“After their larval metamorphosis, new damselfly adults expand their wings by pumping fluid through this network of veins. Eventually, the fluid empties and veins harden to support the wing.”

“Thousands of photographs are blended together to create these amazing images. Repeating patterns are tricky; with so many possible connection points, it’s difficult for the computer to match the images perfectly.”

“These large eyes are a tip-off that damselflies are highly visual. Damselflies recognize members of their own species by shared color patterns and can quickly detect moving prey.”

Beneath this brilliant green color is a layer of dull brown that absorbs certain wavelengths of light. Only green and blue wavelengths are scattered by microscopic layers in the tissue, creating the insect’s iridescence.

“Urchins can grow their skeletons dynamically: they add new plates next to special plates in this central structure, but they also enlarge existing plates by adding new layers of calcium carbonate.”

“This intricate structure is responsible for a lot: it contains the urchin’s reproductive system, the site for new plate growth, and it’s also where the animal eliminates wastes.”

“These tiny globe forms are called tubercles, and they’re the connection point for each of the urchin’s characteristic spines. Spines are mostly used for defense, but they can also aid in movement.”

“Thousands of photographs are automatically blended together to create these amazing images. Repeating patterns are tricky for the computer; with so many possible connection points, it’s hard for the software to match the images perfectly.”

“An urchin uses water pressure to control its flexible tube feet, and these tiny pairs of holes in the skeleton are what connect the feet to the animal’s internal plumbing system.”

“Urchins have elastic, versatile structures called tube feet that help them breathe, move, and gather food. The tiny pairs of holes on this test show where the tube feet were once attached. In our aquarium, you can see live urchins in action.”