Revealing hidden complexity in nature is perhaps the finest art in microphotography. This year’s winning photograph—a rice weevil appearing as if in flight, fleeing a grain of rice—is a prime example. Rice weevils are tiny agricultural villains, known for attacking crop seeds like rice and laying their eggs inside the grains. In this shot taken by China-based photographer Zhang You, the weevil is shown at scale, emphasizing its small stature while also transforming it into the scourge it is—a winged agent of destruction.
The image, which took two weeks of work to create, brings into focus “the magnificence and fragility of insects,” You says, adding that he hopes his images will “contribute to the protection, utilization of insects, and the preservation of Earth’s ecology.”
Of this year’s 1,925 entries, Nikon recognized 71 for their originality, informational content, technical prowess, and visual beauty. They include the vasculature of an embryonic mouse, and spiny balls of mallow pollen germinating at the same moment as being parasitized by a fungus.
Take a look at some of the standout images from this year’s competition.