Mosquito

This is everybody’s favorite insect, and probably doesn’t need much introduction. This one is a female, identifiable by its simple antennae, males have much bushier, feathery ones. The head is small and made up almost entirely of large compound eyes. Mosquitoes can detect infrared heat signatures, helping them make sure they don’t miss you. Like flies, they also have tiny gyroscopes (halteres) behind their wings for stability. Their wings beat at extremely high frequencies, and the sound plays a role in helping males locate females. Only females suck blood, including this one. As you can see, its abdomen is deflated and empty; this individual was less successful in its hunt. Shot two times from 111 perspectives, 16 focus stacked images each. Nikon D810, cropped sensor, f/18, ISO 320, Tamron 90mm macro lens and 30mm extension, with Speedlights. www.patreon.com/DanyBittel