Magnificent Microcosms: Captivating Images of Imperiled Insects

The Rocky Mountain locust
Billions of Rocky Mountain Locusts, known as Melanoplus spretus, used to flock to the Great Plains in large numbers until the late 1800s. After this, the swarms stopped appearing and the locusts have not been seen since 1902.

In an effort to raise awareness of the beauty of insects, British photographer Levon Biss has created an exhibition, Extinct & Endangered: Insects in Peril, showcasing stunning photographs taken with microscope lenses. His work is a reminder of how we often don’t appreciate the beauty of such creatures until it’s too late – a stark reality that’s seen in the fate of the once prolific Rocky Mountain Locust (Melanoplus spretus), last seen in 1902. Biss’ photographs, made from up to 10,000 individual images, captures the intricate details of his subject matter, drawing attention to the importance of preserving the planet’s biodiversity. Continue reading »