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larose forest photos | all galleries >> INSECTS (INSECTA) (28 Galleries) >> Butterflies (Lepidoptera) (8 Galleries) >> Butterfly Larvae and Pupae > Silvery blue butterfly larva (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)
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27-JUN-2015 Christine Hanrahan

Silvery blue butterfly larva (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)

Found on Cow Vetch (Vicia cracca) along a trail. This is what the adult looks like: http://www.pbase.com/laroseforest/image/124513471

The ants are protecting this larva, not harming it. They feed on the sweet 'honeydew' excreted by the larva and in return chase away predators.

Panasonic LUMIX FZ200
1/640s f/2.8 at 4.5mm iso160 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
Don28-Jun-2015 21:45
Love the caterpillar colours and pattern. A fine illustration, too, of symbiotic attendee ants.
Carol Rollins28-Jun-2015 13:38
Fabulous find and capture Christine.
globalgadabout28-Jun-2015 02:40
like royalty, with all the protection...
laine28-Jun-2015 00:30
Those ants never miss an opportunity...
Carl Carbone28-Jun-2015 00:15
They are so beautiful! Great shot.
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