Harlequin on Vapourer eggs

I've been watching this batch of eggs laid by a Vapourer moth (Orgyia antiqua) on her vacated cocoon since I spotted them there recently. Today I saw a Harlequin ladybird on the eggs... I've heard that Harlequins will eat insect eggs and wondered if this one was doing that. It could, on the other hand, have just happened to be there.

Handheld, natural light.

#48 in my photo-a-day project.

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Comments

urtica says:

This is so cool!
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

Japa Back to Floripa!!! says:

very beautiful... great shot!
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

tristanba says:

great shot - I've been watching some Vapourer eggs too but mine have disappeared! I think it's too early for them to have hatched so am wondering if something got them...
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

Ian Hayhurst says:

Nicely composed, even the Harlequin looks good I imagine as the ladybird queen there's a place in you heart, even for a Harlequin.

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Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

lofaesofa says:

That's a really good photo, first time I've seen vapourer eggs up close :)
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

(Gary) [deleted] says:

That's totally amazing, what a wonderful capture.
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

Gooty says:

good shot my friend!

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Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

timz501 says:

Great capture and yes, unfortunately, the Harlequin WILL eat the Vapourer eggs along with anything else it comes across!! :(
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

Austie1 says:

Amazing...as if we are little or the ladybird is Huge.
Amazing.
You are invited to add this amazing photo to

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Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

augray says:

Excellent capture! It looks like the ladybug is certainly checking things out. Interesting shot. Nice image.

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Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

METAL-ARMZ says:

Drama in real life.
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

myriorama says:

wonderful!!
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

daisylover83 [deleted] says:

What a cool shot. wonderful.
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

Armpro says:

An interesting and attractive capture. There may be a feast for this lady.
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Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

diegocon1964 says:

Very good shot
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

Est'hers says:

I don't no if they eat from the eggs. It's a nice capture.

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Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

Anneli* [deleted] says:

This is so stunning. The nature is amazing......

Your photo has been appraised as a Platinum Photograph
We would be honored to have your photo in our group!
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Questions?
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

Adrian Royle says:

Fabulous stuff, great find, not sure if I can even see moth eggs.
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

JonTait2002 says:

If it is eating then it's got quite feast there! Lovely shot Rachel

Duncan Award - Congratulations please upload your photo to the Community Friend photo pool
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

thomrj says:

Wonderful find, makes for a great macro.
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

bishybarnabee says:

Fantastic detail & interesting biology!
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

Susan E Adams says:

Simply perfect capture!
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

e_digitalis says:

either way, the image is very nice... the backdrop is perfect echoing the ladybirds spots... :)
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

5JǿǾǿГ [deleted] says:

"Handheld, natural light."

That stuns me every time!
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

meg nicol says:

What a fabulous capture !
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

ozymiles says:

Well observed. Great shot.
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

citlali* in Mexico City 4 Xmas = ] says:

FASCINATING! Can you tell if they're now eaten? Are you still watching in case they hatch? = ]
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

multicoloured_arc says:

Oh wow! You've excelled again; I love visiting your photo stream - you never cease to amaze me.
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

mion.nl says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Lady Bugs On Parade, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

Very pretty.
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

Lord Cuauhtli says:

taking care of them? or eating them???
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

Anton Jenkins says:

Brilliant image. I'd have never have thought those were eggs!
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

Jake Wild! says:

whoaaa great find! So many eggs!
Posted 19 months ago. ( permalink )

GButterfly says:

I've never seen anything like that - you really have a fantastic eye for finding these things. fantastic image really
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Ryan Somma says:

Thank you so much for licensing your photos Creative Commons! Your work helped to illustrate the science content on ideonexus, which helps to enlighten and educate our visitors. We greatly appreciate your contributions to the Commons!
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

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Taken with a Canon EOS 350D Digital.
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Taken on April 21, 2008
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