Ever seen a weevil unfurl its wings on a grain of rice? Photographer Zhang You from China has. In fact, he captured the moment in extraordinary detail – and the image has just been named the winner of this year’s Nikon Small World competition. It shows the tiny agricultural pest perched on its favourite food source, wings fully extended in perfect symmetry.
Insects like this rice weevil play vital roles in ecosystems across the globe. Capturing one in such exquisite detail – and in such a striking pose – is exceptionally rare, revealing the intricate beauty of life that often goes unnoticed.
Second place went to Dr Jan Rosenboom for his mesmerising image of algae spheres suspended in a droplet of water, while third place was awarded to John-Oliver Dum for his delicate photograph of pollen caught in a garden spider’s web.
Now in its 51st year, the Nikon Small World competition celebrates the finest examples of science seen through the microscope – and is open to anyone with a passion for photography or video.
Here are our top pictures from this year's contest.
