Freeze-dried larvae

In this section of the forum (and a few threads back); I posted
an article on the Royal Walnut Moth. In the article I showed some
close-up pictures of two "freeze-dried" C. regalis larvae which I
have acquired over the years.

Well, those are not the only larvae in my possession having been put
through the process.

So, for your viewing pleasure I now post a picture of my approx.
4th (stage) Attacus atlas larvae (which has likewise) been "freeze-dried".

I have a feeling that possibly some of the larvae which are sold at
fairs in Europe may in fact be freeze-dried examples as well however, I
cannot confirm this with certainty as I'm not there to ask.

However, judging by some of the pictures which I have seen; the quality
seems extraordinary for time honored techniques.





My example measures near 4 1/2 inches in length. Which is why I presume
it to be a 4th instar larvae.

Though I have never seen an actual live larvae I should think that a full-size
5th instar specimen would be larger in length and breadth than that of any 
Hyalophora, Citheronia, or Eacles larvae.