Photo of the Day
Close up of a Sally Lightfoot crab
July 5, 2011
Sally Lightfoot Crab, Galápagos Islands
This Month in Photo of the Day: Animal Pictures In the Galápagos Islands, I tried capturing the brilliant colors of the creatures that scrambled over the rocks. They were so fast and so eager to get away from all of us crazy tourists with their long shiny lenses that I figured it was a lost cause. This Sally Lightfoot crab decided that I meant no harm and just politely danced for me in the sunlight less than a foot away. She gave me several gifts that day besides the dazzling hues ... she gave me a chance to enjoy light, beauty and a magical brief connection. (This photo and caption were submitted to the 2011 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest). The deadline for entering the photo contest is July 11. Send in your best shots today! See more pictures of animals of the Galápagos Islands » Watch a video about the Galápagos Islands »
Go Further
Animals
- Domestic horses' mysterious origins may finally be revealedDomestic horses' mysterious origins may finally be revealed
- This odd Colorado River fish faces an uncertain futureThis odd Colorado River fish faces an uncertain future
- Mysterious jaguar deaths now under investigation in BrazilMysterious jaguar deaths now under investigation in Brazil
Environment
- This 50-year project is tracking the Cascades' melting glaciersThis 50-year project is tracking the Cascades' melting glaciers
- Weather disaster deaths are lower—will warming undo that trend?Weather disaster deaths are lower—will warming undo that trend?
- Mapping Southern California’s history of oil extraction and spillsMapping Southern California’s history of oil extraction and spills
- How climate models got so accurate they earned a Nobel PrizeHow climate models got so accurate they earned a Nobel Prize
- Exploring an epic Colorado river during record-breaking droughtExploring an epic Colorado river during record-breaking drought
History & Culture
- Ancient solar storm pinpoints Viking settlement in AmericasAncient solar storm pinpoints Viking settlement in Americas
- From LGBT to LGBTQIA+: The evolving recognition of identityFrom LGBT to LGBTQIA+: The evolving recognition of identity
- Residents take on ‘food apartheid’ in Chicago’s South SideResidents take on ‘food apartheid’ in Chicago’s South Side
- The Silos Apocalypse revealed the fears of medieval SpainThe Silos Apocalypse revealed the fears of medieval Spain
Science
- FDA authorizes Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boostersFDA authorizes Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boostersHere’s the latest news on COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
- FDA authorizes Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boostersFDA authorizes Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters
- Tiny crab reveals evolutionary march out of the oceanTiny crab reveals evolutionary march out of the ocean
- Why vaccinated older people are still at risk for severe COVID-19Why vaccinated older people are still at risk for severe COVID-19
- How to confront COVID-19's toll on kids’ mental healthHow to confront COVID-19's toll on kids’ mental health
- NASA mission to unlock mysteries of the solar systemNASA mission to unlock mysteries of the solar system
Travel
- This sacred valley could become the next national monumentThis sacred valley could become the next national monument
- Discover an isolated Alaska island where walrus singDiscover an isolated Alaska island where walrus sing
- Ghost stories scare up new life at these historic hotelsGhost stories scare up new life at these historic hotels
- Discover the sound that could preserve Utah’s archesDiscover the sound that could preserve Utah’s arches
