Entomologists have long been studying the adaptive building behavior of insects. For contemporary French artist Hubert Duprat, this same investigation has been a jumping-off point for artistic exploration. In his ongoing project The Wonderful Caddis Worm: Sculptural Work in Collaboration with Trichoptera, Duprat involves himself in the construction of the protective case of the caddis fly. To encase itself, the larvae spins a silken structure, weaving in particles of sticks, rocks and plants, always remaining hidden inside. Just when the larvae is ready to begin this process, Duprat places it into a series of un(natural) environments, substituting flecks of gold and other precious materials for the more natural plant and mineral matter. In this way he prompts the caddis fly to construct a curious, bejeweled case. Until nymphosis is complete, the larvae inhabits this mobile home of somewhat grotesque beauty.

The Smithsonian Institution Library's digitial collections include an intriguing selection from its extensive rare book collection. Pictured here is an image from Verzeichniss meiner Insecten-Sammlung (Catalogue of My Insect Collection), 1796, by Jakob Sturm. Only 5.25 inches tall, this jewel of a book was meant to be accessible to persons of more "limited means," unlike the more typical and expensive large-scale folios popular at the time.

Kit Warren is an artist, freelance designer, and gallery curator for HMS Beagle. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.