Spoilage Collection

Red flour beetle in flight
Red flour beetle. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of a red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) in flight. One of the most significant pests of dried foods and the milling industry

Mouldy lemon. Penicillium sp. fungus growing on a lemon (Citrus limon). The fungus has spread over the surface of the fruit, producing a network (mycelium, white) of fine filaments (hyphae)

Grain weevil. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of the thorax and head of a grain weevil (Sitophilus granarius). This beetle infests and damages stored grain

Gall mites, SEM
Gall mites. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of several gall mites (Eriophyes sp.). These pests infest a wide range of plants, causing economic damage to food crops and forests

Red flour beetle. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). One of the most significant pests of dried foods and the milling industry

Grain weevil Z330 / 0408
Grain weevil. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of a grain weevil (Sitophilus granarius). This beetle infests and damages stored grain, using the mandibles at the end of its elongated snout

Mould growing in a pot of yoghurt

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Spoilage, a silent menace lurking in our everyday lives. From the microscopic mite devouring cheese to the red flour beetle gracefully soaring through the air, these tiny creatures are responsible for wreaking havoc on our food and possessions. Underneath the lens of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), we witness the intricate details of their existence. The gall mites, with their peculiar structures resembling alien landscapes, remind us that even within spoilage lies beauty. But it is not just insects that contribute to this phenomenon; molds also play a significant role. A mouldy lemon serves as a stark reminder of how quickly nature can reclaim what was once fresh and vibrant. Their presence signifies decay and reminds us of our own mortality. The grain weevil, with its distinctive markings, infiltrates our pantries unnoticed until it's too late. Its insatiable appetite for grains leaves behind nothing but destruction in its wake. Yet amidst all this chaos lies an opportunity for reflection. As we observe these spoilage agents under intense scrutiny - like the red flour beetle caught mid-flight or the grain weevil Z330 / 0408 captured frozen in time - we realize that life's imperfections can be captivating. In every mould-covered surface or slice of mouldy bread lies a story waiting to be told – one of transformation and rebirth. Spoilage may seem like an inconvenience at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it reveals nature's relentless cycle of creation and decay. So let us embrace spoilage as a reminder that nothing lasts forever; instead, let us find solace in knowing that from ruin emerges new beginnings.