2023 - Photography - 18 and over Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Insect Week

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Steven Mahy – (1) Asilidae

First image…

A robber fly found settled on long grass, Droxford, Hampshire. Focus stack taken in natural light.

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Marian Coburn – (1) Emperor moth (Saturnia pavonia)

First image…

A male Emperor moth (Saturnia pavonia) at rest on heather on the slopes of Meall Buidhe with the peak of Stuchd an Lochain in the background. These are two Scottish mountains (Munros). Photo taken in May 2023. Glen Lyon.

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Tim Jonas – (3) Archaeognatha

Third image…

Jumping Bristletails are some of the most evolutionarily primitive insects alive today, pre-dating the dinosaurs by 200 million years. Often found under stones, these unique non-flying insects can jump several cm's in the air and have a covering of scales that provide protection.

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Tim Jonas – (2) Chrysis viridula

Second image…

Chrysis is a genus of cuckoo wasp so called because they infiltrate the nests of other wasps and bees, laying their eggs alongside their hosts' offspring. This species, Chrysis viridula, has a spectacular metallic sheen and targets the nests of Potter Wasps (Odynerus spinipes).

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Tim Jonas – (1) Glyphotaelius pellucidus

First image…

Photographed in-situ on a leaf overhanging water, this image shows recently hatched Caddisfly larvae inside a transparent gelatinous egg sac. The larvae will drop into the water where they live as aquatic insects throughout the larval and pupal stages.

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Abi Batten – (1) Vespula vulgaris

First image…

Wasp who seemed to enjoy sharing a cream tea with us, favoured raspberry jam over blackcurrant and was very polite.

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Thomas Roberts – (3) Orange-tip Butterfly

Third image…

I believe these two male Orange Tip butterflies are merely resting on this lichen decorated branch. Whatever their reason for being there I was glad they felt secure enough to allow me to get this colourful image.

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Jamie Spensley – (1) A clubbed mydas fly

First image…

A portrait of a mydas fly roaming through the beach grass in Key West, Florida.

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Frank Ashwood – (3) Silverfish (Lepismatidae)

Third image…

These silverfish appeared to be clinging together inside a small, clayey nest structure, and refused to abandon each other when a camera lens pointed in their direction. Some of their brilliant silver scales have rubbed off, which may indicate moulting is about to take place.

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Heath McDonald – (3) Blood-vein Moths – Timandra comae

Third image…

Blood-vein moths are a member of the moth family geometridae, they get the name from the distinctive reddish line that runs from wingtip to wingtip. Usually on the wing in the UK from May to July, the caterpillars feed on Dock and Common Sorrell.