Ants look horrifying up close and this award-winning photo proves it

Tokyo, Japan - Ants weren't exactly anyone's favorite animal, but one astonishing photo may have just turned indifference into sheer terror!

A close up photo of the face of an ant, an entry into photography company Nikon's recent Small World Photomicrography Competition, has gone viral.
A close up photo of the face of an ant, an entry into photography company Nikon's recent Small World Photomicrography Competition, has gone viral.  © Nikon Small World / Eugenijus Kavaliauskas

Nikon, the company best known for cameras and photography products, recently hosted a photography competition, but one photo has captured the attention of fans.

The annual Small World Photomicrography Competition is in its 48th year, and Nikon explained to CNN that it aims to "recognize excellence in photography through the microscope."

Lithuanian photographer Eugenijus Kavaliauskas chose ants as the subject of his submission an captured the close up with an angle and use of reflective lighting that makes the insect look like something out of a horror movie, or not of this world.

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According to his website, Kavaliauskas began his professional career centered around bird photography, but has recently shifted to insects, and his work is stunning. His photo didn't win the competition or even make it in the Top 20 list, but did win a spot in the award's Images of Distinction category.

And despite not being the top pick by judges, the image has gone viral on the internet, with many changing their perception of the tiny creatures.

Filmmaker James Gunn pointed out that the photo excludes the ant's eyes, which causes the root of the antennae to look like menacing red eyes. He included another photo, stating, "the full ant face isn't nearly as horror-film worthy."

That's debatable to say the least!

Cover photo: Nikon Small World / Eugenijus Kavaliauskas

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