Here is a quick post from Matt (waimeamiddleschool) on getting kids involved in the project and their setup for photographing the mosquitoes!

Thanks Matt!

"Hi,

I am the teacher for Waimea Middle School's 21st Century funded after-school science class. When I heard about this iNaturalist project I thought it would be perfect for my class because we were looking for things to look at with the school's wonderful stereo microscopes. The four students in the class were very interested in all aspects of the project:

• hunting for and catching mosquitoes
• viewing them at high magnification
• posting their photos and observations
• helping with the fight against mosquito borne diseases

As it turns out, we didn't need microscopes for this project. With the techniques laid out in the "Tips on Mosquito Photography" (see below), we were able to take "Research Grade" photos using a $2.00 hand lens and a smart phone. Using the iNaturalist phone app, each student was able to upload and participate in every step of the procedure.

I highly recommend this project. It takes about one minute to register and one mosquito to begin to do "real science."

Materials needed:

• smart phone with camera
• hand magnifier (see website below for suggested model)
• iNaturalist app (free)
• mosquitoes (where are they when you need one??!!)

Matt Binder

Here is my setup for mosquito photography. I use an iPhone 6 and an inexpensive magnifier (see link below to see magnifier specs and cost).

I like this setup just as much as the Polaroid "3 in One Camera Lens" clamp-on unit that I have because the magnifier is cheaper and does double duty as a (triple) hand lens.After centering the highest power lens of the magnifier over the camera lens, squeeze the magnifier tight against the iphone so that they don't become misaligned.

Flip it over, set focus, adjust light level, and shoot. I always put the mosquitoes on white paper so that color is "normalized." Use a small book to stabilize your hands if you want.

photo using this setup:

Male Culex quinquefasciatus

Hand lens: suggested lens
"
(Editor's note: Matt is not affiliated with makers or distributors of this hand-lens ;)_ )

For more observations from waimeamiddleschool see here!