The primary subject of the photograph must be an insect (or a group of insects) captured in close-up (macro photography) or within their natural habitat.

Focus: Judging emphasizes technical excellence (sharpness on the eyes/head, depth of field), lighting, composition, and the reveal of details difficult to see with the naked eye (wing textures, body structures, behaviors like feeding, mating, or flight).

Allowed Species: In addition to true insects (bees, butterflies, ants, dragonflies, beetles), other small arthropods and invertebrates, such as spiders and snails, are equally accepted within this competition category.

Not Allowed: Images where the insect is a minor or incidental element within a wide landscape, or heavy digital manipulation that alters the anatomy or physical structure of the creature (cloning body parts). Images generated entirely by Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be disqualified.