2023 - Photography - 18 and over Archives - Insect Week

2023 Photography Competition Winners – Over 18 Category

Tuesday 25th June 2024

View the fantastic winning entries for the 2023 Photography Competition (Over 18 Category) below. 1st place Sleeping Cuckoos Luke Chambers Black-thighed Cellophane-cuckoo bees, Epeolus variegatus. Two cuckoo bees (Epeolus variegatus) fast asleep, grasping onto the grass with their mandibles. Still with a few drops of morning dew…

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Rosa Dunbar – (2) Lacewing Larvae.

Second image…

The junk bug, a voracious predator in the insect world, earns its name by wearing plant matter and the exoskeletons of past victims on its back as part of an intricate camouflage to deceive predators.

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Leela Channer – (1) European mantis

First image…

A praying mantis saluting the evening sun

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Marco Chan – (1) Loepa sp.

First image…

A golden emperor moth rests on a perch after gliding in the summer night

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Luke Chambers – (3) Sicus ferrugineus

Third image…

Male and female Ferruginous Bee-grabbers (Sicus ferrugineus) embraced in a post-mating cuddle. The smaller male is actually mate guarding, making sure no other potential suiters ruins their evening. Handheld focus stack.

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Luke Chambers – (2) Epeolus variegatus

Second image…

Two Cuckoo Bees (Epeolus variegatus) fast asleep, grasping onto the grass with their mandibles. Still with a few drops of morning dew on them. Handheld focus stack.

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Luke Chambers – (1) Philanthus triangulum

First image…

Behaviour I hadn't witnessed, seen, or read about online. A female European Beewolf (Philanthus triangulum) hastily squeezing the nectar out of a paralysed Honey Bee (Apis mellifera), and consuming it for herself. Handheld focus stack.

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Pete Burford – (1) Damselfly

First image…

here is a Damselfly covered in Dew in the middle of the night. Insects are cold blooded, so as the temperature cools at night, they are unable to move. Dew then sticks to the Damselfly and covers it completely.

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Panagiotis Dalagiorgos – (1) Iris oratoria

First image…

An Iris oratoria on a branch shot with a shallow depth of field.

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Panagiotis Dalagiorgos – (2) Mantis religiosa

Second image…

A Mantis religiosa among some Cyclamen graecum ssp. graecum.