Morphology

Our aim is to characterize morphological structures in their natural state. We apply several complementary methods for this approach.

For precise 2D measurements we use conventional measuring microscopes and a Keyence VHX-5000.

For measuring surfaces, volumes and structures in 3D we use two different approaches:

We developed the “Darmstadt Insect SCanner” (DISC3D) to generate calibrated 3D-surface models of insects using focus stacking and photogrammetry.

The scanner is now distributed by the Small World Vision GmbH.

Explore some of our virtual insects on Sketchfab

For high-resolution characterization of external and internal structures we use synchrotron-X-ray-microtomography (SRµCT) at various light sources (ESRF, ANKA and DESY).