from thefreeomline on January 9, 2023 via agogo22 by KATE MOTHES at Colossal shared with thanks
Now in its fourth year, the competition attracted more than 9,000 entries in nine categories from 54 countries.
Nathan Benstead, “Hemitrichia calyculata,” Young Category Winner. All images © the photographers and Close-Up Photographer of the Year
Among the winning images of the Close-Up Photographer of the Year contest, frilly slime mold stems from leaves, elegant insects splay colorful wings, and microscopic patterns create vivid abstractions. Now in its fourth year, the competition attracted more than 9,000 entries from 54 countries.
Samantha Stephens, “Nature’s Pitfall,” Overall Winner and Animals Category Winner
The overall winner of this year’s competition was captured by Samantha Stephens and glimpses two tiny amphibians trapped inside a carnivorous plant. She explains, “Typically, these plants feast on invertebrates such as moths and flies, but recently, researchers at the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station discovered a surprising new item on the plant’s menu: juvenile Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum).” It was a timely capture; by the following day, the creatures had sunk to the bottom of the pitcher.
See some more of our favorite captures below, and visit the contest’s website to view the Top 100 photographs of the year.
Viktor Lyagushkin, “Little Predator,” Underwater First Place
Kate Jonker, “Beauty and the Beast,” Second Place Underwater Category Winner
Uday Hegde, “Atlas Moth.” Second Place Dragonflies and Butterflies Category Winner
Andy Sands, “Slime Mould [Didymium Squamulosum] on Holly Leaf,” Third Place Fungi Category Winner
Johan De Ridder’s “Triplets in Green.” All images courtesy of CUPOTY, shared with permission..2021
The Free 