Science Bytes
Read about recent highlights of our research at the Australian Museum.
Micro Monsters
Scanning Electron Microscope images of insects and spiders taken by the Museum’s Sue Lindsay feature in a recent Australia Post stamp issue.
A series of six Australia Post stamps feature Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of insects and spiders taken by the Australian Museum’s micrographer Sue Lindsay. The striking micrographs are of an ant, a Jumping Spider, a weevil, a Hatchet Wasp, a Ground Beetle and a Dead Leaf Mimic Mantis (praying mantis) imaged at over eight times their normal size.
The Micro Monster stamps are available at participating Australia Post outlets and the Australian Museum shop while stock lasts.
This material has been reproduced with permission of the Australian Postal Corporation. © 2009 Australian Postal Corporation. The original work is held in the National Philatelic Collection.
Scanning Electron Microscopy in Museum Research
SEM is used by scientists at the Australian Museum as a taxonomic tool to help them identify and describe species of fauna. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy scientists can view specimens at magnifications of up to 40,000 times. (The most powerful SEM, the Zeiss Evo LS15, can image at 1,000,000 times.) Microstructures that cannot normally be seen or difficult to see under light microscopes can be viewed in the SEM with amazing 3D clarity.
Discover Sue Lindsay's work with SEM & Co:
Sue Lindsay View full size
Carl Bento
© Australian Museum
Micro monster stamps View full size
SEM images by Sue Lindsay
© 2009 Australian Postal Corporation