Z355 / 0138

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library

Z355 / 0138

Scanning electron micrograph of a hatching egg of the large white butterfly, Pieris brassicae, showing the head of the caterpillar breaking through the shell. The eggs are laid in large groups, usually on the undersurface of leaves of nasturtiums & Crucifer crops such as cabbage, broccoli, swedes etc. These caterpillars (larvae) hatched in early September. They will overwinter as pupae emerging in May as adult butterflies. The young caterpillars feed exclusively on the cuticle of the leaf until after the first moult, when the diet expands to include the whole leaf. The voracious appetite of these pests can lead to the defoliation of whole crops. Mag:X300 (10x8)

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6460831

© CREDIT DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Butter Fly Insecta Large White Pest Pieris Brassicae Type

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the intricate moment of a large white butterfly, Pieris brassicae, hatching from its egg. The scanning electron micrograph reveals the delicate head of the caterpillar breaking through the shell, symbolizing new life and growth in nature. The eggs of these butterflies are typically laid in clusters on the undersurface of leaves belonging to nasturtiums and Crucifer crops like cabbage, broccoli, and swedes. These particular caterpillars emerged from their eggs in early September but will undergo a fascinating transformation over winter as pupae. In May, they will emerge as beautiful adult butterflies. During their early stages of development, these young caterpillars have an exclusive diet consisting only of the cuticle layer found on leaves. However, after their first moult, their voracious appetite expands to include consuming entire leaves. This insatiable hunger can pose a threat to crops by causing defoliation if left unchecked. The image magnified at X300 (10x8) offers a closer look into this mesmerizing natural process. It serves as a reminder of both the beauty and complexity found within our ecosystems while shedding light on one aspect that can be considered detrimental – pests such as these large white butterflies. This remarkable photograph is part of Science Photo Library's collection encompassing various aspects of nature, animals, wildlife, zoology, insects (invertebrates), pest types including butter flies (insecta), specifically featuring Pieris brassicae or large white species.

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