Incredible Winners of the 2017 Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition

Lily pollen by Dr. David A. Johnston. Confocal, 63x magnification. 6th place.

Living Volvox algae releasing its daughter colonies by Jean-Marc Babalian. Differential Interference Contrast , 100x magnification. 3rd place.

Orchid cuckoo bee from the collections of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History by Levon Biss. Reflected light, 10x magnification. 13th place.

Abdominal proleg of a caterpillar by Dean Lerman. Reflected Light and Focus Stacking, 3.7x magnification. Image of Distinction.

Dandelion cross section showing curved stigma with pollen by Dr. Robert Markus. Confocal and Large Image Stitching, 25x magnification. Honorable mention.

Simple Eyes of digger wasp with condensation by Laurie Knight. Reflected Light, 20x magnification.

Small moth by Jan Rosenboom. Image stacking, 5x magnification. Image of Distinction.

Natural bridge connecting the abdomen and thorax of an ant by Can Tunçer. Focus stacking, 5x magnification. Image of Distinction.

Moth eggs in spider silk by Walter Piorkowski. Reflected Light and Image Stacking, 16x magnification.

Titmouse down feather by Marek Miś. Polarized Light, Darkfield, 25x magnification. 16th place.