Green Hairstreak ovum

[Tony Moore]

After watching a fussy looking lady GH push her abdomen into a Bilberry flower head, I found this egg.

There appears to be a very thin membrane covering the egg (glue??), and this was unfortunately damaged when the egg was uncovered. . The actual shell looks AOK, so I hope it will hatch normally. Even with a glass, it was impossible to see the ovum until the covering stem was removed.
Hope to have some other stages pix in due course.

Tony M.

[Tony Moore]

Delighted to report that the egg hatched successfully, despite the damage. The larva is presently about 2mm long and very active,
This is the best that I could do:

Tony M.

[Padfield]

Great shots, Tony. What a marvellous little creature!

Guy

[Tony Moore]

Thanks, Guy,

Here's another slightly better one - it sat still for a change...

Tony.

[Tony Moore]

With apologies to the 'Ethics of rearing' thread, here's a further pic of a GH larva. Although the egg was found on bilberry, the larva is eating Bramble and appears to be thriving. It is presently about 3mm in length.

Tony M.

[dilettante]

Impressive! What equipment are you using to photograph this?

[Tony Moore]

Hi, Dilettante,

Sony A65, Sigma 105 macro, Nikon Plan 10x / 0.25. microscope objective - natural light. Focus stacked with Zerene Stacker from about 40 images.
Check out www.photomacrography.net if you want to see some serious stacked images.

Tony.

[JKT]

Just how do you get a stack of living cat? I'm beyond impressed.

[Tony Moore]

You wait till the little bugger goes to sleep and get your kit out quickly I'm still waiting for a chance with a Holly Blue larva, but it seems to never stop eating.... Seriously, your best chance is just before, or immediately after, a moult.

Tony.