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(Above 1 - 4)Aquatic caddis fly larva with case, gold, pearls, precious stones, 2--3 cm, 1980--1996. (Photo: H. Del. Olmo) Since the early 1980s, artist Hubert Duprat has been utilizing insects to construct some of his "sculptures." By removing caddis fly larvae from their natural habitat and providing them with precious materials, he prompts them to manufacture cases that resemble jewelers' creations. Information theory, as explained by biologists such as Jacques Monod and Henri Atlan, helps us understand what seems to be the insect's aesthetic behavior. The activities of the caddis worm, as manipulated by Hubert Duprat, are prompted by the "noise"---beads, pearls and 18-karat gold pieces---introduced by the artist into the insect's environment. Hubert Duprat, rue du Four, 34270 Claret, France. The Wonderful Caddis Worm is further explored by Hubert Duprat and Christian Besson in our articles section.

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