22/09/2026
Proud & happy for the phoyo of Marek Sticka, from a Romanian Cave
Title of Photo: Ischyropsalis Ravasinii Development
Location: Romania
Photographer: Marek Štika - Czech Republic
Category: Cave Biology - First Place
For Marek, visiting caves is like visiting an art gallery. "Nature is the master of the Art," he says. "We can't really improve it; we can just look at it and, if we are lucky, record it." In this incredibly difficult focus-stacked image, he managed to capture the delicate development of these rare eggs suspended in a transparent drop of protective parental mucus.
Jury's Note:
An absolutely magnificent photograph that beautifully combines poetry, science, and aesthetic beauty. Achieving sharp focus inside a droplet while avoiding distracting reflections is exceptionally difficult. A striking macroscopic lesson for us to contemplate.
(Update: The photographer beautifully clarified that this crystal-clear suspension is not water, but rather mucus secreted by the parent to protect the eggs, a true marvel of cave biology!)
© 2026 Marek Štika. All rights reserved. Please do not use or reproduce without the artist's explicit permission.
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