Alright folks, it’s time for a quick biology lesson: caddisflies are a common water-dwelling insect with similarities to the moth and butterfly. Likewise, the caddisfly will create cocoons while in their larvae stage in order to protect their soft, growing bodies. They typically use whatever is lying around them in the water to build their shelter with, using their saliva as the glue. Yay. Most of us would hear this information, shrug, and go about our day. But for artist Hubert Duprat, he found inspiration.
This is what a normal caddisfly cocoon looks like. Not particularly stellar.
Duprat gave the future flies a makeover by providing them with some blingier building supplies.
The result is this stunning blend of biology and artwork.
The larvae use their saliva to connect the gold, pearl and other gems to create their nest just as they would with more common items.
Now that’s living in luxury!
Duprat views his work as collaboration with the insects.
In 2011, he told The Independent, “It’s their work as much as mine.”
Here’s a video of Duprat discussing his buggy beauties:
(via i09.) This makes my childhood ant farm look even more unimpressive. They never did anything I told them to. Share the sparkly story with your friends by using the button below!
