Tuesday 9 June 2009

First silkmoth of 2009


The first moth of this year has hatched, nearly 3 weeks after he started spinning. I know it's a he because of the slim body, females are usually fat with eggs that can be seen through their skin!
He hatched from the yellow cocoon on the left of the picture.
Unfortunately, although he could live for 2 weeks, he'll probably see no action because the other caterpillars didn't start spinning until several days after him.
What a boring life, no food, drink or friends to pass the time with!!
I wonder if he knows something about the contents of the cocoons he's chosen to rest on? Male or Female?
Last year caterpillars who had chosen to spin next to each other were infact one of each sex!

1 comment:

  1. These are stunning photos Maggie, especially the 2nd one. Does the silk come from both the yellow and the white cocoons and if so what makes the difference in the colours?

    Lesley Xx

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