Capturing insects in intricate detail takes patience, skill, and an eye for the extraordinary. Every year, the Royal Entomological Society Photography Competition brings together passionate photographers who push the limits of macro photography to reveal the unseen beauty of the insect world. The 2024 winners did just that, delivering breathtaking images that showcase the incredible variety, complexity, and artistry found in nature.
This year’s top prize went to Benjamin Salb for his striking shot of a gnat ogre, a tiny yet formidable predator. Let’s marvel at the winning shots that stunned judges and audiences alike.
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1. “Detailed Gnat Ogre” by Benjamin Salb, Overall Winner.
This is a highly detailed photograph of a living gnat ogre taken in the field.
2. “Jagged Ambush Bug” by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas (age 17). Overall Winner, Under 18
A large female jagged ambush bug waiting for prey on a tansy flower head.
3. “Aphid Mummy with Braconid Wasp Cocoon” by Rupert Lees, Overall Runner-Up
The sycamore aphid has fallen prey to a parasitic braconid wasp. After emerging from the aphid, the wasp larva has formed a disc-shaped cocoon underneath the 'mummified' remains of its host.
4. “Banded Alder Borer” by Thomas Barbin. Highly Commended
“A banded alder borer (Rosalia funebris) as the sun sets in the background
5. “The Intruder” by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas (age 17). Overall Runner-Up, Under 18
A ladybird larva feeding on a colony of aphids.
6. “Reluctant to Leave” by Luke Chambers. Highly Commended, Insect Behavior
A darter dragonfly, resting after emerging from its old skin.
7. “Hold On” by Tyler Redford. Specially Commended
Violet leaf beetle (Chrysolina strumi)
8. “Nature's Winged Wonders” by Sritam Kumar Sethy. Highly Commended
A Blue Pierrots butterfly basking in the warm sunlight, its vibrant, intricate wings unfurled and sparkling like a mosaic of jewels.
9. “Hidden Jewel” by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas (Age 17). Highly Commended, Under 18
A cuckoo wasp curled up in a wild carrot flower to hide from the rain.
10. “The Pollinator” by Antaryami Das. Highly Commended
A green metallic sweat bee collecting pollen on a flower.
11. “Botyodes Moth” by Raghuram Annadana. Highly Commended, Portraits
This striking Botyodes asialis moth was spotted in the rainforests of Wayanad, India.
12. “Water Strider” by Thomas Barbin. Specially Commended
Common water strider (Aquarius remigis) with prey.
13. “Sea of Green” by Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb (Age 10). Highly Commended
A bluebottle fly perches on a bright green hedgerow in the front garden.
14. “Western Tiger Beetle Larva” by Thomas Barbin. Specially Commended
Western tiger beetle larva.
15. “Tiger Moth” by Julian Lobo-Guerrero. Highly Commended, Insect Behavior
A female tiger moth laying eggs on a stick.
16. “Electric Blue Longhorn” by Douglas Barber. Highly Commended
Portrait of the mesmerizing blue longhorn beetle ‘Anoplophora zonator'.
