An picture of an ant’s face taken in close-up has gone viral online.
According to The New York Post, the image was shot by Lithuanian wildlife photographer Dr. Eugenijus Kavaliauskas, who used a microscope to magnify it five times. The image, entitled “Ant (Camponotus),” was submitted by Kavaliauskas to the Nikon Small World Photography Competition, however it did not receive a prize.
Prior to just beginning his study into insects, Kavaliauskas used to photograph raptor birds of prey. “I’m always looking for details, shadows, and unseen corners. The main goal of photography is to be a discoverer,” he told Insider. “I am fascinated by the Creator’s masterpieces and the opportunity to see God’s designs.”
He continued, saying that “there are no horrors in nature.”
The annual Nikon competition, which emphasizes microscope photography, celebrated its 48th year this year. Kavaliauskas’ picture made it as one of the 57 Images of Distinction, despite the fact that it didn’t make the Top 20 or Honorable Mentions lists.
A $35 Nikon item was the prize he got. The image named “Embryonic hand of a Madagascar giant day gecko (Phelsuma grandis)” by Grigorii Timin and Michel Milinkovitch won the first award, which included $3,000 in cash.