When You See Us: The Mysterious World of Aquatic Insects

Think that mosquito you just swatted is nothing more than a pest? This poetic text and gorgeous artwork offer a closer look at the life cycles of aquatic insects. Prepare to be amazed!

When you see us,
think of what we were
and what we became.

Hiding underneath leaf fronds or nestled along the muddy floor of a pond are the eggs of numerous aquatic insects. They’re not always easily observable, or even identifiable, but that doesn’t mean they’re not there. Their transformation is rapid, extreme, often hidden from the human eye—and truly incredible. Once you take a close-up look at these dramatic life cycles, from minuscule larvae to wondrous insects, you’ll find it impossible to look at a dragonfly, a mayfly, a diving beetle, or even a mosquito the same way again. Katherine Hocker’s lyrical narration and Svabhu Kohli’s lush, inviting illustrations bring a renewed appreciation for aquatic insects that are often considered a nuisance, while detailing just how integral they are to our ecosystems and habitats. Back matter offers additional details on the insects, including what they eat, where they live, and how they move.

Katherine Hocker is an illustrator and teacher with a degree in biology and a graduate certificate in science communications. She is also the author of many books, including I Was: The Stories of Animal Skulls, illustrated by Natasha Donovan. She lives in Gustavus, Alaska.

Svabhu Kohli is an independent visual storyteller deeply inspired by the natural world and its mechanics. Their work includes illustration, large-scale murals, design, sculpture, installation, photography, and film, focusing on the intersection of magical realism, art, science, and conservation. Svabhu Kohli lives in India.