(Image: Alex Hyde)
It鈥檚 a daddy longlegs like you鈥檝e never seen it. This female crane fly covered in dewdrops is one of the winners of the which were announced today.
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The insect, photographed on an autumn morning by , at the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, UK, is common across the country, often venturing into homes at this time of year.
Another category winner shows a pile-up of entangled toads, pictured below. Captured by in a flooded former quarry near Stroud in the UK last spring, it depicts two male toads competing to mate with the larger female. 鈥淚t is quite a spectacle and it certainly appears that when the toads get the urge to breed they are on a mission,鈥� says Rees.
Female toads often die as a result of the amorous onslaught, which can last several hours. Rees saw as many as a dozen toads locked together, but he liked the knot-like formation of these individuals best.
(Image: Trevor Rees)
The portrait of an otter posing with an unusual prey in the Shetland Islands was another prizewinner. Richard Shucksmith, who has been has noticed that octopus is becoming a substitute for fish as mothers struggle to feed their cubs. As well as octopus, Shucksmith has also caught them snacking on puffin.
(Image: Richard Shucksmith)
The annual awards aim to highlight the range of species and habitats that exist across the UK. More than 100 winning and commended images and videos will be on display at the in London until 19 September, and will then
