Phenomena

Scuba-Diving Fly

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Mono Lake, three times saltier than the ocean, is an extreme environment by any measure. But for the alkali fly, it’s home. This extremophile insect dives into the lake, protected by a bubble sheath, to eat and lay eggs. The fly’s wings and body are covered in tiny, waxed hairs that repel water. That traps a bubble of air around the insect, allowing it to breathe. Fresh oxygen can diffuse into the bubble from the water, replenishing the supply. (Image and video credit: Deep Look)

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