Smithsonian.com

Frontal section of Phalangium opilio (Harvestman/Daddy longlegs) eyes (Image: Igor Siwanowicz/2010 Olympus BioScapes Digital Imaging Competition)

This psychedelic photo is a depth color-coded projection of a confocal microscope image of the eyes of a daddy longlegs (Phalangium opilio). The image, by Igor Siwanowicz of the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology in Munich, Germany, was awarded first place in the Olympus BioScapes International Digital Imaging Competition, which honors microscope images of life science subjects. Siwanowicz also won seventh place for his photo of the eye of a common blue damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum). These images and the other winners can all be viewed online.

Since we’re on the topic of photo contests, have you entered Smithsonian magazine’s 8th annual photo contest yet? You have until 2:00 pm EST on December 1, 2010. Enter your photos in one of five categories: Altered Images, Americana, the Natural World, People and Travel. But don’t worry if you miss the deadline; the ninth contest starts on March 1, 2011.

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