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More than 15,300 submissions made their way to the judges for this year’s Close-Up Photographer of the Year, setting a record for the highest number of entries in the competition’s history. From uncanny insects to slime molds to unexpected animal interactions, photographs captured by amateur and professional photographers alike highlight the diverse and sometimes surreal flora and fauna all around us.

The contest winners will be announced in January. In the meantime, a photography challenge on the theme of “Close to Home” is open for submissions through the end of the month. Explore some of our favorites from the shortlist below, and learn more on the contest’s website.

Joao Pontes, “Suspended”

Barry Webb, “Frosted Lamproderma”

Parks Marilla, “Ants Eating Racer”

Wayne Sayers, “Fleabane Tortoise Beetle larva”

Hira Punjabi, “Bat Bath”

David Hunter, “Sea Eye”

James Rogerson, “Cloaked Auk”

Lisa Skelton, “Rockpool Sanctuary”

Adalbert Mojrzisch, “Beachgrass”

Oliver Lacey, “A Little Punky”

David Myles, “Dewy Physarum album”

Craig Loechel, “This didn’t happen overnight”

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