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Georgina Steytler's Image
Georgina Steytler (Australia) showcases the strange headgear of a gum-leaf skeletoniser caterpillar.
Georgina had been looking out for this caterpillar for years. When she noticed eucalyptus trees with skeletonised leaves, this was a sign that the animal had been grazing.
She took this image backlit by the setting sun. A fill-in flash illuminated the living head at the base of the stack.
This caterpillar’s unusual headgear is made up of old head capsules, which it keeps every time it sheds its skin.
The resulting tower is believed to help deflect attacks by predators.
Behind the lens
Georgina Steytler
Australia
Georgina is a nature photographer with a passion for birds, conservation and ethics. As well as judging several nature photography competitions, she also conducts workshops and talks across Australia on ethical nature photography. She takes images for, and helps to manage, Australian conservation-based projects. She currently has two books published by Australian Geographic titled For the Love of Birds and For the Love of Flora, which celebrate the unique and beautiful birds and plants of Australia.
Image details
- Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
- 90mm f3.5 lens
- 1/250 at f22 • ISO 500 • Godox flash
- Torndirrup National Park, Western Australia, Australia
Copyright in Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.
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