1st place
Fresh Out Of The Shower
Gustav Parenmark, age 16
A Blue-tailed damselfly (Ischnura elegans).
The larvae are aquatic and live in still or slow-moving water.
- Dragonflies and damselflies
2nd place
New Zealand Praying Mantis
Rosa Dunbar, age 17
The New Zealand praying mantis is one of just two mantids established in New Zealand and is the only native species.
- Mantises
Specially Commended
Tug Of War
Gustav Parenmark, age 16
Whilst Formica rufa mainly feed on sugary aphid honeydew they are also predatory. This ant may need assistance with such a large prey item.
- Ants, bees, wasps and sawflies
- Dragonflies and damselflies
Sleeping Beauty
Gustav Parenmark, age 16
After an initial period of feeding on plants the larvae are transported to ant nests where they mature.
- Butterflies and moths
Two Become One
Jamie Smart, age 7
Both males and the females mate about three times over the 2-3 week life span.
- Butterflies and moths
Red Mason Bee
Will Scarratt, age 14
Females find existing cavities in which to build mud-lined cells. The cells are provisioned with pollen and nectar before an egg is laid and the cell sealed. Often seen using bee hotels.
- Ants, bees, wasps and sawflies