A different Mrs Holly Blue came today ovipositing on Holly and a plant which is either Berberis or Cotoneaster or something entirely different.
Despite watching carefully I still have only found one egg which seems to be a bit softer on one side - is baby caterpillar about to emerge, I wonder?
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Doggie mummy living in ancient York, Yorkshire, England.
Joined 1st Jan 2018
1st Jan 2024 have achieved 196%
28 March 2024 200%
I take photos, am not a photographer.
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@fbailey I’m disappointed Mrs Brimstone hasn’t visited this year, there is still a vague chance she might, but I’ve not seen many. Although Mrs B’s absence is sad, the excitement of my first ever breeding Holly Blues, on the first year the Holly has flowered, compensates. Problem is the eggs are ridiculously minute and Holly is a bit uncomfortable to go exploring. At least in 4th instar - just before it pupates - it could be as long as 15mm. The pupa will be about 9mm. I can only hope to see some 4th instars 🤞🤞🤞xxx
Ian