Scanning Electron Microscopy or SEM is a technique of photographing objects normally too small to see with the naked eye. The ability of these microscopes to get so close to otherwise hidden things makes for some surreal images. FEI is a company that manufactures Electron Microscopes and they have, for the last few years, run a regular competition for the best SEM photos. Below I have selected 15 of what I consider to be the best out of the hundreds sent in each year. To browse through the complete collection (which includes not just insects or coloured photos) check out the FEI Flickr page.

15 Bluebottle Maggot

14 Caterpillar

13 Dog Flea

12 Wasp Head

11 Bed Bug

10 Aphid on a Leaf

9 Gecko Leg





8 Parasitic Mite on a Mosquito

7 Moth Head





6 Spider Head

5 Marine Worm





4 Bee Head

3 Caterpillar





2 Embryonic Zebrafish

1 Mosquito Eyes