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 |