The Royal Entomological Society is delighted to share the beautiful winning entries from the Insect Week 2022 Photography Competition.  We received over 700 entries from 34 countries across six continents, each photographer could enter up to three images.

The competition was judged by Dr Tim Cockerill (Head Judge and Senior Lecturer, Falmouth University), Ashleigh Whiffin (Pelham-Clinton Entomology Genetic Collection Curator, National Museums Scotland) and Lucia Chmurová (Important Invertebrate Areas Officer, Buglife.  Tim said “the quality overall was really high, it was a tough one this year, there were some incredible entries and fascinating insects!”

The overall winner was It’s takes two, an image of a mating pair of golden-tabbed robber flies Eutolmus rufibarbis by Pete Burford in the United Kingdom. Pete said “I have been doing macro photography for 2 and a half years now and it’s great to have my work recognised.”

It's takes two
It’s takes two, by Pete Burford, winner in the Over 18 category, Insect Week 2022 Photography competition © Pete Burford

The under 18 category winner was Fresh Out Of The Shower, an image of a Blue-tailed damselfly Ischnura elegans in Sweden by Gustav Parenmark (aged 16). Gustav said “It is an honour to be a winner in this category, getting the opportunity to show earth’s precious insects and hopefully getting people to appreciate them more. Insects are often overlooked and it is important to show that they are amazing creatures and extremely important for our ecosystems.”

Fresh Out Of The Shower
Fresh Out Of The Shower, by Gustav Parenmark, winner of Under 18 category, Insect Week 2022 Photography competition © Gustav Parenmark

Many congratulations and well done to the runner ups, and highly and specially commended.

View all the entries in the Under 18 and Over 18 category galleries.

The 2023 competition will open on 19 June 2023 at the start of Insect Week, we look forward to your entries.