Wildlife Photographer Captures Stunning Image of Sleeping Bees in Moroccan Atlas

Frank Deschandol’s award-winning photo in the insect category was taken in the Moroccan Atlas. It highlights wild bees sleeping on a stem. According to the wildlife photographer, it is the behavior of the insects that prompted him to photograph them. "The behavior is interesting, they are funny, they fix themselves and cling with their mandibles. This is the behavior they have just before sunset to sleep together," he said.

The photo for which this reptile and animal enthusiast was awarded in the mushroom category concerns a parasitized beetle. The photograph was taken in Peru. "This one enters its body and takes control to force it to climb up, the beetle dies clinging to the branch and the mushroom develops around it, that’s why I called it the zombie beetle," explained Frank Deschandol.

"It’s always nice to see your work recognized, two photos selected in addition... for me it’s not an end, but it’s what I was looking for, more visibility," rejoiced the photographer from Le Havre.

Every year, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year selects thirty photographs of mammals, insects, plants from 50,000 to best illustrate nature and its riches, recalls Franceinfo.