Smart phone-macro lens setup (SPMLS): a low-cost and portable photography device for amateur taxonomists, biodiversity researchers, and citizen enthusiasts

Abstract

Background In the present era of scientific and technological advancements, the use of smartphones among people has witnessed a large-scale progression. The camera serves as an important tool on smartphones, and the quality of the built-in camera varies with megapixels. The quality of photography and videography can be enhanced by employing macro lenses that can provide precise and high-quality photographs for the documentation and monitoring of macroorganisms, particularly insects. We used a smartphone-macro lens setup (SPMLS), comprising a Redmi Note 8 Pro and Skyvik Signi-20 mm lens, along with Snapseed for image processing. The SPMLS, costing USD 217, was employed in the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, Kashmir, during May to October 2021 for insect diversity documentation. The aim of this study is to introduce and demonstrate the utility of SPMLS as an affordable and portable photography solution for enhancing image quality in biodiversity documentation, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Results In this study, we report a device that uses a smartphone and macro lens (SPMLS), which is a portable and low-cost photography gear for researchers, photographers, citizen enthusiasts, and the general public who are not able to buy high-end and costly photography equipment for field-based biodiversity studies. The utilization of SPMLS has significantly augmented the image resolution and pixel density, thereby substantially enhancing the overall photographic quality, demonstrating its substantial scientific utility. Conclusions The SPMLS device presented in this study can be useful for researchers, scientists, students, citizen enthusiasts, and common people that are engaged in the biodiversity monitoring and conservation of animal and plant species across the globe. In addition, the post-photography part of this paper provides users with an outlook on image editing, processing, uploading, and marketing of photographs on different platforms.

Emerging technologies in citizen science and potential for insect monitoring

“…For example, most iNaturalist users rarely record the same species twice [ 130 ] and rarities are reported and documented more often than common species [ 129 ], which can furthermore create major issues in using the data for ecological monitoring. In the case of smartphones, technology is currently a limitation for capturing images of small or fast-moving insects due to limited camera resolution, focus distance or shutter speed [ 131 ]. Some within-camera software can create visual artefacts that would affect identification accuracy.…”

Systematic challenges and opportunities in insect monitoring: a Global South perspective

“…Substantial progress has also been achieved in freshwater monitoring programmes, with the immature stages of various aquatic orders playing a pivotal role [ 32 , 41 , 42 , 44 , 45 , 57 – 59 ]. Noteworthy biodiversity monitoring efforts in India, utilizing camera traps and portable photography devices like smartphone-macro lens setups, have significantly enhanced regional biodiversity documentation [ 60 ].

Figure 3 Focal taxa and effective collecting of data for monitoring insects in the tropical region.

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