Big 5 Star there Mick.
Been trying to explain to BBKA microscopy tutors that pollen grains appear different in different mediums. Many are almost impossible to identify from honey preps vs standard slide preps. Many of the tutors are unaware that this is the case
This was know in the best tome I have on pollen identification, "Nectar producing plants and their pollens" by G. Hayes published in 1925. He covers many of the bee pollens and shows drawings of their shapes as dry/in water/formalin/bees leg and in honey/extracted from honey etc. All sizes in fractions of inches
And boy do they have different forms and shapes in different medium.
If I get the time I'll scan some of his drawings.
Nice pictures by the way Mick. Just checked Hayes and your pictures are spot on on the difference he describes.
Kirit if you need any help just shout.