Northern Hairstreak caterpillar by Don

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28-May-2022

Northern Hairstreak caterpillar

an early instar, Jalmenus eichhorni, Lycaenidae
attended by Northern Meat Ant (Iridomyrmex sanguineus)
Near Hopevale, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland

The Northern Hairstreak will only lay its eggs on several wattle (Acacia) species, and only if ants in the genus Iridomyrmex are present to protect the caterpillar.

other sizes: small medium original auto

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Tom Murray		18-Jan-2026 15:16
Nice interaction photo!

Ursula Miller		25-Apr-2025 15:04
Great macro shot and interesting story, Don! V

Danad		23-Apr-2025 15:59
A great macro shot ! V

Ton, Ben & Rob Nagtegaal		23-Apr-2025 11:55
A beautiful and interesting image, thanks for the info. V

joseantonio		23-Apr-2025 03:19
fabulous macro.

Nirvan Hope		23-Apr-2025 01:29
So glad to read that the ant is a protector! At first glance it looked like anything but.

larose forest photos		23-Apr-2025 01:00
A really interesting Lycaenid caterpillar. More or less same shape as ours but spiky. V

Helen Betts		22-Apr-2025 23:50
Great shot of this fascinating scene.

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