Macrofo – insect eggs

Designed for survival, insect eggs hang and lie where their parents left them. The size of the eggs in this photo selection varies in diameter from 0.7 to 2 mm. The photographs were taken using a scanning electron microscope, which uses beams of electrons to trace the surfaces of objects. The resulting black and white photographs were then modified into color to reflect the natural appearance of the eggs.

Dryas iulia butterfly egg

The egg of the Dryas iulia butterfly on the tendril of a passionflower is not threatened by hungry ants. With rare exceptions, this species of butterfly lays eggs only on this plant. (Martin Oeggerli)

Shield eggs

Shield bugs often lay their eggs in groups. The individual eggs are glued not only to each other, but also to the sheet on which they were left. The tiny growths act like a breathing apparatus. (Martin Oeggerli)

Caligo butterfly egg

The mosaic pattern on the Caligo butterfly egg looks like a space landing pad. In the center is a tiny hole called the micropyle, through which sperm enters the egg. (Martin Oeggerli)

Blue morpho butterfly egg

The red stripe indicates a chemical reaction after fertilization. The egg contains the embryo of a butterfly - one of the largest. Its wingspan ranges from 12 to 20 centimeters. (Martin Oeggerli)

Egg of a beautiful blueberry butterfly

The beautiful blueberry is a very rare species of butterfly because it is fastidious. She lays eggs (as in the photo) only on the European perennial hippocrepis. Moreover, she looks for holes chewed by rabbits to make it easier to lay eggs. (Martin Oeggerli)

Egg of the Cetosia Byblis butterfly

This egg has a lacy pattern with micropyles through which the sperm enters. A similar design is found on the scaly wings, which give the red butterfly its name. (Martin Oeggerli)

Fathead egg

Fatheads lay eggs on the horned frog. Adults are found in Europe and parts of Asia. The butterfly is no different in beauty. (Martin Oeggerli)

Cabbage egg

The yellow cabbage egg under the lower leaves of regular (pictured) and Brussels sprouts. (Martin Oeggerli)

Nymphalid Egg