22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Landscape of another planet
n this close-up photograph, the intricate world of nature's cleanup crew is revealed as mould mites gather on the head of a deceased mantis. The tiny arachnids, with their translucent bodies and delicate legs, swarm over the surface of the mantis's head, drawn to the decaying matter as part of their essential role in decomposition. Each mite is meticulously captured, highlighting their minuscule features and the bustling activity of their community. Against the backdrop of the mantis's still form, the mould mites provide a stark reminder of the cyclical nature of life and death in the natural world.
Photo Detail
| Date Taken: | 04.2024 |
| Date Uploaded: | 10.2024 |
| Photo Location: | Malaysia |
| Copyright: | © Irina Petrova Adamatzky |