Incredible Images of Bugs Up Close

Scanning Electron Microscopy or SEM is a technique of photographing objects normally too small to see with the naked eye. The ability of these microscopes to get so close to otherwise hidden things makes for some surreal images. FEI is a company that manufactures Electron Microscopes and they have, for the last few years, run a regular competition for the best SEM photos. Below I have selected 15 of what I consider to be the best out of the hundreds sent in each year. To browse through the complete collection (which includes not just insects or coloured photos) check out the FEI Flickr page.