Rice Weevil Image Wins 2025 Nikon Small World Contest

A captivating photograph of a rice weevil perched on a grain of rice has been awarded first place in the 2025 Nikon Small World photomicrography contest. This striking image, captured by Zhang You from Yunnan, China, not only showcases the intricate details of the well-known agricultural pest but also offers new insights into its structure and behavior.

Zhang You’s success in the contest underscores the importance of both artistic vision and scientific understanding in the field of entomology. In a statement, You emphasized the value of mastering both the behaviors of insects and the technical aspects of lighting. “A standout work blends artistry with scientific rigor, capturing the very essence, energy, and spirit of these creatures,” he remarked.

You also shared that luck played a role in the creation of his winning photograph. “I had observed rice weevils in grains before, but never one with its wings spread. This one was naturally preserved on a windowsill, perhaps in a final attempt to escape,” he explained. The small size of these insects makes it challenging to prepare specimens with spread wings manually, making this encounter both fortuitous and inspiring.

History and Impact of the Contest

The Nikon Small World contest, founded in 1974, aims to highlight the beauty and complexity of the microscopic world. Photomicrography involves using a camera attached to a microscope to take high-resolution images of various subjects. The technique has its roots in the studies of British physiologist Richard Hill Norris, who utilized it for blood cell research as early as 1850. Over the decades, advancements in digital imaging have expanded the medium’s artistic potential.

In 2025, the competition attracted over 1,900 submissions from 77 countries. A panel of judges evaluated the entries based on criteria such as originality, informational content, technical proficiency, and visual impact. The diversity of subjects this year was remarkable, ranging from rat liver cells and sunflower trichomes to slime molds releasing spores and a moth laying eggs.

Celebrating Microscopic Artistry

The winning images serve not only as scientific documentation but also as art, bridging the gap between two disciplines. The remaining top 20 winners include a variety of microscopic marvels, showcasing the intricate details of life that often go unnoticed. The full list of winners, along with several honorable mentions, is available on the Nikon Small World website.

In addition to the photomicrography contest, the winners of the video competition for 2025 have also been announced, demonstrating further innovations in capturing the unseen world around us. As the fascination with the microscopic realm continues to grow, contests like Nikon’s play a crucial role in inspiring both scientists and artists alike.