In waiting.........

I have been raising some rescued Large white larvae, and having successfully pupated they are now eclosing into beautiful butterflies. This little female is really close to eclosing, breaking free from the thin pupal skin and expanding her wings as an adult Large white. I love this special time when the pupal skin is so delicate you can see the butterfly inside just waiting to escape. If you look closely you can see not only the wings, but the legs, antennae and even the proboscis! 
Another natural miracle I feel.
I have also added a shot of the lovely Silver-spotted skipper Hesperia comma in my extras, a somewhat local chalk downland specialist, who in my opinion looks like a cheeky teddy bear!