Microscope photos reveal an alien universe just beyond reach

The world we see every day is just one view of life on Earth.

But microscope photography - which can record details in objects that no human eye can - shows a universe of high-resolution bee stingers, tadpole brains, moth wings, and other creepy-crawly delights.

The 2015 Nikon Small World competition collects the finest microscope photos from around the world.

Nikon will release the winners on October 14. Until then, browse the finalists below.