1st place
![Fresh Out Of The Shower](https://www.insectweek.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FreshOutOfTheShower-1230x1400.jpg)
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.](https://www.insectweek.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/DSC06632-Edit-scaled-1400x910.jpg)
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](https://www.insectweek.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/TugOfWar-scaled-1400x907.jpg)
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](https://www.insectweek.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SleepingBeauty-1400x934.jpg)
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](https://www.insectweek.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/White-Butterfly-934x1400.jpg)
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](https://www.insectweek.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/RedMasonBee-scaled-1400x930.jpg)
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