Close Up, Insect Eggs Look Like They Came From Alien Worlds


Micrograph by Martin Oeggerli

Zebra longwing butterfly egg (Heliconius charithonia)
The orange hue of this zebra longwing butterfly egg may warn predators: "Eat me if you dare." The threat would not be idle. The egg contains cyanide and other toxins ingested by adults from the plants
they eat.

We don't have to look far to find alien-looking lifeforms, as the September 2010 issue of National Geographic shows. All you need is a microscope and a few insect eggs.

Links: Article by Rob Dunn | Photo Gallery by Martin Oeggerli in cooperation with Prüftechnik Uri and School of Applied Sciences, FHNW


Newest 3
Newest 3 Comments

I love insects, I love nature, and all that jazz...but insect eggs, larvae, unnatural holes, juniper berries, lotus seed pods, and the like...I just can't handle them for some reason!

Seeing insect eggs close-up like this makes them more absurd in my mind, and more tolerable. Pretty neat!
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Email This Post to a Friend
"Close Up, Insect Eggs Look Like They Came From Alien Worlds"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More