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Project Noah Nature School
Lymantria dispar
The hatching of gypsy moth eggs coincides with budding of most hardwood trees. Larvae (caterpillars) emerge from egg masses from early spring through mid-May. Larvae develop into adults by going through a series of progressive moults through which they increase in size. Instars are the stages between each molt. Male larvae normally go through five instars (and females, six) before entering the pupal stage. Newly hatched larvae are black with long, hair-like setae. Older larvae have five pairs of raised blue spots and six pairs of raised brick-red spots along their backs, and a sprinkling of setae.
Super photo series! And a super-looking caterpillar... though I wouldn't want to touch him!!
Spotted on Jun 22, 2012
Submitted on Jun 22, 2012
