Indian photographer Jithesh Pai has received high commendation in the 2025 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition for his remarkable photograph titled "Eyes in the Moss," which captures three tiger beetle larvae lying in ambush in his family garden. The image, selected in the Adult Wildlife Photographer of the Year category under the Invertebrates behavior section, showcases the fascinating predatory behavior of Cosmodela barmanica, a species of tiger beetle found in Southern Asia.

The extraordinary photograph originated from Pai's careful observation of a mossy wall in his family's garden in Mangaluru, Karnataka, India. After witnessing an adult female tiger beetle depositing her eggs into loose soil between the bricks, Pai began monitoring the wall closely. Within just a few days, tiny armored larval heads began emerging from holes in the wall, presenting a perfect opportunity for wildlife documentation.

To achieve the crystal-clear detail visible in every aspect of the image, Pai employed a sophisticated photographic technique called focus stacking. Using a Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera with a 100mm f2.8 lens, he captured 70 separate images at 1/80 second, f4 aperture, and ISO 1000, then combined them to ensure every detail remained sharp throughout the frame. This technical approach was essential given the small size and intricate details of the tiger beetle larvae.

The photograph reveals the remarkable anatomy and behavior of these fascinating predators. Tiger beetle larvae possess large, alert eyes that can detect the slightest movement in their surroundings, along with wide-open, needle-sharp mandibles designed for capturing prey. These young insects demonstrate patience and precision as they lurk motionlessly in their burrows, ready to seize any unfortunate creature that stumbles within lunging distance.

Pai, who works as a software engineer by profession while maintaining his passion as a naturalist, strives to document behavioral patterns across various animal species. He has developed a particular fascination with arachnids and dedicates significant time to studying and recording their natural history. As an active member of Team Saaliga, a group of dedicated nature enthusiasts focused on documenting spiders, Pai has contributed valuable research to the scientific community and has published his findings in peer-reviewed scientific papers.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition continues to showcase images that celebrate nature's awe-inspiring beauty while encouraging global conservation efforts. Pai's winning photograph will be featured in the traveling exhibition, allowing visitors to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the natural world through powerful imagery that demonstrates both artistic excellence and scientific value.