Moth eggs

[clicka15]

Hi All.

A couple of weeks ago a moth laid some eggs in the 'Mothpitality Suite' that I place them in for safety during the daytime (although they are technically free to leave at any time - and it's often empty when I remove the lid each evening to release them!).

Anyway, the eggs started off white and have now turned brown and gold, which I assume are the colours of the larvae curled up inside the eggs. I don't know which species they are, but there were mainly Large Yellow Underwings and Lunar Underwings in the box that day, and is most likely to be either of these.

I took some photos today and thought I'd post them to show what they look like. I've placed the eggs - of which there are an overall total of at least 300 - in a clear box with some grass, which I believe the larvae of both species feed on. I should think they will hatch before too much longer. God knows what I'll do with them then!

The squares in the background are 2mm square, to give an idea of size.




This is a 4x2mm section of the eggs:

[clicka15]

The eggs have hatched in the three hours since I posted the photos! Now there's loads of tiny little larvae crawling around.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by clicka15

The eggs have hatched in the three hours since I posted the photos! Now there's loads of tiny little larvae crawling around.

Guess you'll be busy in the mothpitality kitchen!!