# Close-Up Of An Ant's Face: A Terrifying View to Behold
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Chapter 1: The Fascination with Ants
Ants are estimated to number around 20 quadrillion globally, with Antarctica being the sole continent devoid of these insects. Recently, a close-up image of an ant's face has taken social media by storm. The picture resembles something out of a horror film or animated cartoon, yet the photographer, Eugenijus Kavaliauskas, assures viewers that these are authentic images of a carpenter ant.
According to The Washington Post, this striking photograph was submitted to Nikon's 2022 Small World Photomicrography Competition. The response on Twitter propelled this image to viral fame.
Section 1.1: The Photographer's Journey
Despite the widespread attention, Kavaliauskas’s ant photo did not secure the grand prize in the competition, which attracted 1,300 entries from 72 countries. Kavaliauskas initially gained recognition for his bird photography but shifted his focus to insects four years ago. He noted:
> “There are no horrors in nature, only lack of knowledge. When I began photomicrography, I viewed all beetles and insects as monsters. Now, my perspective has changed. Many insects may not be as visually appealing as a cat, but it all depends on your viewpoint.”
Subsection 1.1.1: The Viral Moment
The competition’s buzz on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok highlighted how people react to the unexpected beauty and terror of nature.
Chapter 2: Additional Insights and Videos
The first video, titled "Close-up photo of ant's face goes viral, scares everyone," showcases the viral image that has left many viewers astounded by the intricate details of the ant's facial structure.
The second video, "What an Ant's Face Looks Like Close Up," provides a deeper exploration into the astonishing features of an ant's face, further highlighting the complexities of these tiny creatures.
Social Media Users Couldn’t Look Away
People on social media were captivated by the unsettling image, even labeling it as "the stuff nightmares are made of."
> “Image from a horror movie? Nope. That’s the very real face of an ant. An ant. Now you have to think about that all night,” tweeted Rebekah McKendry, Ph.D.
Captured using a stereo 10x microscope, the photograph magnifies the ant’s face five times, revealing intricate details that often go unnoticed by the naked eye. It serves as a reminder of nature's remarkable designs and the incredible creatures that exist beyond our perception.