Molt sexing microscopes

[Venom1080]

What microscopes do you guys use for sexing very small spiders? Like under 2". I can never tell for sure with such tiny molts.

 

[KezyGLA]

I use a digital microscope. No idea which one but pretty sure @Trenor has the same one. Maybe he can help

 

[Little Grey Spider]

I use a Swift stereo microscope. I honestly barely know how to use it and the only thing I use it for is examining molts and to ID smaller spiders.

 

[Ellenantula]

Fancy! And here I've been using a magnifying glass and a flashlight.

 

[Trenor]

I use a digital microscope. No idea which one but pretty sure @Trenor has the same one. Maybe he can help

I use this one it comes with a stand and works really well. They are pretty fun to play with.

This thread and this thread shows some of what it can do.

 

[AracKnight]

I would usually recommend to not sex too small spiders since you'll make mistakes quite often.
I used a 100€ stereomicroscope with 20x and 40x magnification and lightning above AND beyond. What can't be determined with this equipment usually won't get sexed with more expensive equipment with higher magnification either

 

[sdsnybny]

This is a nice set up recommended by EulersK.
20X-200X Magnification IP67 Waterproof Compatible with Android Smartphone and PC
http://arachnoboards.com/threads/youll-want-this.293220/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N535TKA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[EulersK]

And if you're not looking to drop more than $10, a simple jeweler's microscope works perfectly fine as well... just don't expect to take any pictures

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A...microscope&dpPl=1&dpID=51C5CTK5AJL&ref=plSrch

 

[Trenor]

And if you're not looking to drop more than $10, a simple jeweler's microscope works perfectly fine as well... just don't expect to take any pictures

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A...microscope&dpPl=1&dpID=51C5CTK5AJL&ref=plSrch

I used one of those for a long time. It's just harder to get a photo with them.

 

[nicodimus22]

I don't. I use a DSLR with a macro lens on a tripod.

This image is from a 1 and 5/8 inch molt (and downsized because of the resolution limits of AB) so you can imagine that it can be used for smaller molts and still provide enough detail:

Real talk: The hard part about sexing small spiders is not the photography. It's the extremely delicate unfolding of the little molts, which usually dry in twisted ropes that have to be wetted and very carefully spread out. I almost always tear them, and I'm using two fine wires to do the unfolding. If you can get good at the unfolding, you're golden.

 

[EulersK]

I use a DSLR with a macro lens on a tripod.

Well not everyone has a nice camera Mr. Fancypants

 

[nicodimus22]

I use this one it comes with a stand and works really well. They are pretty fun to play with.

I've tried 2 different USB microscopes, including that one, but neither of them worked on my version of Windows. I spent a week working with tech support from one of the companies to come up with a workaround, and they eventually just told me to get a refund and return it. So, the camera it is for me.

 

[Trenor]

I've tried 2 different USB microscopes, including that one, but neither of them worked on my version of Windows. I spent a week working with tech support from one of the companies to come up with a workaround, and they eventually just told me to get a refund and return it. So, the camera it is for me.

What version of windows are you using?

 

[nicodimus22]

Well not everyone has a nice camera Mr. Fancypants

How dare you make assumptions about the socioeconomic status of my pants! I'll have you know that I'm wearing ratty old basketball shorts from Goodwill right now!

 

[nicodimus22]

What version of windows are you using?

Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit.

 

[EulersK]

I've tried 2 different USB microscopes, including that one, but neither of them worked on my version of Windows. I spent a week working with tech support from one of the companies to come up with a workaround, and they eventually just told me to get a refund and return it. So, the camera it is for me.

I never got mine to work with a computer. The photos always came out grainy and distorted, something is wrong with the image processing software. It works flawlessly on Android, though.

How dare you make assumptions about the socioeconomic status of my pants!

I also made assumptions about your gender identity. Fight me, bro.

 

[Trenor]

I don't. I use a DSLR with a macro lens on a tripod.

This image is from a 1 and 5/8 inch molt (and downsized because of the resolution limits of AB) so you can imagine that it can be used for smaller molts and still provide enough detail:

Real talk: The hard part about sexing small spiders is not the photography. It's the extremely delicate unfolding of the little molts, which usually dry in twisted ropes that have to be wetted and very carefully spread out. I almost always tear them, and I'm using two fine wires to do the unfolding. If you can get good at the unfolding, you're golden.

I've used my 100mm macro lens as well and it works good. It's just a pain to setup compared to the usb microscope and while you don't have nearly as much size resolution I can get in closer with the usb without having to zoom and crop.

Both do work and I've got some decent photos using a clip on lens for my camera phone. Though hand shake can be a problem there.

 

[Trenor]

Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit.

I've not tried to run them on that OS. Why did you not take the free 10 upgrade? It runs a lot lighter than 7 and 8 unless the hardware is really old or has issues.

Not a big deal since you have a nice camera. I do like being able to get in close and do video.

 

[nicodimus22]

I never got mine to work with a computer. The photos always came out grainy and distorted, something is wrong with the image processing software. It works flawlessly on Android, though.

In my case, Windows refused to identify the device, so I didn't even get that far.

I also made assumptions about your gender identity. Fight me, bro.

I'm pretty sure that we had already established that in a previous conversation. So there is no need to fight you. I could always come at you, though.

 

[Little Grey Spider]

Fancy! And here I've been using a magnifying glass and a flashlight.

Hey, as long as it works!!