She lives in freshwater ponds, discerning the quality of her aquatic home through a sensitive, transparent carapace. When things get dangerous she uses water tension, antennae and a handy claw to cling to a waterbird’s scaly leg and alight at the next pond after a thrilling flight over the terrestrial world. She teaches us you don’t need wings to fly – just grow some armour, grab hold of a Shelduck to find clear waters again. They are an example of the ingenious ways life has found to overcome barriers no matter your size. From traversing seas to pond-hopping, Daphnia has it covered.
Brought to life by Chloe Myndiuk and Tom Moulsdale
Brainstorming
Chloe brings her enjoyment of being able to collect found objects and materials that are going to be recycled. “Giving them a different or artistic use is always satisfying.” For Tom, Daphnia is an underrated organism, not necessarily a microbe but insignificant enough in the modern human perspective to be treated as one. He feels an affinity with “any perceived to be gross and maligned creature” and loved the opportunity to go down the rabbit holes of the Daphnia and learn more about pond ecosystems and migration patterns.
Behind the Scenes
Freshwater crustacean