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through_the_lens | all galleries >> Galleries >> Cindy Flood, USA > Larva
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01-Jun-2012 Cindy Flood

Larva

Wisconsin

I may just look like another pretty face to you, but I have big ambitions. I'm about to fashion a shiny green, gold-speckled hanging chrysalis for myself. When I emerge, I will be a regal Monarch butterfly. I plan to soar and float on the breeze. Right now I'm living on and eating Cindy's milkweed plant. Larva feed on milkweed plants because the juices make us unpalatable to many birds. Please take a look at me in Original size.

Sony Alpha NEX-7,Minolta MD 100mm macro f/3.5
1/60s iso100 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Cindy Flood04-Jun-2012 13:30
I checked this out further and it found that I goofed. The end with the short antennae is the head.
hal 04-Jun-2012 00:48
Fascinating photo and story, Cindy. Reminds me of one of those commuter trains
that goes either way. lt even looks as though it is on wheels.
l wonder if the feelers on the back end are ovipositors.
Your first person description is wonderful. And the pic with high quality Minolta is tops.
Guest 03-Jun-2012 14:56
I always wanted to get a shot of one of these they are so colorful.. Now I know why I kept a milk weed in my other garden that I am moving from... great color and details.
Cindy Flood03-Jun-2012 13:13
If you are interested, here is a series I did a number of years ago on Swallowtail larvae on my dill plant. This shows the sequence from larva to butterfly. [img]http://www.pbase.com/cindyflood/swallowtails [/img]
Cindy Flood03-Jun-2012 13:09
Thanks, Lennart, Terry, Bob and Frank.
Frank, He/she is headed down. The longer antennae are on the front. The "head" turns from side to side, though it is looking straight ahead here. Kind of looks like a slinky on roller-skates, doesn't it. Could be coming or going. LOL
Frank Kavanagh Photography03-Jun-2012 12:48
Great shot Cindy, is he heading up or down the plant??
Down I think, lol.
Guest 02-Jun-2012 16:46
This is amazing. Your presentation and the caterpillar monologue are excellent.
Terry_O02-Jun-2012 16:35
Love your caption, Cindy. Marvelous clarity. What a beautiful Monarch Caterpillar! I've never seen one.
Lennart Waara02-Jun-2012 07:35
Excellent nature study. Great colors and focus!