the silk moths finally started emerging friday night. so far-as of tonight (sunday), 6 of the 12 are hatched out of the cocoons-5 males and one female-finally. first 5 males hatched and i was getting worried there wouldn’t be a female before the males died-apparently 36-48 hours after hatching. the first pair is mating now.
moth at work-emerging
a moth in hand...
moths emerge
what a handsome fellow!
looking like he's ready for takeoff!
but really, they can’t fly at all!
mask
this last photo shows a cocoon i sliced in half after the moth emerged. you can see the pupae casing as well as the silkworms face that comes off separately. it’s as if he was wearing a mask and in his transformation from silkworm to moth he casts it aside-ready for the next short phase. beautiful.
note- i added a few of these on my flickr site in large format-
This is truly fascinating, and I don’t even like moths!
LikeLike
this is simply wonderful, really great close-ups, glennis.
LikeLike
thank you so much for this documentation. wow. aren’t they amazingly beautiful. and the mask. what a glorious sight.
LikeLike
when i get a minute i’m going to upload a few of these to my flickr in large size images so you can see them in GREAT detail. so cool to see them up close.
LikeLike
They are cute! like teddy bears with wings (and the ability to make silk)
LikeLike
so fascinating. i have loved watching this process. thank you for documenting. i know you are a scientist along with being an artist!! so, if they can’t fly, what will they do now?
LikeLike
Extraordinary ! Thank you for sharing these pictures !
LikeLike
This has been such a fascinating journey! Thank you so much for sharing it with me 🙂
LikeLike
glennis –
I admit the silkworms were interesting but not hugely compelling for me, but the moth is very appealing. May I use one of your photos of the emerged male for one of my stitched pieces? I love the head on image best, with his eyes and antenna and fuzzy head!
LikeLike
but of course! i’d love to see the end result!
LikeLike