Newly emerged adult silkmoth C015 / 6238
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Newly emerged adult silkmoth C015 / 6238
Imago ( adult stage ) of the Chinese silkmoth, Samia cynthia, in process of inflating its wings. S. cynthia is a native of Eastern China, where its cocoons are one source of wild silk. It is now found locally in the wild in Europe and the USA, the result of failed attempts to exploit its silk production. The picture shows a adult insect 15 minutes after emergence from the cocoon (top, white) in which it has spent the previous weeks undergoing metamorphosis from the larval stage. Inside the cocoon, the wings are crumpled and flaccid; on emergence the insect hangs from a twig and pumps haemolymph into the wing veins in order to cause the wings to expand. This fluid is withdrawn once expansion has occurred, and the chitin comprising the wings then hardens over a period of 30 minutes or so. In this picture the wings are expanding, and remain soft and flexible
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9210053
© DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
China Chitin Imago Metamorphosis Samia Cynthia Silkmoth Wild Silk Wing
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the delicate beauty of a newly emerged adult silkmoth, specifically the Chinese silkmoth known as Samia cynthia. Originating from Eastern China, this magnificent creature undergoes a remarkable transformation from its larval stage to become an exquisite imago or adult insect. The image showcases the precise moment when the silkmoth is inflating its wings after spending weeks inside a cocoon. At this stage, the wings are crumpled and flaccid but gradually expand as haemolymph, a fluid within their body, is pumped into the wing veins. The process of expansion takes approximately 15 minutes and results in soft and flexible wings. Interestingly, S. cynthia's cocoons were once sought after for their wild silk production; however, attempts to exploit this resource failed in Europe and the USA. Consequently, these stunning creatures can now be found locally in those regions' wilderness. Dr Jeremy Burgess expertly captured this awe-inspiring moment where nature's intricate metamorphosis unfolds before our eyes. The photograph not only highlights the elegance of S. cynthia but also emphasizes key elements such as chitin (the material composing their hardened wings) and haemolymph (the vital fluid responsible for wing expansion). In summary, this mesmerizing image encapsulates both scientific wonder and artistic brilliance while showcasing one of nature's most enchanting creations – the adult Chinese silkmoth emerging into its full splendor.
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