>>2603169Thanks for the tips, I'm definitely gonna try the back lighting now, maybe diffusing was just the wrong approach. Didn't think about it even though I'm normally not opposed to harsh lights, pic related.
But I feel kinda have to diffuse with these, at least the shiny species, otherwise the repeated highlights on each segment get very distracting, at least in my opinion. My stand in is a little glass tube filled with ink, it reflects the light similarly. The pedes have this strange second, almost transparent layer on top of the colorful one that can really fuck with the lights (and not just before molts either).
On a slightly unrelated note, I can totally recommend getting some centipedes though, they aren't nearly as bad as their reputation and very active animals.
>grabbing mantidsThat's just so terribly mean. I might try it but I'm gonna feel terrible for doing it.
Don't think I'll need gloves for that fragile little L5 Idolo, I mean really.
And don't worry, I take great care not to harm their feet, I know how fragile they are and that that is apparently one of the most critical things about them.