Beyond the needle

This article explores the limitations of traditional scientific representations of firebugs and argues for a more dynamic, artistic approach to the study and representation of these insects. Scientific images, often based on deceased specimens, focus on anatomical precision and standardised views, which can reduce firebugs to static, lifeless models, overlooking their individuality, vitality and ecological interconnectedness. In contrast, artistic research can highlight the sentient and relational aspects of insects, in line with contemporary biological perspectives that see organisms as dynamic, processual beings embedded in ecosystems. Using methods such as life observation and drawing, the author demonstrates how art can foster a more empathetic understanding of firebugs. This creative approach balances scientific inquiry with a holistic and compassionate portrayal of these often overlooked creatures, encouraging both scientific and ethical engagement.