A visit to the Compost Bin

[JohnRostron]

I don't get much opportunity to visit places to photograph Eagles and Pelicans, so I went down to my compost bin. This is a black plastic tub into which we add kitchen and some garden waste, usually in degradable plastic bags.

#1 Brandling

Usually, when I open the lid there are numerous Brandlings on the lid, usually around the rim. There was bright sunshine, but I had the lid in the shade whilst I photographed this one. Most were actually on the walls of the bin, so one end or the other was very much out-of-focus (more so than this one!). Brandlings are a kind of Earthworm (Eisenia fetida) very common in compost. They are typically a browny-red like this.

#2 Woodlouse

This is the Common Rough Woodlouse, Porcellio scaber. Like the brandlings, they are very common in compost. The background is a compost bag.

#3 Pseudoscorpion

Pseudoscorpions are minute relatives of scorpions and spiders. I took a photograph of a slug in the compost bin, and when I looked at this in Photoshop, I found this fellow nestling by its side. It was only about 2mm long, and for this image I have actually blown it up 200% using Perfect Resize. I have included it, not because of its photographic quality, but because I doubt if there are any other pseudoscorpion pictures in CinC!

#4 Mouldy Lime

This shows what typically happens to items when they enter the compost bin. The first colonists are moulds which also carry bacteria and other decomposers.

#5 Mycellium

This was on the inside wall of the compost bin. It comprises masses of hyphae (fungal threads) which spread and multiply, eventually coalescing to form fruiting bodies.

Comments welcome.

John

[deetheturk]

Very interesting John, what a great place for macro work the Pseudoscorpion is a first for me, what a wonderful little creature

[Texas Dave]

Very interesting!

[Shadowman]

Nice captures.

[IzzieK]

What do you mean I should go to the compost bin to get some macro bug shot? I think I'd like to keep out of that area... All interesting shots and perspective. And I never thought of taking a shot of a worm. I've handled quite a few of them in my garden but not that red one...you've inspired me to collect some to photograph...and that is where I stop, just on garden worms. No rubbish bins, no compost bins either...

[Stagecoach]

Interesting series John and I agree compost areas have some interesting critters in. My compost heaps presently have rhinoceros beetle larva in which look like a 2 inch long maggot, I'm tempted to capture one just for Izzie

[Kris V]

I may start a compost bin now....
Hm, maybe not...there might be spiders in it!

[Wavelength]

Great job.....

[IzzieK]

Interesting series John and I agree compost areas have some interesting critters in. My compost heaps presently have rhinoceros beetle larva in which look like a 2 inch long maggot, I'm tempted to capture one just for Izzie

Meanie....!!!

[marlunn]

nice shots John, especially the pseudoscorpion - like that - will have to look out for one in our compost bins

[Barbara Ponder]

This is good for my diet! Makes me not want to eat for awhile. Good shots but yuck!