The silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia), one of the largest fritillary butterflies, begins its winter adventure as a tiny caterpillar. The caterpillars hatch as early as late summer, but eat only their eggshell and then immediately seek a hiding place in tree bark or leaf litter. They overwinter as tiny, hungry larvae (L1 instar) with empty stomachs. It is not until spring, when their host plants (violets) sprout again, that they awaken and begin their actual development.
[Photo: Reto Künzler, Bern]
0 comments