The pupae of western honey bee drones. After passing through their larval stage within cells of the honeycomb, and continue there until they develop into their adult form. Due to the protection this provides, the pupae do not need to be surrounded by a chrysalis or other shell, but are instead have their legs and proboscis free.
Reason
It's a beautifully instructive image. Wonderful detail, showing two stages of development of the pupa. Plus, by showing a stage not as photographed as the imago, it stands out from the crowd of insect pictures. This user has a lot of other wonderful photos worthy of nomination, by the way.
Articles this image appears in
Pupa, Western honey bee
Creator
Waugsberg (User page on commons/on German Wikipedia)
 
A possible alternative/second featured picture, by the same photographer. Shows the developmental stages well.

Promoted Image:Drohnenpuppen_79d.jpg MER-C 03:40, 29 July 2007 (UTC)[reply]