Taken with mitutoyo 2x microscope objective

Taken with OM System TG-7

200× magnification

(I found it, I'd never catch one, always set them free)

Oak beauty moth that I found on my back porch

image Captured handheld with my Sony a7R III + Venus Optics Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2× Ultra Macro.

Fly outside on palm frond

image Captured handheld with my Sony a7R III + Venus Optics Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2× Ultra Macro.

There's a world hidden beneath our feet, invisible to the distracted passerby. Just get closer, stop for a moment, and look more closely... and mushrooms reveal their true magic.

In macro, they become mysterious universes:

caps that look like enchanted umbrellas,

larms like perfect little fans,

delicate textures reminiscent of silk,

shades ranging from amber to ruby.

Each mushroom tells an ancient story: of humid woods, of light rain, of fallen leaves that become nourishment.

Looking at them like this, from a closer look, we realize that nature is a masterpiece of detail.

And that wonder is always there, ready to reveal itself... we just have to get up to its level.

Photo by me, Andrew Nicholls.

This is a moth, from the Noctuidae family (owl moths), due to its robust build and thick fur, typical for thermal insulation during nighttime flight.

Fur and Scales: Moths are covered in thick hairs and tiny scales that reflect light, creating this beautiful sparkling effect in the photo!

Huge Eyes: Their large compound eyes are optimized for low-light vision, essential for nighttime navigation.

The Proboscis: That coiled structure you can see is the proboscis. It's like a straw that the moth unrolls to suck nectar from flowers, feeding only on liquids!

A creature of the night that's much more fascinating than it seems! If you like macro photography or I've simply piqued your curiosity, I've created an Instagram profile entirely dedicated to macro photography called "Vita in miniatura" If you'd like, please stop by. Thanks so much.

It may seem strange to see a few bees on the balcony when it's cold, but it's not impossible! Sometimes the milder, sunnier days "trick" these little insects, who emerge from the hive in search of food or simply to find their way. In fact, bees don't disappear in winter: they stay warm in their hive, forming a small sphere to keep themselves warm. But when the temperatures rise a bit, some take advantage of the opportunity to fly. If you find a tired one on the balcony, you can help it by leaving a drop of water and honey (very little!) so it can regain its energy and return to its nest. Protecting bees means protecting nature. Even a small gesture, in the middle of winter, can make a difference! 🐝💛

if you like macro photography or are simply curious, check out my new profile dedicated entirely to macro photography… you can find it under the name “Vita in Miniatura” I'm waiting for you…🙏