Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Leaf Cutter Ant Costa Rica

Atta leaf cutter ant near Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica. Many populations of beneficial insects are experiencing significant declines due to human impacts. Entire ecological communities are dependent on these animals and the ecosystem services they provide, and it is easy for these tiny, but charismatic, microfauna to fly under our radar. Awareness begins with simply looking closer.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2023
Date Uploaded: 09.2023
Photo Location: La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Camera: Canon EOS R6
Copyright: © Allegra Marcell