The Royal Entomological Society’s Insect Week photography competition has announced its winners, with a captivating image of sleeping cuckoo bees by Luke Chambers taking the top prize.
Chambers, a Yorkshire-based photographer, captured two cuckoo bees resting on a single blade of grass. He described his lucky find, saying, “Finding any sleeping invertebrate is always brilliant – but two so close together, well that’s like winning the photography lottery.”
Tim Jonas Takes Second Place
The second-place award went to Tim Jonas for his intriguing photo of caddis-fly larvae, highlighting another fascinating side of the insect world.
Celebrating Insect Diversity and Beauty
Head judge Dr. Tim Cockerill, a broadcaster, photographer, and senior lecturer at Falmouth University, emphasized the importance of the competition in showcasing the diversity and beauty of insects. “Insects are the most diverse group of animals on the planet, yet we know so little about most of them. Photography like this provides a window into the astonishing complexity and beauty of the insect world,” said Dr. Cockerill.
He also expressed hope that the competition’s collection of stunning images would help raise awareness about the threats facing insects and highlight their importance in the ecosystem.
Young Talent Shines in Under-18 Category
Seventeen-year-old Swedish photographer Gustav Parenmark won the under-18 category with his image of a banded demoiselle damselfly at rest. Parenmark shared his secret to success, explaining that waking up early was key to capturing the damselfly in a dormant state. “This species of damselfly is usually very skittish, but I went out at 04:00 to capture them inactive, making them easier to photograph,” he said.
The competition continues to celebrate the wonders of the insect world, providing an opportunity for photographers to showcase their skills and bring attention to the beauty and importance of insects.