ps. if this is a cutworm, my understanding is they eat roots, not leaves, or is that wrong...?

Jeff,I shoot with a Canon model 40D using a 100mm f/2.8 macro lens. The camera comes with optional operating modes...full manual, aperture priority and shutter priority. Of these options, I almost always select the aperture priority. This allows me to select an aperture opening that maximizes the depth of field since I am usually as close to the subject as I can get. In this operating mode, the cameras software and internal metering selects the proper shutter speed to create the proper lighting. The other consideration is that I ALWAYS use the SPOT metering selection. The other settings measure the focus and exposure at a number of spots in the framed area and then averages all the readings to arrive at the focus and exposure. When shooting subjects that are only a tiny segment of the photo area, (flowers, caterpillars, butterflies, etc.), the SPOT metering selection causes your camera to use ONLY the subject in the dead center of the frame, which in our case is usually a small and centered portion of the frame. I also shoot, using the EV (Exposure Value) on most of my shots. My EV settings are usually -1/3, -2/3, and -1. I shoot three exposures of almost everything I shoot, one at each EV setting. The final thing is that I shoot LOTS of photos...about 10,000 exposures per year. I don't keep any that I consider below standards. Finally, 99% of my photos are shot using a tripod. Elimination of camera "blur" will dramatically improve the quality of the results obtained. Most digital cameras of today have all these options, and more, to assist in getting the shots to your liking. I also use Photoshop to edit my photos after they are downloaded to my computer...depending on the version, the exposure can be altered after it is shot to "Some" degree. I hope this helps some.

Could it be an antlion pit?

lexington3716 I googled "invisible granite seams" and went through the Google results until I found a company that was (reasonably) close to us. These people came all the way from Baltimore, which was around 2 1/2 - 3 hrs. from us. We went to see them before committing and they created a sample seam right in front of us, spending over an hour to seam 2 pieces of granite together just as a sample to show us what they can do. The key is a multi-stop process including top polishing. Special tools are required both for polishing and to get the granite pulled together tightly enough to create the seamless effect. (Gorilla grips maybe?) We tried at least 5-6 places before a company who was able to achieve what we were looking for. A good place to start looking might be the Stone Fabricator's Alliance, who have links to members in different areas. You might also want to contact NSI Solutions (http://www.nsisolutions.com/testimonials.asp) as they have special seam phantom technology and might be able to refer you to vendors in your area who have it. Here's a good article on the Pursuit of the Invisible Seam http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/in-pursuit-of-the-invisible-seam which explains how some fabricators are able to do it.