Bizarre Snapshots of the Tiniest Creatures in the Natural World
The Royal Entomological Society's Photography Competition 2024, an annual event aimed at increasing public understanding and appreciation of insects, is currently underway. Members of the public are invited to vote online for their favourite entries[1]. The competition, which is open until 15 September 2024, showcases the weirdest and most wonderful wildlife images of the year so far.
One of the standout images in this year's competition is a captivating photograph of a large female jagged ambush bug, taken by 17-year-old German photographer Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. The image, which won the Under 18 category, features the bug waiting patiently for its prey on the head of a flower[2].
The competition also features a diverse range of insects, including a beetle, a mummified wasp, a monochrome butterfly, and a gnat ogre, a species of robber fly. One of the most striking images is that of the gnat ogre, taken by Benjamin Salb, which showcases the bug's wide-set crimson eyes in intricate detail[2].
However, as of July 2025, the winners of the competition have not been officially announced. Previous years’ winning images have been showcased in exhibitions and on social media[3][4], but this year's winners are yet to be revealed. For the most recent updates, checking the Royal Entomological Society’s official website or their Instagram page after mid-September 2024 would be recommended.
The Royal Entomological Society's focus extends beyond just photography. The organisation also emphasises the diverse and important roles insects play in global ecosystems. From pollination to decomposition, insects play a crucial part in maintaining the balance of nature.
The competition is a testament to the beauty and importance of insects, and the talented photographers who capture them. Whether you're a budding photographer or just an insect enthusiast, the Royal Entomological Society's Photography Competition is a must-see event.
- The Earth's vibrant environment teems with a wide variety of wildlife, as evident in The Royal Entomological Society's Photography Competition, where one can find intriguing photographs of insects, such as the captivating image of a large female jagged ambush bug.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts and nature lovers alike can appreciate the diverse role insects play in our global ecosystems, from gardening, where bees pollinate flowers, to the larger ecological function of decomposition.
- Nature's weird and wonderful creatures continue to be scientifically fascinating, with examples like the gnat ogre, a species of robber fly, whose wide-set crimson eyes are showcased in striking detail in this year's competition.
- Lifestyle enthusiasts who value conservation and appreciate photography can keep up with the latest trends by checking the Royal Entomological Society's official website or their Instagram page after mid-September 2024, when this year's winners of the competition are expected to be announced.
