Wasp 'Riding a Broomstick' Wows Photography Judges

At first glance, the potter wasp appears to be riding a broomstick. But this industrious insect isn't flying back to stir its witch's cauldron or playing Quidditch; it’s precisely carrying a caterpillar – prey intended to feed its young.

This stunning moment was captured by macro wildlife photographer Bidyut Kalita and stands among the highly commended entries in this year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

The winning images are set to be unveiled on 14 October, followed by an exhibition at the Natural History Museum showcasing 100 standout photographs from around the globe.

Stay tuned for a visual feast as other highly commended works from the competition will be explored below.