Laten
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latensea.bsky.social
Laten
@latensea.bsky.social
390 followers 110 following 1.2K posts
Macro photographer, artist, and horticulturist of 15 years. Devoted to fungi and all things #ForestFloor! 🍄🌱
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latensea.bsky.social
Lady beetles can have anywhere from zero to fifteen spots depending on the species. Those spots are actually on their hardened wing covers called elytra.
#Nature #Photography #MacroPhotography #Insects #MacroMonday
Macro photograph of a lady beetle (Coccinellidae family) crawling across a weathered blue-gray wooden surface. The entomology subject displays a glossy rust-orange elytra with distinctive black spots scattered across both wing covers. The rounded dome-shaped body shows a black pronotum with pale yellow markings near the head. Six dark legs grip the textured wood grain, and short segmented antennae extend from the black head. Fine scratches and water droplet marks pattern the painted wood beneath the beetle. Soft gradient background fades from blue to warm gray.
November 17, 2025 at 8:05 PM
latensea.bsky.social
Mesmerized by this moss.
#Moss #Nature #Photography #MacroPhotography #thelittlethings
Macro photograph of a moss cushion showing densely packed sporophytes in various stages of maturity. The bryology specimen displays a gradient from bright lime-green immature capsules at the foreground transitioning through yellow-green to tan and brown mature spore capsules toward the back. Each tiny capsule sits atop a thin seta stem, creating a forest-like texture of vertical structures covered in fine silvery hairs (calyptra remnants). The moss gametophyte forms a compact mound against a black background, with sporophytes numbering in the hundreds.
November 15, 2025 at 6:04 PM
latensea.bsky.social
Some lovely lichen for todays #FungiFriday ! ❤️
#lichensubscribe #Nature #Photography #MacroPhotography #FungiFriends
Photograph of fruticose lichen (Cladonia genus) displaying pale sage-green branching structures growing from dark weathered bark. The lichenology specimen shows multiple cylindrical podetia extending upward in antler-like formations with textured, granular surfaces covered in soredia. Foliose lichen patches with ruffled edges grow alongside at the base, showing blue-green to gray-green coloration. The substrate is covered in various lichen species creating a layered ecosystem on decaying wood with visible moss fragments and organic debris scattered throughout.
November 14, 2025 at 8:07 PM
latensea.bsky.social
This flower looks like it has bangs 😂
#Nature #Photography #MacroPhotography #Flowers #bloomscrolling
Photograph of a strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum) with bright golden-yellow papery bracts arranged in multiple overlapping layers around a vibrant orange central disc. The botany specimen displays an unusual double-crowned formation with shorter modified bracts creating a fringe-like structure between the outer petals and center. The flower head sits low near weathered wooden decking, with broad green succulent foliage and additional buds visible in soft focus behind. The everlasting flower shows characteristic stiff, chaffy texture of its modified leaves.
November 13, 2025 at 8:06 PM
latensea.bsky.social
Oh to be a tiny isopod basking in the sunlight after a morning shower...😌
#Nature #Photography #Macro #isopods #thelittlethings
Macro photograph of a terrestrial isopod covered in moisture droplets crawling across weathered wood and moss. The entomology subject displays a segmented exoskeleton with seven visible tergite plates in translucent grayish-tan coloration. Tiny spherical water beads cling to the dorsal surface, refracting light. Multiple jointed legs with pale tips grip the textured substrate. Small yellow moss sporophytes emerge from the surface beside the crustacean. Extremely shallow depth of field renders background into soft blue-gray and warm brown tones.
November 11, 2025 at 8:14 PM
latensea.bsky.social
I hope you're having a nice weekend! Here's some Oregon Grapes 👍
#Nature #Photography #MacroPhotography #thelittlethings
Macro photograph of Oregon grape berries (Mahonia aquifolium) clustered together on vibrant green moss. The botany subject displays five deep blue-purple drupes covered in powdery white bloom, a natural waxy coating protecting the fruit. Each spherical berry shows a prominent brown dried flower remnant at the apex. The fruits rest against copper-toned pinnate leaves with visible venation. Soft bokeh background blurs into warm peachy tones and muted greens, isolating the cluster in sharp focus.
November 9, 2025 at 6:05 PM
latensea.bsky.social
Here's the cutest mushroom I've found all week for #FungiFriday ! 🍄
#Fungi #FungiFriends #Nature #Photography #MacroPhotography
Photograph of a small golden-yellow mushroom with a smooth, rounded bell-shaped cap growing from dark decaying wood. The mycology specimen displays a cylindrical stipe with vertical striations and slightly pitted surface texture. The cap shows a glossy, dimpled appearance with fine water droplets clinging to its surface. Behind the mushroom, bright turquoise moss capsules on thin brown setae create a striking color contrast. The fruiting body emerges from fragmented bark and wood debris on the forest floor.
November 7, 2025 at 8:04 PM
latensea.bsky.social
Sometimes lichens look so hypnotizing. I can stare at this one all day!
#Lichen #FungiFriends #Nature #Photography #MacroPhotography
Photograph of a large foliose lichen thallus displaying intricate rosette growth pattern on dark asphalt. The lichenology specimen shows deeply lobed pale greenish-tan foliage with wavy, ruffled margins radiating from the center. The surface texture varies from smooth at the outer edges to densely clustered with reproductive structures (apothecia or soredia) toward the interior, creating a granular appearance. Individual lobes overlap and curl, forming a layered three-dimensional structure across the roughly circular colony.
November 5, 2025 at 8:02 PM
latensea.bsky.social
This robber fly took a break from hunting and let me get a nice portrait shot!
#Nature #Photography #Macro #Insects
Black and white macro photograph of a robber fly (Pogonosoma genus) in frontal view, facing the camera directly. The entomology subject displays massive compound eyes dominating the head, with thousands of tiny hexagonal facets visible across their dark surface. Dense silvery-white bristles form a prominent facial beard between the eyes and around the proboscis. Long segmented legs extend downward, covered in dark spines and setae. Shallow depth of field renders the thorax and background into soft gray blur.
November 3, 2025 at 8:05 PM
latensea.bsky.social
What's the weirdest fungi you've found recently? 🍄
#Fungi #ForestFloor #Nature #Photography #MacroPhotography
Macro photograph of an orange peel fungus (Aleuria aurantia) displaying its distinctive cup-shaped fruiting body on charred wood. The mycology specimen shows a vibrant golden-orange interior with a smooth, bowl-like depression collecting moisture droplets. The outer surface appears slightly paler and textured. The fungus rests among bark fragments and bright chartreuse moss growth on blackened burned timber. Shallow depth of field blurs surrounding forest debris into soft greens and browns.
November 1, 2025 at 5:04 PM
latensea.bsky.social
A beautiful pacific chorus frog 🐸
#ForestFloor #Nature #Photography #Macro #herpetology
Photograph of a Pacific chorus frog (Pseudacris regilla) perched on weathered bark in profile view. The herpetology subject displays vibrant lime-green skin with a granular texture across its back and limbs. A distinctive dark brown eye stripe runs horizontally through the large golden eye with a black pupil. The frog's throat shows pale cream coloring, and its toes grip the textured substrate with visible adhesive toe pads. Shallow depth of field blurs the background into soft grays and blacks.
October 30, 2025 at 7:06 PM
latensea.bsky.social
This moss kind of looks like tiny cactus!
#Moss #ForestFloor #Nature #Photography #MacroPhotography
Macro photograph of a moss sporophyte displaying golden-yellow capsules topped with pale, wispy calyptra remnants. The bryology specimen shows multiple spore-bearing structures arranged vertically along slender brown setae stems. Delicate white threadlike fragments curl outward from the capsule tips, creating a feathery crown effect. The moss gametophyte base appears as a blurred green-brown mass below. Warm golden bokeh background suggests late afternoon sunlight illuminating the subject.
October 28, 2025 at 7:06 PM
latensea.bsky.social
Found a spider in my office, good excuse to take a photography break!
#ForestFloor #Nature #Photography #Macro #Arachnids
Macro photograph of a Platnick's cobweb spider (Platnickina genus). The entomology subject displays a dark brown to black rounded abdomen with distinctive banded legs showing alternating tan and black segments. Eight spindly legs extend outward in characteristic theridiid posture, with one rear leg notably elongated. The arachnid's compact cephalothorax connects to its bulbous abdomen. Soft teal-blue bokeh background fades to black on the left side.
October 26, 2025 at 5:05 PM
latensea.bsky.social
The white bumpy spots on some succulents are called tubercles!
#Succulents #ForestFloor #Nature #Photography #Macro
Macro photograph of an aloe succulent showing new growth emerging from the center rosette. Three bright lime-green leaves unfurl upward with pointed tips transitioning to reddish-brown. The botany specimen displays characteristic white tubercles arranged in neat rows along each leaf surface, creating a spotted pattern. Fleshy triangular leaves curve inward with serrated edges. Mature mottled green and gray leaves frame the fresh growth in soft focus against a black background.
October 22, 2025 at 7:06 PM
latensea.bsky.social
Sometimes the smallest flowers demand the closest look.
#ForestFloor #Nature #Photography #MacroPhotography #Flowers #bloomscrolling
Macro photograph of a delicate white wildflower bloom in the Brassicaceae family, showing multiple tiny four-petaled flowers arranged along a vertical stem. The botany specimen displays translucent white petals with bright yellow stamens and anthers at the center of each bloom. Round unopened buds cluster below the open flowers in varying shades of olive green and brown. Soft bokeh background blurs into warm peachy and cool blue tones.
October 20, 2025 at 7:06 PM
latensea.bsky.social
Found this beauty growing through the moss this morning. That golden glow in the filtered light was absolutely perfect.
#Fungi #ForestFloor #Nature #Photography #MacroPhotography
Macro photograph of a golden chanterelle mushroom (Cantharellus cibarius) displaying its distinctive vase-shaped fruiting body with deep, forked gill-like ridges running vertically down the underside. The mycology specimen shows vibrant apricot-orange coloration with tightly packed false gills creating a fan-like texture. The cap curves outward in an irregular, wavy margin while the stipe narrows at the moss-covered base. Bokeh background shows soft blue and green forest tones.
October 18, 2025 at 5:04 PM
latensea.bsky.social
Made a little friend this afternoon. He looked so cozy under all that fluff!
#ForestFloor #Nature #Photography #Macro #Insects
Macro photograph of a vestal tiger moth (Spilosoma vestalis) resting on weathered wood, captured from a low angle perspective. The entomology subject displays delicate white wings with fine hair-like scales coating the wing surfaces and body. Distinctive bipectinate feathery antennae extend from the head, showing comb-like structures on both sides. Pale green legs grip the textured bark surface covered in moss and lichen. Black background isolates the moth's ethereal white appearance.
October 16, 2025 at 7:06 PM
latensea.bsky.social
Today is national Mushroom Day so here's the biggest mushroom I've found all year!! 🍄 #Mushroom
#ForestFloor #Nature #Photography
Photograph of a large oak mazegill bracket fungus (Fomitopsis quercina) growing from decaying wood in winter. The mycology specimen displays a wide fan-shaped fruiting body with a distinctive tan to golden-brown pore surface covered in intricate maze-like ridges and channels. The bracket extends horizontally from dark weathered bark dusted with snow. Deep labyrinthine patterns create a textured underside characteristic of the Fomitopsis genus. Green ivy leaves emerge from the forest floor below, while bare winter trees and overcast sky fill the background.
October 16, 2025 at 1:10 AM
latensea.bsky.social
Every morning I go on a walk and flip logs just to see the isopods.
#ForestFloor #Nature #Photography #Macro #isopods
Macro photograph of a woodlouse, likely Armadillidium vulgare, crawling across the dark, decaying surface of a fallen log. Its segmented exoskeleton forms a chain of overlapping plates, each edged in pale cream and shaded with subtle browns and grays. The fine texture of its armored body contrasts with the coarse, splintered wood beneath it, a habitat rich with fungal threads and detritus studied in entomology and soil ecology. The soft lighting reveals the isopod’s delicate legs and antennae as it explores the moist crevices of its microhabitat.
October 14, 2025 at 7:14 PM
latensea.bsky.social
Some beautiful golden mushrooms for #FungiFriday !
#ForestFloor #Nature #Photography #MacroPhotography
Macro photograph of two bright orange mushrooms, likely Craterellus tubaeformis (yellowfoot chanterelles), growing from damp forest moss. Their slender, translucent stems curve gracefully upward to support funnel-shaped caps with softly curled edges. The surface appears slightly velvety, catching faint moisture under low forest light. Surrounding fronds of deep green moss and fern frame the fungi, their blurred textures emphasizing the delicate luminosity of these fruiting bodies studied in mycology.
October 11, 2025 at 5:38 AM
latensea.bsky.social
Viola Canina, one of my favorite flowers to stumble upon!
#ForestFloor #Nature #Photography #MacroPhotography #Flowers #bloomscrolling
Close-up photograph of a common dog-violet (Viola canina) in bloom, its five petals forming a delicate fan of purple hues. The central petal bears fine, dark violet veins that lead toward a pale throat dusted with soft white hairs, a nectar guide for visiting pollinators studied in botany and plant ecology. The flower’s matte petals appear slightly translucent under natural light, while the background blurs into cool green leaves and soil, drawing full attention to the intricate face of the blossom.
October 8, 2025 at 7:03 PM
latensea.bsky.social
Went to the peony farms, found spiders instead.
#ForestFloor #Nature #photography #macrophotography #arachnids
Macro photograph of a white crab spider (likely Misumena vatia) gripping a captured fly. The spider’s long, angled forelegs are outstretched, wrapping firmly around the smaller insect, while its rounded abdomen shows faint striping. The fly’s translucent wings catch the light, its body held motionless in the spider’s chelicerae. The soft, blurred background creates a tunnel-like effect that draws focus entirely to this predatory interaction, a moment studied closely in entomology and arachnology.
October 1, 2025 at 7:04 PM
latensea.bsky.social
A flossflower. Wasn't very minty.
#ForestFloor #Nature #Photography #MacroPhotography #Flowers #bloomscrolling
Macro photograph of a flossflower (Ageratum houstonianum) reveals a central tuft of tubular florets dusted with pollen. This botanical macro photograph captures each slender floret, about three millimeters long, ending in a tiny brush of anthers, emerging from a dense disk of compact buds studded with fine glandular hairs. Surrounding unopened heads appear as rounded nodules. Blurred foliage forms a soft green backdrop. Wildflower photography emphasizes this intricate form.
September 29, 2025 at 7:03 PM
latensea.bsky.social
Just a little fungi that I found today. 🍄
#FungiFriday #ForestFloor #Nature #Photography #MacroPhotography
Macro photograph of a velvety tan bracket fungus on decaying bark with moss. The soft semicircular cap spans 1–2 cm, its suede-like surface shifting from pale cream edges to warm ochre center. Beneath, a porous underside releases spores in this polypore (Polyporaceae) specimen. As saprotrophic agents, these fungi secrete enzymes to decompose lignin and cellulose, fueling woodland nutrient cycling.
September 26, 2025 at 7:02 PM
latensea.bsky.social
Just some mossy moss from my walk this morning.
#Moss #ForestFloor #Nature #Photography #MacroPhotography
Macro photograph of a vibrant moss gametophyte (likely a liverwort or Bryophyta moss) emerging from decaying bark. Its translucent, ruffled frond-like leaves display jagged edges and minute cell patterns, capturing the delicate texture of bryophyte biology. Slender rhizoids anchor the moss to the wood surface while filamentous structures hint at spore-producing organs. A soft, out-of-focus forest floor backdrop provides contrast without detracting from this botany-focused macro imagery.
September 23, 2025 at 7:14 PM