A 14-year-old photographer from China has earned high recognition in the prestigious Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition for his remarkable image of a perfectly camouflaged bordered duster moth. Zhixuan Sun's photograph, titled "Hiding in Plain Sight," received a "Highly Commended" award in the 11-14 years age category, showcasing his exceptional eye for detail and wildlife observation skills.
The award-winning image captures a Pingasa ruginaria, commonly known as a bordered duster moth, resting motionless on a lichen-covered tree trunk at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden in Yunnan, China. Sun's curiosity about an unusual pattern on the tree bark led him to discover the well-camouflaged insect, which belongs to the Geometridae family of moths. These moths are named after their caterpillars' characteristic looping movement as they crawl.
Demonstrating remarkable patience and respect for wildlife, Sun carefully approached the moth using his smartphone to avoid disturbing the creature. He utilized his phone's close-up mode to capture the intricate details of the moth's disruptive coloration, which helps it blend seamlessly with its surroundings when stationary. The technical specifications of his winning shot include a Vivo X100 Ultra smartphone with a 23mm built-in lens, shot at 1/265 second at f2.2 with ISO 71.
The bordered duster moth, an insect species found in Eastern Asia, typically has a wingspan measuring between 27-32mm, approximately one inch across. Adults characteristically rest with their wings held flat against surfaces, as perfectly demonstrated in Sun's photograph. This natural behavior, combined with their specialized coloration, makes them nearly invisible when resting on lichen-covered bark, serving as an excellent example of evolutionary camouflage.
Sun, who resides in Beijing, has developed a passion for learning about and observing insects that can be encountered in urban environments. His interest in entomology has led him to understand the crucial importance of cherishing and protecting our natural environment. Initially starting with smartphone photography, he later progressed to using professional camera equipment to document his subjects more effectively.
Through his wildlife photography, Sun hopes to educate the world about China's diverse wildlife and inspire others to appreciate the natural world around them. His work represents the growing movement of young conservationists using photography as a powerful tool to raise awareness about environmental protection and biodiversity preservation. The Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition continues to showcase such emerging talent, encouraging the next generation to connect with nature through the art of photography.
