Just photographed a Viceroy 1st instar that just hatched this morning or during the night. Thanks, Michael B., for letting me borrow your egg, so I can photograph the life cycle of this beautiful butterfly. The little egg was laid right on the tip of the corkscrew willow outside his window. To be sure I'm not mixing populations, this butterfly will be released back into Michael's yard when it emerges, and hopefully, it will in a few weeks. Just thought everyone might like to see how very different this first instar looks from the "bird dropping" instar that happens down the road. Also, how similar are the egg-laying techniques of the Red-spotted Purples and the Viceroys - right on the very tip of the leaf. Rita Venable, Franklin, TN Williamson County (Viceroy from Davidson Co.)
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