What at first glance looks like an image from a nightmare or a blockbuster horror movie is actually a close-up photo of an ant taken by Lithuanian photographer Dr. Eugenijs Kavaliauskas.
Zoomed five times under a microscope, the image reveals the creature’s eerie red eyes and shadowy face.
This image was part of Nikon’s Small World Photomicrography contest and was selected as one of 57 “Images of Distinction”.
Grigorii Timin received first prize in the competition and was awarded for his photograph of the embryonic hand of the giant day gecko of Madagascar. Teman combined technology and art to capture the Philosoma grandis day gecko.
Nikon Instruments communications and CRM manager Eric Flaim said the competition is held annually where Nikon Small World receives a wealth of microscope images that demonstrate both “ideal scientific technique and artistry.”
Dr. Kavaliauskas told Insider that he caught the ant near his home in Taurage, Lithuania.
“I am always looking for details, shadows and unseen corners,” he said, adding that the main purpose of being a photographer was to be an explorer.
Dr Kavaliauskas said he was fascinated by the “masterpieces of God”, adding that the ant looks scary but “there is no fear in nature”.
The microphotographer is still “surprised” by the “unknown miracles beneath our feet.”
