Keith, this shot always puzzled me as I can't get such a big dof as this then it dawned on me - its on a FF cam. Entered a shot on Shallow DOF IV with the MP-E 65MM and it looks like it will be close behind this shot (but I much prefer yours).
This one should be top 10 for sure, and won't be surprised to see it ribbon. Evokes a very Alice in Wonderland feeling. Nice colors and technically excellent with great sharpness, color and exposure. One of my two favorites in the challenge. 10.
Right then, joke's on me as I now have to plough through 564 images and bump them all (yes, all of them) up. There'll be a third run through for fine tuning. It's day two three now and I'm running late, sorry.
Looks like someone got out the bitty little brushes and painted the shell (wings) on it. Terrific shot. 9