Incredible close-up of spider silk wins science photo prize

The Australian net-casting spider (Asianopis subrufa) is a unique predator that uses its specially adapted silk for hunting. Unlike other spiders that build webs, this spider throws its net over prey using its front legs. The electron microscope image reveals the spider silk’s structure, with an elastic core and a sheath of harder fibers, making it strong and stretchy. The photo, taken by Martin J. Ramirez, won the Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition 2025.

The behavior category winner captured a fight between male greater prairie-chickens (Tympanuchus cupido) by Peter Hudson at Pennsylvania State University. These birds compete for mates by leaping into the air and striking each other.

Filippo Carugati won in the ecology and environmental science category with a photo of tadpoles in Madagascar. These tadpoles, believed to be from a Guibemantis liber frog, are swimming in gelatinous substance attached to a tree trunk.

The winning photo in the behavior category depicts a fight between male greater prairie-chickens (Tympanuchus cupido), captured by Peter Hudson at Pennsylvania State University. These birds engage in aerial displays to compete for mates during the breeding season.

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