for a $5 shimmering crystal necklace or a show-stopping $200,000 crystallized rock from an exotic location, the Tucson Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Shows have something for everyone.
www.visittucson.org/blog/post/gems-and-minerals/
The theme this year was Shades of Green- Experience the Magic. The theme for next year's show will be Red, White, and Blue Celebrate the Spirit of Minerals
xpopress.com/news/article/783/shades-of-green-70th-annual...
Green-colored gemstones are part of almost every mineral group. Famous members include emeralds (beryl); chrysoprase, bloodstone, aventurine, imperial jasper, kabamba jasper, and ocean jasper (quartz); green tourmaline; green sapphires; nephrite jade and imperial green jadeite; as well as tsavorite, grossular, demantoid, and drusy uvarovite (garnets).
There are also the soloists: malachite, amazonite, chrysoberyl, chrome diopside, maw-sit-sit, drusy liebethenite from Congo, fluorite, peridot, gaspeite, lime magnesite, seraphinite, prehnite, idocrase, and serpentine.
Green gems vary in hue, chroma (saturation), lightness, and tint, each with an identifiable green shade. They evoke memories of picturesque and scenic vistas, gardens, and lush meadows. Green is considered relaxing and pleasing to the eye and symbolizes nature, spring, healing, fertility, rebirth, and regeneration. It is linked to over thirty similes, idioms, and phrases used in everyday language.
TGMS 2025
Tucson Gem Show 2025
Portrait of a scaly weevil (9 mm long, Curculionidae). Collection specimen from DR Congo, Yangambi, 13 November 2013.
Studio work with a dead specimen, it was rehydrated and staged. Focus stack, 88 images, assembled in Zerene Stacker (Dmap & Pmax). Sony A7Rm3 (cropped mode) + Metabones EF to Sony E, Canon MP-E 2.8/65mm at 2x; ISO-50, f/6.3, 1/200, 1 diffused flash.
Ultra thin assassin bug (2 cm long, Reduviidae, Hemiptera) from the miombo forest of Mikembo (DR Congo, Katanga, 26 January 2018).
Live specimen. Fieldstack based on 36 images (fast method, Zerene Stacker, Dmap & Pmax). Sony A6500, FE 2.8/90 Macro G OSS; ISO-400, f/3.2, 1/200s, -0.3step, all natural light.
Gear and methods: www.flickr.com/photos/andredekesel/8086137225/
This is a portrait of a Wall crab spider (flattie, Selenopidae, Arachnida; ID: Seleops sp., credit: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/huttonia]) from Katanga (DR Congo). These spiders are very common in buildings, both in and outside town. They are extremely flat and run sideways over walls and ceilings, hiding in narrow crevices. The chelicera and fangs are impressive; here about 3.4mm long.
Studio work with a preserved specimen (in ethanol since January 2013). Image based on 200 exposures, assembled in Zerene Stacker (Dmap & Pmax).
Canon 5Dmkii, Canon FD bellows, Rodenstock Apo-Gerogon 240/9, Mitu planapo 5x, ISO-100, 1/160sec, flash diffused with tracing paper. Image 3.5mm wide (6.8x on ff).
A long-legged tiger beetle (Myriochile aff. melancholica; Cicindelidae) from Yangambi forest (DR Congo, November 2013).
Studio work with a dead specimen, rehydrated and staged. Focus stack, 117 images, assembled in Zerene Stacker (Pmax & Dmap). Sony A7Rm3 + FE 2.8/90 Macro G OSS; ISO-50, f/5.6, 1/13s, -0.7step, natural light.
Two blind soldier snout termites (Trinervitermes sp., Termitidae) from Mikembo sanctuary (DR Congo, Katanga, January 29, 2018).
Studio work with dried collection specimens (rehydrated and staged). Focus stack of 250 images, assembled in Zerene Stacker (Dmap & Pmax). Sony A7Rm3 + Metabones EF to Sony E, Canon MP-E 2.8/65mm @ 4.5x; ISO-50, f/5.6, 1/4sec, -1.3step, 1 diffused daylight led.
Slightly cropped image, 7 mm wide.
Portrait of an African jewel beetle (ca. 27mm long, Buprestidae) found in the miombo woodlands of Mikembo (Katanga, DR Congo, January 2013, ethanol collection specimen).
Studio work. Focus stack based on 72 images, assembled in Zerene Stacker, cropped (now ca. 10mm wide). Sony A6300 + Metabones adapter + Canon MP-E 65mm at 1.6x, ISO-100, f/4.5, 1/160s, diffused flash.
Small cetonid beetle (10mm, id?, Cetonidae) from a miombo forest at Mikembo sanctuary (DR-Congo, Upper Katanga, January 2018, collection specimen).
Studio work. Focus stack of a staged specimen, based on 52 images; assembled in Zerene Stacker (Dmap & Pmax). Sony A6500 + Metabones adapter + Canon MP-E 65mm at 1.7x; ISO-100, f/5, 1/400s, one diffused flash (Godox AD200).
Happy 2018 everyone !
Duo of small Chrysomelids (6-7 mm, Coleoptera) from the rainforest of Yangambi (DR Congo, November 2013).
Studio work with staged specimens. Focus stack based on 70 images; assembled in Zerene Stacker (Dmap & Pmax). Sony A7Rm2, FE 2.8/90 Macro G OSS; ISO-100, f/4, 1/250s, 1 diffused flash (Godox AD200). Cropped image.
A peculiar curculionid beetle with enlarged articulations (Curculionidae; ID: ?). Found it in the miombo forest of Katanga (DR Congo, January 2015, light attracted).
Studio work with a staged specimen. Image based on 155 exposures, assembled in Zerene Stacker (Dmap & Pmax). Canon 5Dmkii, MP-E 65mm at 2.2x, ISO-100, f/4.5, 1/5sec, tracing paper diffused combination of natural light and ledlight (Lupolux).
A blister beetle (24mm, Mylabris sp., Meloidae), from the miombo forests of Lupemba (DR Congo, Katanga, January 2018, ethanol preserved collection specimen).
Studio work with staged specimen, showing lift off. Focus stack (focus ring bracketing), 24 images; assembled in Zerene Stacker (Dmap & Pmax). Sony A6500, FE 2.8/90 Macro G OSS; ISO-200, f/4, 0.8s, all natural diffused light.
A peculiar leaf beetle with an inflated segment on each antenna (beetle = 4mm long, Metacoryna sp., Chrysomelidae). Found it crawling over our camp light in the miombo forests of Mikembo (DR Congo, Katanga, January 2015, ethanol preserved specimen).
Studio work with a staged specimen. Focus stack based on 65 images; assembled in Zerene Stacker (Dmap & Pmax). Canon 5Dmkii, MP-E 65mm at 3.2x, ISO-100, f/4, 1/160sec; single flash, diffused with tracing paper all around the subject.
A very striking and shiny tortoise beetle (10mm diam., Aspidimorpha aff. sanctaecrucis, Cassidinae, Chrysomelidae, Coleoptera) from miombo forests near Lupemba (DR Congo, Katanga, 1 February 2018)
Live specimen. Fieldstack based on 51 images (fast method, Zerene Stacker, Dmap & Pmax, slightly cropped). Sony A6500, FE 2.8/90 Macro G OSS; ISO-200, f/3.2, 1/320s, -0.3step, diffused natural light.
Since the end of 2009, thousands of civilians have found themselves trapped by the ongoing conflict pitting the military against other armed groups in southern Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The district of Ituri is an area of fertile soils and expansive forests. South of the town of Bunia, lush hills undulate along Lake Albert, marking the border with neighboring Uganda. This land could flourish, but the lure of the precious minerals buried within those hills has triggered innumerable acts of aggression. As various armed groups have fought to control the area's natural resources, the name Ituri has become synonymous with violence.
© Christophe Stramba-badiali
Found this group of recently hatched bugs (Hemiptera) next to their empty eggs.
Field stack taken in the miombo forests at the Mikembo sanctuary (DR Congo, Katanga, 35km NE of Lubumbashi, January 2015).
The leaf is from a very sturdy and tall grass (Andropogon), it was blocked with two small clamps, just outside the frame. Image based on 79 exposures, assembled in Zerene Stacker (Dmap & Pmax). Canon 5D mkii, EF 100mm macro 1:2.8 USM, ISO-100, f/4, -0.7step, 1/25s, natural light, cloudy. Magnification 1x (on ff).
Tiny grasshopper (1.2cm, Orthoptera) from Mikembo (DR Congo, Upper Katanga, 26 January 2018, miombo forest).
Fieldstack of a live specimen, based on 36 images (fast method, Zerene Stacker, Dmap & Pmax). Sony A6500, FE 2.8/90 Macro G OSS; ISO-400, f/3.2, 1/320, -0.3step, all natural light.
Gear and methods:http://www.flickr.com/photos/andredekesel/8086137225/in/dateposted/
Another studio stack from this very beautiful weevil:
Cercidocerus albicollis (Olivier) (Curculionidae; ID-credit : Dr. M.L. Chamorro)
Found it in Yangambi (DR Congo, November 2013, ethanol preserved)
Based on 84 exposures, assembled in Zerene Stacker (Dmap & Pmax), uncropped.
Canon 5D mkii, Canon MP-E 65mm at 2.1x, ISO-100, f/6.3, 1/2sec, natural diffused light.
Checkout an earlier post of the same specimen in the comments.
Tiny grasshopper (1.2cm, Orthoptera) from Mikembo (DR Congo, Upper Katanga, 26 January 2018, miombo forest).
Cropped fieldstack with live specimen, based on 36 images (fast method, Zerene Stacker, Dmap & Pmax). Sony A6500, FE 2.8/90 Macro G OSS; ISO-400, f/3.2, 1/160, -0.3step, all natural light.
Image quality is not too terrific in this one. Explanations on gear and methods see this link:
www.flickr.com/photos/andredekesel/8086137225/in/dateposted/
This is Shattuckite from the Tantara Mine, Shinkolobwe, Kambove Territory, Haut-Katanga, DR Congo at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show.
A Cu deposit formerly worked from an open cut, now abandoned.
Belgian geologist called the deposit a " rabbit hole " because it is so small.
Typical specimens are dioptase vugs filled with pink cobaltian calcite and pseudomorphs of calcite, changed in dioptase, on their turn changed in plancheite.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shattuckite
Shattuckite is a copper silicate hydroxide mineral with formula Cu5(SiO3)4(OH)2. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic – dipyramidal crystal system and usually occurs in a granular massive form and also as fibrous acicular crystals. It is closely allied to plancheite in structure and appearance.
Shattuckite is a relatively rare copper silicate mineral. It was first discovered in 1915 in the copper mines of Bisbee, Arizona, specifically the Shattuck Mine (hence the name). It is a secondary mineral that forms from the alteration of other secondary minerals. At the Shattuck Mine, it forms pseudomorphs after malachite. A pseudomorph is an atom by atom replacement of a crystal structure by another crystal structure, but with little alteration of the outward shape of the original crystal. It is sometimes used as a gemstone.[5]
www.visittucson.org/tucson-gem-mineral-fossil-showcase/
"Every year the world-renowned Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase is like a time portal, a trip around the world, and a treasure hunt all rolled into one. Every winter, more than 65,000 guests from around the globe descend upon Tucson, AZ, to buy, sell, trade, and bear witness to rare and enchanting gems, minerals, and fossils at more than 50 gem show locations across the city. If you're planning a winter visit to Tucson, you won't want to miss this three-week-long event filled with shows, related events, a free day at the gem & mineral museum, and much, much more!
"Whether you’re looking for a $5 shimmering crystal necklace or a show-stopping $200,000 crystallized rock from an exotic location, the Tucson Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Shows have something for everyone."
www.visittucson.org/blog/post/gems-and-minerals/
The theme this year was Shades of Green- Experience the Magic. The theme for next year's show will be Red, White, and Blue Celebrate the Spirit of Minerals
xpopress.com/news/article/783/shades-of-green-70th-annual...
TGMS 2025
Tucson Gem Show 2025
At Lake Kivu, near the border of Rwanda and Democratic Republic of CongoAt Lake Kivu, near the border of Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo
Plants may not produce audible sounds but they can still voice their presence loudly.
Berlinia grandiflora on a stream bank in DR Congo.
This scaly-fluffy mushroom (6-9cm, Amanita crassiconus nom. prov. Bas, Amanitaceae, Fungi, herbarium ADK6189) is typical for African miombo woodland. It grows on very poor and gravelly soils. Its mycelium lives in symbiosis with the roots of the trees Julbernardia globiflora or Brachystegia spiciformis (Caesalpiniaceae). It is used for food in some remote areas in central and northern Bénin (West Africa).
Photographed this bunch in a miombo forest in Katanga (DR Congo, a year ago, January 2015).
Canon 500D, Sigma EX DG Fisheye 15mm 1:2.8, ISO-100, f/13, step -0.3, 1/15s, natural diffused light (late afternoon). Three image stack.
A greyish weevil found in the miombo forests of Upper-Katanga (DR Congo, February 2018). Interesting flowerhead with harpoon-like seeds (Asteraceae), don't know the name.
Live specimen. Fieldstack based on 32 images (fast method, Zerene Stacker, Dmap & Pmax). Sony A6500, FE 2.8/90 Macro G OSS; ISO-200, f/3.5, 1/320s, -0.3step, all natural light. Cropped to 4/5.
For explanations on gear and methods see: www.flickr.com/photos/andredekesel/8004355391/
Yet another splendid and quite flash Amanita from the miombo forests of Mikembo (close to Lubumbashi, DR Congo, ref. ADK6229, Januari 2015). Edible species, but not commonly used for food.
Fieldstack based on 50 images assembled in Zerene Stacker, not cropped. Canon 5D mkii, EF100mm macro 1:2.8 USM, ISO100, f/7.1, 1/100s, -0.3step, natural diffused light.
This is a Duster (Pingasa abyssiniaria, Geometridae, span ca. 4cm) resting at the base of a miombo tree (Mikembo sanctuary, DR Congo, Katanga, January 2014). It is fairly easily recognised by its pale speckled design with two thin black dentate lines on the fore wings and just one on the hind wing. An easy subject for stacking ... you have all day :-)
Field stack based on 54 images (ISO100, f/5.6, 1/4sec, natural diffused light); assembled in ZereneStacker (Dmap & Pmax), uncropped image, about 5cm wide.
An edible Amanita from the miombo forests of Mikembo (close to Lubumbashi, DR Congo, December 2012).
Fieldstack based on 47 images assembled in Zerene Stacker, not cropped. Canon 5D mkii, EF100mm macro 1:2.8 USM, ISO100, f/5, 1/30s, -0.3step, natural diffused light.
This is the larva of an owlfly (Ascalaphidae). It looks a bit like (see link below) the larva of an antlion (Myrmeleontidae), but it's completely flat and the abdomen is entirely fringed. The mimicry and long jaws give away that this is an ambush-hunter from bark and leaf litter. Specimen caught in a pitfall trap, preserved in ethanol (Yangambi forest, DR Congo, November 2013).
Studio stack based on 27 exposures (ISO100, 1/160sec, f/6.3, diffused flash); assembled in ZereneStacker (only Dmap), uncropped image, 1.7x magnification, about 21mm wide.