It often is not possible with these specimens. They don't want to bend their appendages in a lot of cases, so I'm stuck with whichever one presents itself clearly. Sometimes the camera insists on focusing somewhere else, too, so it is kinda challenging.

True, and this all does take some time (which is much appreciated, by the way). Are you not clipping off the palp for a reason? They are often much easier to photograph (and examine) when removed.

Keep up the great work -- how many more specimens do you have?

-K

I could do that, actually. Hell, the things are so beat up as it is, what's another loose appendage? I'm just not used to doing that kind of thing deliberately. LOL! I appreciate your patience while I learn the conventions.

A tip for holding the severed palp still and in a particular position for photographing: put a tiny, tiny, tiny(!) bit/smear of petroleum jelly on the bottom of the dish holding your specimen (alcohol won't react with it). Then, gently touch the palp to it (you'll have to maneuver it into the desired position - I use a needle and push the palp around with it). The petroleum jelly will hold it in position; kind of like velcro. When you're done, nudge the palp free and if you haven't used too much jelly none will remain stuck to it. I find this much easier than using sand or small beads to hold tiny specimens in place.

I've heard of that trick but wondered exactly how it worked. Thanks, I'll give it a try if I have the time. First priority at the moment is to get through these samples. I should be able to accomplish that by the end of next week or so.