Uploaded May 2013 | Updated September 2026, 15 hours ago

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The pupae studied were Vanessa cardui, destined to become Painted Lady butterflies. Each of the nine pupae was scanned a few times over its 13-16 day pupation period. Because the insects are naturally highly tolerant of radiation, and the dosages were low, more than half survived to hatching.
One specimen stood out as having the most complete set of scans. In this video is the actual X-ray images: By day 15 the shape of the adult butterfly can be discerned. Its eyes are at the bottom; its antennae, proboscis and legs are folded up along its stomach.

Read the full story at: discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/see-inside-a-chrysalis-as-it-develops-into-a-butterfly-video

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Video courtesy Tristan Lowe and Louise Lever

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