This midge larva has built itself a tubular home from silt and its saliva, underwater. It’s poking its head outside and holding a particle of silt that will be added to the tube. In the background, other larvae have built tunnels on a distant leaf. Pond microbes swim everywhere. © Abdullah Shehabuddeen

Competition 2023 – Artwork – Under 18 years – Abdullah Shehabuddeen – (3)

By Abdullah Shehabuddeen, age 14

This midge larva has built itself a tubular home from silt and its saliva, underwater. It's poking its head outside and holding a particle of silt that will be added to the tube. In the background, other larvae have built tunnels on a distant leaf. Pond microbes swim everywhere.

Competition: 2023 - Artwork - Under 18 years

Insect order: True flies

Picture taken in: Saudi Arabia

Third image