23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Silken Shelter

The image captures the egg hatch of the Fall Webworm moth (Hyphantria cunea) on the underside of a host leaf. The eggs laid in dense masses and encased in protective silk have recently hatched, revealing gregarious larvae. These early instar caterpillars remain aggregated beneath the silken web. It's a behavioural adaptation that maintains humidity, provides protection from predators and facilitates efficient leaf skeletonization before dispersal.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2025
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Balasore, Odisha, India, India
Copyright: © Sritam Kumar Sethy