newly hatched larva..

Lori, this Monarch cat probably just molted into his second instar, or maybe third. Right after they shed their skin the "antennae" sometimes stick, but they usually stand up within a short while.

Hi Diohio... this picture was taken with extreme magnification...the larva was extremely small. and the clump of buds he's enjoying are at best 3/4 of an inch wide. That's why I assumed that he was newly hatched..aparently they can be as small as a sixteenth of an inch when they emerge.

Another great shot ! Amazing coloful little creatures, aren't they !

Their crysalis is like pale green jade with golden droplets...one of the most beautiful natural things I've ever seen. I have a real soft spot for Monarchs.