Celebrating Macro Photography: Top Highlights of 2025

After years of exploring forests and uncovering the hidden lives of tiny creatures, 2025 has proven to be a remarkable year for macro photography. With careful planning, persistent effort, and a bit of luck, the year unfolded with an extraordinary series of lifers – each a testament to my commitment to the craft. This article brings forth a selection of my favorite images and noteworthy discoveries from the year, illustrating how even familiar environments can astonish when approached with curiosity and a willingness to look a little closer.

Gear and Setup for Macro Photography

In 2025, I relied on my tried-and-true Micro Four Thirds setup to capture the intricate details of the minute world around us. This lightweight configuration allowed for ease of movement and flexibility in the field:

• Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mk4 - A compact mirrorless camera ideal for macro work, providing excellent portability without sacrificing image quality.
• Laowa 50mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO - This lens excels at capturing life-sized subjects from only a few centimeters away, allowing for extreme detail in the images.
• Flash Equipment: Godox V350o fitted with a DIY diffuser and reflector, alongside a Godox TT350o that was wirelessly triggered to mount on a flexible tripod with a softbox.
• Bug’s Eye Shots Add-On: A combination of Raynox DCR-150, Raynox DCR-250, and a 2.1mm cctv lens enhanced my capability for capturing the tiniest details.

2025 Highlights: My Favorite Macro Subjects

1. Orb Weaver Spider (Araneidae)

   This massive male orb weaver remains a taxonomical enigma. Its size rivals that of female Parawixia dehaani, and it showcases multiple morphological variations.



2. Spider Egg Sac (Poltys sp.)

   Discovered a fascinating egg sac covered with pink silk. After thorough investigation and collaboration on iNaturalist, it was identified as belonging to a Poltys species.



3. Caterpillar (Ambulycini)

   A classic representation of the captivating yet sinister poses caterpillars adopt.

   



4. Long-horned Moth (Lecithocera biferrinella)

   This species of micro moth is one of my favorites due to its vivid colors and patterns.



5. Slug Moth Caterpillar (Limacodinae)

   Encountered a stunning ember-colored slug moth caterpillar, known for its potential sting. Having brushed against one previously, the experience was quite painful!



6. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda borneensis)

   Identified this “big-orange” huntsman, marking my first encounter with Heteropoda borneensis.



7. Broad-headed Bark Spider (Caerostris sp.)

   A pair found in proximity, yet not occupying the same web. Intriguingly, the male exhibited mating behavior without being conspecific with the female.

   



8. Big-jawed Spider (Leucauge fastigata)

   Despite its commonality, I aimed to capture the intricate details of the stiff hairs on the male’s chelicerae.



9. Planthopper Nymph (Fulgoridae)

   This nymph features a distinctive curved structure, providing insight into its evolutionary adaptations.



10. Jumping Spider (Pancorius dentichelis)

    Captured a rare moment as this jumping spider extricated itself from its old exoskeleton.



11. Crab Spider (cf. Thomisus sp.)

    After years of absence, this specimen appeared, yet its placement within Thomisus remains uncertain.

    



12. Crab Spider (Epidius sp.)

    Unexpectedly came across an Epidius, making it a remarkable find in Singapore.



13. Cicada (Chremistica sp.)

    I rekindled my UV-induced visible fluorescence project, allowing me to achieve high shutter speeds and handheld stacking. Expect a video or blog post with details soon!



14. Land Snail (Amphidromus sp.)

    Captured a stunning shot of ultraviolet fluorescence in a snail, marking the first instance of such an observation!



15. Moth-like Planthopper (Ricaniidae)

    Witnessed wings of freshly molted moths fluorescing under UV light, revealing a hidden aspect of their biology.

    



16. Crab Spiderlings (Thomisidae)

    Experimented with ultraviolet exposure to unveil spiderlings hidden beneath silk, yielding stunning results.



17. Harvestman (Beloniscus albiephippiatus)

    Captured crystal-clear shots of ultraviolet fluorescence, marking significant progress in achieving sharp images.



18. Black-femur Tarantula (Selenocosmia sp.)

    This large black tarantula was spotted during a night hike, calmly resting under the moonlight.



19. Bee Fly (Systropus sp.)

    This bee fly exhibited exceptionally long hind legs, reminiscent of robber flies from the subfamily Leptogastrinae.

    



20. Planthopper (Lophopini)

    Admiring the vibrant colors of this lophopid planthopper, I documented its beauty thoroughly.



21. Tortoise Beetle (Rhacocassis sp.)

    I was thrilled with the discovery of a new lifer tortoise beetle that I encountered during my travels.



22. Treehopper (Pyrgauchenia cf. colorata)

    A return visit to Gunung Trusmadi allowed me to discover these fascinating treehoppers.



23. Jumping Spider (Hyllus sp.)

    This large Hyllus species at Trusmadi was impressive, displaying predatory behavior against larger huntsman spiders.

    



24. Rolled-leaf Orb Weaver (Poltys cf. idae)

    Previously only seen as a juvenile, this adult rolled-leaf orb weaver was an exceptional find thanks to my travel companions.



25. Jellybean Bird Dung Spider (Pasilobus sp.)

    Discovered a jellybean-like spider, part of the intriguing bird dung spider clan, which was a delightful addition to my collection.



26. Huntsman Spider (Gnathopalystes sp.)

    Encountered a striking Gnathopalystes showcasing vibrant blue hues, a delightful surprise captured during our exploration.



27. “Jabba the Hutt” Snail-mimicking Orb Weaver (Cyrtarachne sp.)

    A friendly nickname emerged for this fascinating snail-mimicking orb weaver discovered by Cham.

    



28. Dragon Mantis (Paratoxodera meggitti)

    After a disappointing absence in the previous year, encountering two species of dragon mantis made up for it this time!



29. Dragon Mantis (Toxodera fimbriata)

    This species, often referred to as the “Feather Mantis,” is recognized for its elongated body and delicate legs.



30. Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus)

    A memorable meeting with a family from Korea led to sharing insights and capturing imagery of this stunning adult orchid mantis.



31. Rhino Beetle (Trichogomphus simson)

    This rhinoceros beetle became a new addition to my lifer list, reminding me of the incredible diversity found in nature.

    



32. Stag Beetle (Hexarthrius mandibularis)

    A generous friend shared a stunning male stag beetle, known for its long, curved mandibles.



33. Darkling Beetle (Stenochiini)

    This individual sported captivating cyan patches, differentiating it from other beetle species.



34. Shining Leaf Chafer Beetle (Ceroplophana malaysiana ssp. nobuyukii)

    This fascinating find resembled illustrations from traditional beetle cartoons, adding a whimsical touch to my collection.



35. Stag Beetle (Odontolabis brookeana)

    Notable for their thick mandibles, I discovered several stag beetle species during my explorations, prompting me to compile a Lucanidae Checklist: Stag Beetles.

    



36. Velvet Ant-mimicking Checkered Beetle (Strotocera grandis)

    Seeing this checkered beetle that mimics a velvet ant was especially exciting, adding to the allure of mimicry in nature.



37. Tiger Beetle Larva (Cicindelidae)

    This year yielded an increase in tiger beetle larvae sightings, a fascinating development compared to last year.



38. Long-neck Longhorn Beetle (Cylindrepomus sp.)

    This specimen boasted an extraordinary long neck, with a proportionally larger head and thorax compared to its abdomen.



39. Longhorn Beetle (Glenea itzingeri)

    The beautiful patterns typical of the Glenea species made this beetle a particularly delightful subject.

    



40. Comb-footed Spider (Meotipa sp.)

    After Gunung Trusmadi, I met up with fellow macro photographers from Sabah, enhancing our joint experiences.



41. Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda lunula)

    Took my daughters out for a night shoot in the mangroves and was rewarded with fantastic shots of the "big purple spiders."



42. Jumping Spider (Rhene sp.)

    Discovered this panda-like Rhene at Panti Forest, potentially an unfamiliar counterpart to a local inhabitant.



43. Blue Mangrove Viper (Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus)

    Loaned the latest Laowa 15mm 1:2 wide-angle macro lens for testing, while seizing the opportunity to capture this beautiful viper.

    



44. Comb-footed Spider (Dipoenura sp.)

    Discovered these individuals at Fraser’s Hill, which sported comical facial features that entertained our group.



45. Mite (Penthaleus sp.)

    Engaging with these tiny mites proved challenging, as they constantly moved about, evading capture.



46. Siamese Peninsular Pitviper (Trimeresurus sabahi ssp. fucatus)

    During a trip to Fraser’s Hill, I collaborated with the Penang herping group to photograph various species.



47. Bird Dung Crab Spider (Phrynarachne decipiens)

    Grateful to Ayim for introducing me to this white bird dung crab spider, making for a captivating photographic opportunity.

    



48. Bent-toed Gecko (Cyrtodactylus australotitiwangsaensis)

    Spotted this delightful little gecko at MCM Nature Discovery Villa, highly recommended for nature enthusiasts.



49. Giant Armored Spider (Perania sp.)

    This spider was found in its natural habitat alongside Liphistius, showcasing its distinctive morphological features.



50. Jungle Nymph Stick Insect (Heteropteryx dilatata)

    Wei's find of this specimen presented perfect opportunities for wide-angle shots, though caution was needed due to its sharp claws!



51. Leafhopper (Gununga jacobsoni)

    Encountered a visually stunning leafhopper, affirming the rich diversity present at Fraser’s Hill.

    



52. Flying Frog (Rhacophorus bipunctatus)

    Although I do not often photograph frogs, this one posed beautifully, allowing for delightful captures.



53. Treehopper (Pyrgauchenia tristaniopsis)

    Discovered multiple species of treehoppers along the roadside, enjoying the variety that nature provided.



54. Orb Weaver Spider (Araneidae)

    This find at Fraser’s Hill, noted by my friend James, adds to my ongoing study of these interesting spiders.



55. Treehopper (Ebhul varius)

    Before departing Fraser's Hill, I took advantage of the local trees along the roadside to spot more treehoppers.

    



56. Ant-mimic Jumping Spider (Emertonius cf. exasperans)

    Thanks to Melvyn's keen observation, I was fortunate to see this seasonal beauty while it was in bloom.



57. Male Ant-mimic Jumping Spider (Emertonius cf. exasperans)

    Captured a striking image of the male variant of this ant-mimicking species, further showcasing its unique adaptation.



58. Comb-footed Spider (Janula sp.)

    Witnessed the rare mating behavior of these tiny comb-footed spiders, capturing the moment of courtship.



59. Singapore Blue Tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes)

    Documented the stunning feet pads of a captive specimen, encapsulating its vivid beauty.

    



60. Blue Tarantula “Paw” (Omothymus violaceopes)

    The intriguing claw tufts on its feet were especially captivating, adding to the allure of this spider.



61. Red Velvet Mite (Trombidiidae)

    A charming red velvet mite was spotted guarding its ootheca, showcasing a tender moment in nature.



62. Tortoise Beetle (Notosacantha sp.)

    Observed this tortoise beetle from Panti Forest, standing out from the more familiar varieties.



63. Big-jawed Spider (Leucauge sarawakensis)

    This vibrant red and blue spider was a primary target during my time in Panti Forest, though careful movement was crucial to avoid web damage.

    



64. Spiders of Southeast Asia – Changing Perceptions Through Macro Photography

    At the 9th Asian Conference of Arachnology, I presented on how macro photography transforms fear of spiders into fascination. The audience mainly comprised arachnologists, enhancing the appreciation of my work.



65. 9th Asian Conference of Arachnology, Laos

    Engaged with numerous arachnologists I had only previously corresponded with online, fostering professional relationships in the field.



66. Sac Fungus (Cordycipitaceae)

    Discovered an array of fungal outgrowths on a robber fly, marking a unique observation for the year.



67. Weevil (Peribleptus sp.)

    Saw a weevil seemingly lifeless and covered in fungus, only to discover it was very much alive!

    



68. Wolf Spider (Lycosidae)

    Numerous large wolf spiders were encountered along the dry riverbed, showcasing the diversity of predators in their habitat.



69. Woodlouse (Armadillidae)

    Spotted on the cave walls in Laos, this is one of the few isopods I’ve seen during my explorations.



70. Blind Huntsman Spider (Sinopoda caeca)

    Identified this adult female in the caves of Vang Vieng, notable for its loss of vision due to evolutionary adaptations.



71. Blind Guardstone Spider (Otacilia tham)

    Thanks to Peter Jäger, I managed to photograph these elusive blind spiders, detected using a gentle blowing technique.



72. Feather-legged Assassin Bug (Ptilocerus sp.)

    Found by Paul, this aptly named bug was a hairy little marvel to observe!



73. Rolled-leaf Orb Weaver Spider (Poltys cf. idae)

    Photographed a juvenile variant with differing patterns compared to its adult form observed in Malaysia.



74. Huntsman Spider (Thelcticopis sp.)

    Investigated multiple individuals of this striking Thelcticopis species, finding great variations in detail and color.



75. Crab Spider (cf. Angaeus sp.)

    This intriguing crab spider, spotted by Zoe, was closely examined for its unique characteristics.



76. Albino Scorpion (Scorpiops sp.)

    Angelique’s discovery of an albinistic scorpion was a highlight, displaying how adaptations create diversity among species.



77. Midget Ground Weaver (Speocera sp.)

    Identified a small mother carrying recently hatched eggs, scattering intrigue on spider reproductive habits.



78. Long-legged Red Velvet Mite (Erythraeidae)

    Caught glimpses of various captivating cave mites during our expedition.



79. Tarantula (Chilobrachys sp.)

    Spotted a tarantula making a home beneath a discarded plastic cup, shedding light on the environmental impact of tourism.



80. Ray Spider (Wendilgarda sp.)

    Discovering this spider was special due to its unique web structure; it showcases a fascinating adaptation to its environment.



81. Ant-loving Beetle (Tmesiphorini)

    At Kyaeng Nyui Waterfall, I encountered several of these delightful beetles hidden beneath tree bark.



82. Trilobite Beetle (Platerodrilus sp.)

    Found unexpected joy in discovering this charming trilobite beetle, reminiscent of prehistory, outside one of the caves.



83. Tiger Marshmallow Orbweaver (Acusilas malaccensis)

    Came across this species tending to its young, sharing heartwarming insights into spider parenting behavior.



84. Spiky Leaf-rolling Weevil (Hoplapoderus sp.)

    Encountering this fascinating spiky weevil reignited my excitement for discovering new beetle species.



85. Harvestmen (Systenocentrus sp.)

    Noticed the dorsal spikes on these harvestmen, which exhibited signs of injury, a reminder of the harsh realities of nature.



86. Pill Millipede (Hyleoglomeris sp.)

    Initially mistook this colorless millipede for a blind one, adding depth to my encounters in the caves.

Looking Ahead: What’s in Store for 2026?

With nearly a hundred images packed into this post, one truth stands out: the forests remain full of surprises. As I look ahead to 2026, I’m filled with anticipation for new habitats, ambitious hunting trips, and the discoveries that await. My lenses are prepped, ready for the new outlook, and I'm excited for what lies ahead in the enchanting world of macro photography.