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Photo#317353
Black Caterpillar with Red Spots - Nymphalis antiopa

Black Caterpillar with Red Spots - Nymphalis antiopa
47.63058N 52.68762W (WGS84), Logy Bay, Northeast Avalon, Newfoundland/Labrador, Canada
August 8, 2009
Size: 45 mm long

Images of this individual: tag all
Black Caterpillar with Red Spots - Nymphalis antiopa Black Caterpillar with Red Spots - Nymphalis antiopa Black Caterpillar with Red Spots - Nymphalis antiopa Black Caterpillar with Red Spots - Nymphalis antiopa

Moved

great detail on the crotchets!
This is an excellent photo of the proleg and crotchets - what camera and magnification did you use? I love the detail and vivid color.

 
Camera Equipment & 'Bug' Rearing
Thank you Abigail.   For these photos I was using a Canon 1D Mark III camera with an MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro Photo lens and a Canon Speedlite 580EX flash unit, covered with Gary Fong diffusers and a white plastic bag to reduce glare.  I was holding the paper and caterpillar with my left hand and the camera with my right hand.  I don't use a tripod with the MP-E 65mm lens. I'd guess I was at about 3x magnification for this shot.

I wish I had the success that you have with rearing caterpillars and beetles.  I tried to raise the caterpillar shown in these photos.  It did fasten itself to the top of the container and turned into a chrysalis.  From there, things seem to have stopped.  I think it's starting to dry up now.

Perhaps you remember that in another thread you suggested I collect and rear a ladybird beetle pupa. Unfortunately, it never did anything either. It's still in the jar and looks to be like it is shriveling up also.

 
aerated containers?
Do you have a screen or cloth covering, or holes punched in the lids, of your containers? Pupae and chrysalids need air, just as the active life stages do. Temperature and humidity also matter, they can't get too hot or dry, but on the other hand not too humid & damp or mold will start appearing. I do seem to have a magic touch with rearing insects, but I've been doing it since childhood and have just learned a lot by trial and error over the years. The caterpillars I kept when I was in preschool didn't fare very well!

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