Blue Banded Bee (Amegilla (Zonamegilla) sp.) and Neon Cuckoo Bee (Thyreus nitidulus), credit: debtaylor142 | iNaturalist

Thanks again to everyone who took part in the first Bugs In My Backyard Week from 17 – 23 November!

The overall winner of the Bugs in My Backyard Week best image competition has been selected by Australian Geographic. Congratulations to iNaturalist user debtaylor142 for your stunning image of a Blue Banded Bee and Neon Cuckoo Bee.

Chrissie Goldrick, Chair of the Australian Geographic Society reflected “This image is not only a good, sharp, well composed capture of two insects in motion, it captures a recognised natural behaviour of the predatory and parasitic neon cuckoo bee species.”

The winning photo captures the beauty, detail and diversity of Australia’s invertebrate life in a single image. It is a strong reminder that small species can make a big impact.

The winner receives a prize of a top quality waterproof jacket generously provided by Mont Adventure Equipment to keep them dry and warm on all their upcoming bug hunting adventures.

The runner up was awarded to iNaturalist user lily_kumpe for her striking image of a jumping spider. The runner up receives a prize pack from Invertebrates Australia, including Invertebrates Australia merch and a supporter one year membership gift card.

Pale Prostheclina (Prostheclina pallida). Credit: Lily Kumpe | iNaturalist – Runner up prize