Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/3046
Scientific nameLasiocampa quercus
CollectionHunterian
CategoryDry preparations
Object nameovum, Products of generation - Insects, Mounted dry tissue
DescriptionTwo oak twigs with the eggs of the oak eggar moth spiralled round them.
Since the eggs of this moth are laid in autumn, and hatch in spring this location for laying eggs ensures they are not affected by the fall of leaves and are kept a constant temperature by the tree.
Oak eggar moths do not feed on oaks, but rather derive the name from the shape of their cocoons.
Production date 1760 - 1793
Preparator
Owner/user
presented
Related objectsRCSHC/3044RCSHC/3045RCSHC/3047
Physical Location
LocationOn display in the Hunterian Museum, Room 4: The Long Gallery
Physical Information
Physical descriptionDry preparation of tissue mounted in a rectangular perspex jar.
Materialperspex
Dimensions
whole height: 210 mm
whole width: 157 mm
whole depth: 36 mm
whole weight: 572 g
whole width: 157 mm
whole depth: 36 mm
whole weight: 572 g
Bibliography
SourceDobson 1970-71
Transcript3046: Two pieces of oak twig, with the ova of the Egger-moth. (Lasiocampa quercus) similarly arranged and attached to the bark. They are laid in autumn, and are not to be hatched until the spring; so that besides being independent of the fall of the leaf, by this mode of oviposition the eggs derive the benefit of the steady temperature of the living vegetable bodies to which they are attached.
