A general view shows smoke and volcanic ashes billowing from volcano Cotopaxi in Pedregal, Ecuador, late 07 October 2015. (Photo by Jose Jacome/EPA)

Maratus is a spider genus of the Salticidae family (jumping spiders). These spiders are commonly referred to as peacock spiders due to their colorful abdominal flaps that they display during courtship. In at least one species, Maratus vespertilio, the expansion of the flaps also occurs during ritualised contests between males. All described species, except M. furvus, are endemic to Australia. (Photo by Jurgen Otto)

A supporter of the Iranian women life freedom movement takes part in a demonstration, during the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany on February 18, 2023. (Photo by Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters)

A view of St Thomas Becket church during the morning frost, in Fairfield, Kent, England, Thursday, January 6, 2022, following freezing overnight temperatures. (Photo by Gareth Fuller/PA Wire via AP Photo)

Rachel Hollon of Los Angeles was body painted as Harley Quinn at Comic-Con International in San Diego, USA on Jule 20, 2017. (Photo by K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune via ZUMA Press/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

A cyclist drives past a flowering rapeseed field not far from the small Bavarian village of Schoengeising, near Munich, during a nice, warm sunny weather day on May 17, 2017. (Photo by Christof Stache/AFP Photo)

An attendee makes a video with the new iPhone 16 Pro as Apple holds an event at the Steve Jobs Theater on its campus in Cupertino, California on September 9, 2024. (Photo by Manuel Orbegozo/Reuters)

Each year Nikon Small World recognizes the excellence of photography taken under the microscope. The contest showcases the beauty and complexity of life. Anyone interested in microscopy and photography can enter the contest and in its 42nd year, Nikon Small World received 2,000 entries from 70 countries. Here: 11th Place; Scales of a butterfly wing underside (Vanessa atalanta). (Photo by Francis Sneyers/Nikon's Small World 2016)