The metamorphosis of a Brown Hairstreak (Thecla betulae)

This is the metamorphosis of the Brown Hairstreak (Thecla betulae).

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A typical Lycaenidae egg, using a microscope.

You can easily see the structure and the Micropyle (the hole).

The tiny egg is fixed on a twig.

The caterpillar hatched.

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The second skin. Still the caterpillar is very tiny and yellowish. The young caterpillars love the blossoms. Now the caterpillar is adult. The camouflage is perfect.

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A short time before changing into pupa the caterpillar becomes redish. Changing into pupa happens on the ground. The pupa A short time before hatching you can see the wings' color through the pupa's skin.

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