UV Photography: Lichens and Spider

There are quite a few scientific studies on the UV-screening chemicals in lichen which absorb UV light and then emit it at a different wavelength. The interest varies from a pure research level to document the occurrence, to more practical application such as aids to ID of lichens and as possible help in the production of effective human UV sunscreens, important as our radiation levels increase. I photographed some of the lichens I collected locally and at Paxton Pits to monitor the variations in intensity and colours. I also photographed some spiders that were living in the lichens along with abundant Collembolids (too small for the lens I was using), This spider is a female Misumena vatia

 

Lichen Project

A rainy day yesterday so I thought I would continue with my lichen ID and UV fluorescence project. I had collected quite a few specimens and set about taking and photostacking images. Unfortunately my UV torch requires a new battery (not one I have a spare) but here are the ones I did manage. Now to identify them!!

UV Fluorescence in Lichens

I collected some different lichens during a conservation morning at Paxton Pits and photographed them with a macro lens using a UV torch. The UV light is absorbed into the subject and visible light is re-emitted at different wavelengths giving beautiful colours for with Xanthoria parietina (white light images on the right to compare) . The last two lichens (Usnea species and ?genus) did not fluoresce

 

UV Fluorescence in Toft Churchyard

Having discovered that lichens fluoresced strongly in UV light, I decided to try some night shots at the church illuminating the gravestones with a UV torch. The exposure were 40 secs at f7.1 iso1250/2500 when the church security light were off. There is a street light a little way down the road giving some illumination to the scene. Artifical flowers fluoresce very strongly.