British Photographer Levon Biss Captures the Decline of Insects in New Book
In his new book documenting the decline of insects, British photographer Levon Biss captures the intricate details of a blue swallowtail butterfly’s wings, the soft fur of a Patagonian giant bumblebee, and the painterly spots of a ladybug.
Released on November 22, "Extinct & Endangered: Insects in Peril" is a collaboration between Biss and the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). The book features photos of 40 insect species that are either vulnerable, threatened, or already extinct.
Biss spent two years photographing these insects, capturing every extraordinary detail from hair strands to wing reflections. Each image was created using over 10,000 photographs taken with custom equipment and microscope lenses, layered together to produce a fully focused single shot, revealing details unseen by the human eye.
“Insects, whether beetles, bees, or butterflies, are vital for the Earth's survival,” said Biss. They play roles as pollinators, decomposers, and form the foundation of food chains supporting natural ecosystems.
The insect specimens were couriered to the UK, where Levon Biss photographed them in his studio. Elli Biss
According to a 2019 scientific review published in "Biological Conservation," over 40% of insect species are declining globally, with a third nearing extinction. Biss hopes the book will raise awareness about the insect decline crisis and its impact on humans.
All insects photographed for the book are from the AMNH archives, which hold over 34 million artifacts and specimens, nearly 20 million of which are arthropods. The photographs were selected based on the condition, geographic range, conservation status, and threat levels of the specimens.
Biss specializes in macro photography, capturing subjects in extraordinary detail. He believes "Extinct & Endangered" is one of the most meaningful projects of his career, aiming to foster greater appreciation for these vital creatures and the roles they play in our ecosystems.
