Black Hyalophora gloveri larva
May 26, 2001

Do you know what the deal is with this?

It's an Hyalophora gloveri larva in 4th instar... it's been this way the whole time!
Let me know, thanks!
TTYL
Jeff

I have not seen one like this before. Members' help would be appreciated.

Scott Smith has sent me these images and info in response:

Bill,

A while ago you were inquiring about dark forms of H.gloveri? Here are some shots of a dark 5th instar. It's the only time I have seen these. These larva are the result of adults from wild collected cocoons found in Sandy, Utah. The entire brood looked like these (20-30 larva were reared) The resulting adults showed no unusual coloring or markings nor did the parent stock. These are the only photo's taken from the brood. I sent some eggs to a frend, Peter A.Taverna of Tasmania, who took these shots November 27th, 1999.

Enjoy!

Scott