Abdominal legs of a silkmoth larva
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Abdominal legs of a silkmoth larva
A fifth (final) instar larva of the Saturnid moth, Samia cynthia, attached to a stem of privet (Ligustrum vulgare). Mature insects have six thoracic legs. The larvae (caterpillars) of moths and butterflies have in addition eight abdominal legs ( so-called false legs" ) and a pair of claspers at the rear of the body. These structures terminate in a contractile pad with a ring of small hooks. They provide the animal with the means to grip the food plant strongly and securely. The picture shows three of the four pairs of false abdominal legs. The feet are blue and yellow: the body of the animal appears as white due to a covering of a powdery deposit, but its underlying colour is blue-green. The distance between each pair of legs in this picture is approximately 6mm"
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Media ID 9223101
© DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Instar Samia Cynthia Silkmoth Claspers
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate abdominal legs of a silkmoth larva, specifically a fifth (final) instar larva of the Saturnid moth, Samia cynthia. The larva is beautifully captured attached to a stem of privet, showcasing its unique features. While mature insects possess six thoracic legs, the larvae of moths and butterflies have an additional eight abdominal legs known as "false legs". These false legs play a crucial role in gripping their food plant firmly and securely. In this image, three out of four pairs of false abdominal legs are prominently displayed. The feet exhibit striking shades of blue and yellow while the body appears white due to a powdery deposit covering it. However, beneath this powdery layer lies its true color - an enchanting blue-green hue. The distance between each pair of these remarkable appendages measures approximately 6mm in this photograph. Alongside the false legs, one can also observe a pair of claspers at the rear end of the caterpillar's body. These claspers terminate with contractile pads adorned with small hooks that aid in grasping onto surfaces effectively. This extraordinary visual representation not only highlights nature's astonishing diversity but also provides valuable insights into the fascinating world inhabited by these magnificent creatures.
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