An arthropod is an invertebrate animal having an exoskeleton (external skeleton), a segmented body, and jointed appendages. Arthropods include all insects, arachnids, and crustaceans. Their body plan consists of repeated segments, each with a pair of appendages. Their versatility has enabled them to become one of the most species-rich members on the planet. [Source]
They have over a million described species, making up more than 80% of all described living animal species. They range in size from microscopic plankton up to forms a few meters long. [Source]
The USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Program designs and develops large and small-scale surveys and identification tools for native bees. A vital aspect of the program is to create accurate and detailed pictures of native bees as well as the plants and insects they interact with.
On their 1200+ Flickr photostream, the USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab (USGS BIML) has uploaded an astounding collection of macro photographs that you can see in full resolution. The detail and clarify is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
The Sifter went through all 1200 photos earlier today and compiled our 40 favourites. Be sure to check them out on Flickr to appreciate the volume of work they have shared for the benefit of all visitors.
1. Unknown Wasp
2. Yellow Jacket Mimic Fly
3. Female Northern Black Widow Spider
(Latrodectus variolus)
4. The Endangered Karner Blue
(Lycaeides melissa samuelis)
5. Melissodes dentiventris
6. Beetle on glass
7. Black Horse Fly
(Tabanus atratus)
8. Augochlora regina
9. Oblong-winged katydid
(Amblycorypha oblongifolia)
10. Megachile-campanulae
11. Lasioglossum nr longifrons
12. Lace Bug
13. Rove Beetle
14. Trypoxylon mexicanum
15. Centris haemorrhoidalis
16. Cone Head
17. Agapostemon coloradinus
18. Leptochilus acolhuus
19. Harlequin Bug Eggs
(Murgantia histrionica)
20. Polistes metricus
21. Spider Wasp
22. Gryllus species
23. Hoplitis truncata
24. Deer Fly
(Tabanidae)
25. Drepanaporus collaris
26. Triepeolus donatus
27. Drepanaporus collaris
28. Sharpshooter
(Oncometopia orbona)
29. Trypoxylon mexicanum
30. Yellow Jacket Mimic Fly
31. Pearl Crescent
(Phyciodes tharos)
32. Camel Cricket
(Diestrammena asynamora)
33. Harlequin Bug Nymphs
(Murgantia histrionica)
34. Lachnopus guerinii
35. Bombus griseocollis
36. Coelioxys sayi
37. Unknown Spider
38. Brown marmorated stinkbug
(Halyomorpha halys)
39. Osmia sandersoneae
40. Dianthidium curvatum
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