22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Battle of the Gladiators: Stag Beetles in Combat
In this captivating image, two stag beetles clash in a fierce battle atop a lichen-covered branch. Their armoured bodies, gleaming under the light, lock in a dramatic display of strength and determination, resembling ancient warriors in nature's arena. The textured lichen beneath them adds a natural yet stark contrast, while the intense struggle draws focus to the raw power and survival instincts of these magnificent creatures. Set against a black background, the scene is both primal and cinematic, showcasing the beetles' fight for dominance in their woodland habitat.
Photo Detail
Date Taken: | 01.2024 |
Date Uploaded: | 10.2024 |
Photo Location: | United Kingdom |
Copyright: | © Irina Petrova Adamatzky |