Which photos would you submit in a competition

Could you help me choose?

Which two photos should I choose for a insect competition?

Robberfly

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1,3,5 are the only ones that are in real focus so I would go with 2 of those.

Not sure why pixelchix thinks 2 and 4 are not in focus. To me they're all in pretty good focus. Besides, even an OOF image can win a contest, there's more then just sharpness that makes a winning shot.
Given this, I'd only choose the last one because of its composition. Maybe the bug needs a bit more space on it's left side though.

Number 4, the ichneumon wasp would have been my number one choice if you had captured it with a better view of it's ovipositor and possibly moments before or later when it was boring into the wood?

I don't know from bugs, but #1 is sure in your face.

I would submit #1

3 & 4 for me, both show behaviour rather than just posing shots.

I have dealt with a few judges recently. You would not want to show any man made structures in your shots. The robber fly is definitely out on that one.

You want to have the entire subject in focus. You need maximum depth of field.

For nature photograph contest submissions the judges (at least here) are looking for pictures that are SOOC. No post processing. I would think that if you shoot raw that cropping, sharpening, contrast, and white balance correction are allowed. No cloning, etc though. SO, clean your sensor.

Out of all your shots I voted for the wasp because it shows some interest with the stinger down. Looks like it is digging for grubs.

Good luck.

Just to let you know that the Robber fly got second place in the Show and the Shield Bug got a 'Highly Commended'
Got to be happy with that
Thanks everyone

Excellent work. Congratulations.

Nice!