Invertebrate Estate Agent

We asked you to become an Invertebrate Estate Agent and design the perfect new home for a minibeast of your choice. You sent in many great ideas for a variety of different customers from wasps to ants and snails to woodlice.

Here are the ten winning entries who all receive a signed copy of Nick Baker's Bug Zoo, a guide to caring for creepy-crawlies. Very well done!

Winner #1 - Home for ants by Hannah and Beth Geddes (aged 10 and 7)

What ant could resist this home? It has everything from an aphid milking room to a sturdy roof, plenty of room for the growing family and yummy snacks nearby, all advertised with a collage of delicious ant foods and amazing facts. There can be no doubt that these designers know their customers!

Winner #2 - Gall wasp tree by Isobel Loxton (aged 11)

A very reasonable price for such a roomy and long-lasting house - what a bargain! There's a choice of twigs or leaves (to satisfy all needs) and en suite facilities. What more could a gall wasp ask for?

Winner #3 - Woodlouse house by Alice Knight from Cirencester

Tree Bottom Cottage was originally designed for Larry the Woodlouse and has everything a discerning crustacean could want. It's dark, it's damp and it's full of rotting vegetation. Perfect!

Winner #4 - Ladybug paradise by Marnie Holleron-Silk from Middlesex.

Any ladybird would feel safe and sound in such a well thought out home. There's a 'kitchen' leaf for dinner times, a 'bedroom' leaf for naps and a 'playroom' leaf to keep the youngsters happy! And if a hungry predator should come along, a speedy departure is made easy with the well placed emergency exit.

Winner #5 - Daddy-longlegs lodge by Maegan Spiteri (aged 10)

Are you a daddy-longlegs on the lookout for a room for the night? Need to take the kids on a holiday? This lodge is the place for you! Not only are the rooms safe from predators, but you won't have to eat your prey raw anymore. Each room comes with its own cooker!

Winner #6 - Worm hideout by Thomas Summers from Gwent.

With danger present from all sides, a worm home needs to be secure. This hideout is covered against attack from above with bird-proof pebbles and has leaves to disguise the entrance. And to keep those pesky moles out, all the tunnels are narrow.

Winner #7 - Perfect ant house by Florence Stoney (aged 6).

This ant house has all the comforts your colony could desire. Keep your eggs safe in their own separate chamber and your queen happy with a soft bed of moss. And you don't need to go far to find your food - simply use your ant strength to lift the entrance rock and nip out for a bite to eat!

Winner #8 - Home for snails by Joshua Ritter (aged 10).

Tired of carrying your home on your back? This is a home from home for snails who want a bit of extra comfort. There's first class flowerpot accomodation, home-grown, organic veg and a sprinkler system for all your moisture needs. 

Winner #9 - Caterpillar globe by Freya Bolton (aged 8).

If you're a caterpillar looking for a minimalist masterpiece, this could be the investment for you. Simply pick your favourite foodplant and have a safety globe fitted. There's no need to move! Birds will be repelled by the super strong glass and your foodplant stays healthy, benefitting from plenty of sunlight and greenhouse temperatures. 

Winner #10 - Ladybug heaven by Maisie Buckingham (aged 11).

Lose yourself in the great outdoors and escape city life with this home in the country. Surrounded by ferns, grass and other greenery, this home is the perfect pad to help a ladybird relax from a stressful day hunting aphids.