I’ve noticed a couple of similar threads on the forum, but none that quite answer what I’m curious about. I’ve been spending a lot of time photographing springtails and other microfauna, and I’ve reached the point where I know some of them just aren’t going to be identifiable without a microscope. I…

Looking to upgrade myself eventually! While I can’t really recommend a specific model, probably a compound microscope would work fine. Probably need at least up to 1000x magnification. What is arguably just as important is to properly mount and clear the specimen. This would require Isopropyl alcoho…

Oh, and I would probably recommend asking Pete Lypkie ( https://www.inaturalist.org/people/doviende ) and James Hussey ( https://www.inaturalist.org/people/sgtbird08 ) for advice, who are much more knowledgeable when it comes to microscopy (or springtails in general, lol).

Oh nice, that’s really helpful. I hadn’t really thought about the mounting and clearing side of things — I’ve just been focused on figuring out what kind of scope I even need. Good tip about lactic acid too; that sounds a lot less sketchy to work with than some of the other stuff I’ve seen mentioned…

It really depends on the size and type of arthropod. For bees the usual recommendation is a stereo/dissecting microscope, usually 20x magnification is sufficient, even for the little 5 mm ones. For hairy insects, storing in liquid isn’t ideal, as it tends to mat the hair and colors can be difficult…

I really do not know about observing these arthropods. What do you need the 1000 x magnification for? I was actaully expecting a good stereo disection scope.

Oh, I see what you mean! I was actually referring more to springtails and other tiny soil critters rather than bees or larger insects. Those ones are so small that they usually need a bit more magnification to see the details. My bad about the lack of clarity!

For most insects, a dissecting microscope is more useful because most insects are of a size that makes them too big to see under a compound microscope and because they are too opaque to allow light through. Compound microscopes work by light passing from below through the specimen up into the eye pi…

Thanks so much! This is great to know! I’ll see how reasonable the prices are for these.

Yeah, that is why clearing the pigment is pretty much needed to reduce that problem.

What microscope do you guys recommend for insect & springtail ID?

Nature Talk

jjwsphotography October 4, 2025, 3:00pm 4

Thx I might reach out! :)

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What microscope do you guys recommend for insect & springtail ID?

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