2023 - Photography Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Insect Week

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Paul Fraser – (1) Digger Wasp sp.

First image…

A close-up portrait of a digger wasp species that I found excavating chambers in a raised bed planter at my work.

Competition 2023 – Photography – 18 and over – Steven Mahy – (3) Vespula vulgaris

Third image…

A wasp found settled in a conifer tree. Focus stack taken in natural light.

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 – Under 18 years – Kushaan A Ksheerasagar – (2) Stick mantis

Second image…

A stick mantis is on leaf. The shades of the matis and the leaf are almost the same and without the movement of the insect it would be impossible to locate it. The body of the mantis was aligned with the veins of the leaf which made it harder to identify.