Lacrymaria, unbelievable neck extension!

Charles Krebs · Post by **Charles Krebs** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 2:12 pm

Lacrymaria are just amazing to watch. For whatever reason I have a culture that is loaded with them and have been able to observe them in greater detail recently. Their ability to stretch their necks and forage for food is almost unreal!

10X, 2.5X photo-eyepiece, Canon 350D, electronic flash.

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 4:16 pm

Hello Charlie,

I agree absolutely watching Lachrymaria can become an obsession! The thing that amazes me is their ability to make right angle bends in the extensible neck!

As usual, great shots.

All the best and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Mike

Frez · Post by **Frez** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 7:35 pm

That's totally incredible! What are you feeding these things...Viagra?

Frez

gslaten · Post by **gslaten** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 10:28 pm

Hi Charlie,

Incredible photos. They look like they are fly casting. I have yet to see one of these live, but these photos are nearly as satisfying.

Gary

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 3:53 am

These undoubtedly have to be the best images of this creature to be seen anywhere. If there are any better I have yet to find them and the timing of these shots could not be better. I have read that the Lacrymaria can extend its neck to 12 times its body length, this validates that claim for sure. Jahns states that extended the animal ranges in size from 500 to 1200um(microns). Like so many of your images Charlie these are some to be really proud of, thanks for giving us a look.

Charles Krebs · Post by **Charles Krebs** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 11:49 am

Thanks Ken, Gary. You know Ken, I took many shots to get a few with the necks and heads in interesting positions. In some the heads were actually extended beyond the top of the frame!... so they've even got a little more "stretch" than you see here!

Frez.... yeah, but it's getting expensive

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 8:27 pm

Gary said:

They look like they are fly casting.

Yeah and that one at the bottom left has a fast rod too, would ya just look at that tight loop on the back cast!

Frez said:

That's totally incredible! What are you feeding these things...Viagra?

Shoot, that ain't nuth'n Frez. Should'a seen me 30yrs. ago!

Your rolling in the floor laughing, arn't you?

Frez · Post by **Frez** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 8:30 pm

I did........from New Hampshire!