1640 Euthrix potatoria (Drinker Moth) Hatchling

Here is a newly-hatched young caterpillar eating its egg-shell as its first meal. In many species, this first meal is critical, and the young caterpillar will die if it doesn't finish it before looking for its first leaf meal. It is always amazing how a caterpillar that size can fit inside a 3mm long egg (a neighbour unhatched one is in this picture),