Name: Ronald Zimmerman
Picture title: Fruiting Spider
Category: People’s Choice
Nationality: The Netherlands
Occupation: Occupation: Ecological consultant
Photographing since 2008 (16 years), wildlife photography since 2011 (13 years).
Technical information
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Lens: Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
EXIF: ISO 100 100mm f/16 1/200
Canon ST-E3-RT and Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Ronald Zimmerman | Fruiting Spider
Name: Ronald Zimmerman
Picture title: Fruiting Spider
Category: People’s Choice
Nationality: The Netherlands
Occupation: Occupation: Ecological consultant
Photographing since 2008 (16 years), wildlife photography since 2011 (13 years).
Technical information
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Lens: Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
EXIF: ISO 100 100mm f/16 1/200
Canon ST-E3-RT and Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT
Ronald Zimmermansays:
Tarantula Killed by Parasitic Fungi in the Rainforest near the Tambopata River, Peru (March 2022)
During my stay in the Peruvian Amazon, I went on numerous night hikes, and this discovery was among the most spectacular, thanks to the sharp eyes of a friend.
In the Amazon, insects and spiders are often hijacked by parasitic fungi that control their every move. This particular tarantula fell victim to a mind-controlling fungus known as Tarantula cordyceps (Cordyceps caloceroides). The fungus infects spiders through spores that attach to and penetrate the body, gradually taking control of the host’s behavior.
As the infection progresses, the “mind-controlled” spider is compelled to move to a microclimate favorable for the fungus’s growth. Meanwhile, the fungus feeds on the spider’s innards until the final stage of its life cycle. At this point, the spider moves to a specific location where it dies slowly.
Several days after the spider dies, the fungus’s fruiting bodies, or mushrooms, emerge from its shriveled corpse, turning it into a launchpad from which the spores can spread. These spores travel widely and infect new spiders.
To capture the eerie atmosphere, I used a low-angle shot with an off-camera flash, held by another friend, enhancing the dramatic and otherworldly mood of the scene.
Ronald Zimmerman
The Netherlands
Ronald Zimmerman is a wildlife photographer from the Netherlands with a deep passion for nature. Professionally, he works as an ecological consultant, a role that involves conducting research and providing expert advice on ecological issues and nature legislation. His work is crucial, as nature is often overlooked in many development projects.
In his spare time, Ronald pursues wildlife photography, which he considers the perfect way to stay active, immerse himself in beautiful environments, and clear his mind. Wildlife photography is not only a way to stay physically and mentally healthy but also serves as an educational tool. Through his images, Ronald aims to raise awareness and appreciation for the natural world, hoping that this, in turn, will foster greater support for nature conservation. To him, every small bit of added appreciation feels rewarding.
Tropical amphibians, reptiles, and arthropods are Ronald’s primary subjects, and this passion has led him to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Ecuador, Madagascar, Borneo (Malaysia), Sri Lanka, Suriname, Peru, and Australia. His local national park in the Netherlands also serves as his “laboratory,” where he experiments with new ideas in the field. This process of ideation, practice, and continuous improvement has been instrumental in his development as a photographer.