21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Soldier Beetle and micro-insect on a poppy flower.

Soldier beetles are always moving and animated, so I had to take multiple shots at a quick rate. My focus was on the beetle drinking water droplets around scattered pollen. It wasn't until my post-processing when I enlarged the image that I noticed the micro-insect. This is a treasured example of the surprises microphotography presents to me.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Cumberland, Maryland, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 6D
Copyright: © Marta Fiscus