Silver-washed Fritillary 1st instar larva in hibernation
This tiny 1.5mm long 1st instar larva hatched on 20th July 2020 and, after eating its egg shell, went into hibernation within 24 hours of emerging. It has now been hanging in suspended animation on this piece of tree moss for 7 months (photographed on 20th Feb 2021). It should come back to life in early Spring and begin searching for fresh violets on which to feed. Hopefully, it will complete its cycle and emerge as a beautiful butterfly in mid-June. Still some considerable way to go! (2985).
The image was shot at x2 magnification using a Canon MR-14 EX II Macro Ringlite flash.
Silver-washed Fritillary 1st instar larva in hibernation
This tiny 1.5mm long 1st instar larva hatched on 20th July 2020 and, after eating its egg shell, went into hibernation within 24 hours of emerging. It has now been hanging in suspended animation on this piece of tree moss for 7 months (photographed on 20th Feb 2021). It should come back to life in early Spring and begin searching for fresh violets on which to feed. Hopefully, it will complete its cycle and emerge as a beautiful butterfly in mid-June. Still some considerable way to go! (2985).
The image was shot at x2 magnification using a Canon MR-14 EX II Macro Ringlite flash.