A major hurdle overcome

18 hrs after the previous image, the Angle Shades larva has safely pupated and now the hard work of transformation is underway. Enzymes, imaginal discs and cells - think of stem cells - are changing a caterpillar into a beautiful moth. A couple of hours after this shot, 9 images stacked in camera, the chrysalis had hardened and darkened. Now we wait. It's joined 3 more Angle Shades pupae, a Mullein moth pupa and 100 Vapourer moth eggs.
18 hours later the final Angle Shades moth caterpillar pupated.
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15th March 2022 15th Mar 22