🐛💧 Forcipomyia biting midge larvae measure only 1 to 2 mm but carry elaborate accessories made of their own secretions.

The droplets and threads consist of water-attracting fatty acids and salts that help the larvae breathe through their skin. These structures also provide a defense against #predators like #ants in the humid #forest #environment.

👉 Learn more: https://seethis.tv/post/tiny-pearls-macro-forcipomyia-biting-midge-larvae?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=new_content&utm_content=tiny-pearls-forcipomyia

#animals #biology #insects #macro #nature #rainforests #science #tksst #video