Another Adult

The second adult emerged today a week after the first.


Nikon CP P4

The New Generation

First adult emerged today just over 3 months since the eggs were laid.



Nikon CP P4

>>>Next: Another Adult

The Pupae

The larvae spun a thin cocoon surrounded by hazel leaves. The pupae have a dark oily appearance.



Nikon CP P4

>>>Next: First Adult

Fully fed

All but this one have now pupated spun up among hazel leaves.


Nikon CP P4

>>>Next: Pupae

Fourth Instars

Is this the final instar? A couple are looking close to pupating. They have certainly turned into serious eating machines (be sure to click on the last pic for a bigger version). In fact they managed to munch holes in the mesh surrounding the breeding tank and there was a mass breakout so numbers are severely reduced.





Nikon CP 995

>>>Next: Fully Fed

Third Instars

A few days ago everything went very quiet following a frenzy of feeding. The third instars emerged shortly afterwards and are already up to 12mm long. They now have more distinct black and white markings and can look quite like a bird dropping. There is a more uniformly cream colour form as well.

The are incredibly active and thus very hard to photograph successfully.




Nikon CP 995 and P4

>>>Next: Fourth Instar

Second instars

The larvae have undergone their first moult in the past few days. The second instar larvae are about 5mm long.



Nikon CP 995

>>>Next: Third Instar