I have a chrysalis - what do I do now?

14 years ago

This is my first experience with hand rearing caterpillars and I have had a ball with it, it's just been so much time living with them and keeping their little bellies full. The majority of them now are getting to the Scary Eating stage - where they eat so much it is astonishing. Luckily I have enough milkweed!

I had a bigger chap, and he pupated yesterday approx 8:30pm and made his chrysalis this morning. I could swear I checked on him at 9am and he was still in J-position, and I checked again at 11:30am, and was amazed to see that a chrysalis had formed in that time. Is that what actually happens?

Here is my question: I have him housed in a 10inch tall, 7 inch diameter round clear plastic container. I covered it with a mesh which I secured with a rubber band, and he attached himself to the mesh at the top. But what do I do now? I know not to bother him at all for at least 24 hours, and I am anxious enough I will leave him for 48. Can I just leave him on the mesh? I need to get his milkweed out though, which would mean carefully taking off the rubber band and being careful with the mesh. I was THINKING I would just put the chrysalis, attached to the mesh, and just secure it again with the rubber band. I am a little nervous about moving him around - which is why I am asking your opinions. Is he well enough attached that I can risk taking off then replacing the rubber band over the mesh that tops his container? Or is there something else I should do? I've heard about picnic food covers, and little aquariums, etc, but not even sure how to put him in one of those as he is on the mesh. I'd be scared to death to cut the silk at the top...although of course I could cut the mesh. But if I did - what would I attach him to? If it is rainy and I need to get sugar water to him - what then?

I am sorry to ask these stupid questions, but this is my first time, and this is the last time I will ask you caterpillar gurus this particular stupid question.

I have to get this all sorted out pronto because I have 8 other cats that look like they will be pupating in about 4 days. Aaaargh!

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Comments (6)

weed30 St. Louis
14 years ago
Why do you "have to" get the milkweed out? If you must, what you wrote is fine. Carefully remove the mesh/chrysalis, remove the milkweed, then put the mesh/chrysalis back and resecure. The chrysalis is only extra sensitive during the first few hours, in my experience. Just be gentle and don't knock it against anything. The size you describe is plenty of room for him or her to eclose, pump out the wings and dry them. Once that happens, take the whole shebang outside and set him/her free. Even better, don't wait until the wings are completely dry. When they look full, gently let him/her crawl onto your finger and gently put him/her on a plant outside so that he/she can finish drying. You'll be able to see him/her up close and personal, and also get some great photos.
jrcagle
14 years ago
I could swear I checked on him at 9am and he was still in J-position, and I checked again at 11:30am, and was amazed to see that a chrysalis had formed in that time. Is that what actually happens?

Yeah, actually, the process takes only a few minutes if that. Basically, the skin splits and the chrysalis wiggles itself free of the skin. It's all over pretty quickly.

The part that amazes me is the cremaster. Somehow, it attaches from the inside of the caterpillar, through the skin, to the attachment point -- and then remains intact when the cat's skin sheds. Perhaps that's why they stay in the J shape for so long, forming not only the pupa inside but also the cremaster.

Jeff

Here is a link that might be useful: video of monarch pupation (incorrectly labeled!)
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brindlebutt
Original Author
14 years ago
The reason I am concerned about getting the milkweed out of the container is because it is a nice sprig of currassavica that was tightly inserted into a sealed water container. This caterpillar pupating took me by surprise - I thought he was undergoing his final moult - so I didn't want to bother him when he was hanging from the top. So there is also frass in there. I don't want things to get moldy or infected.

I think I will do as you suggested - very carefully remove the band and lift the chrysalis attached to the mesh, and place it over another disinfected container and secure it with a flat elastic band, which is easier to control than just a rubber one.

I have a pretty delicate touch and will likely be successful - I guess I am just nervous, doing this for the first time. Thanks so much for your advice!!
brindlebutt
Original Author
14 years ago
WOW! That was breath-taking! I couldn't believe my eyes to be able to watch it exactly as it takes place. What miraculous animals. I feel so honored to have them as my guests for this all too short time.
ericwi
14 years ago
If you plan to raise more than one caterpillar in your 7 inch diameter plastic container, you will need to remove the mesh on the top over and over, each time you put fresh milkweed into the container, and also each time an adult monarch emerges. One solution would be to make or buy a wooden hoop, about 8 inches diameter, and carefully fix the mesh to the hoop. It could be glued on, or held on with tacks. With that accomplished, the mesh top can be lifted off the container, and set down on several blocks, to protect the chrysalis. I think you can find an appropriate hoop at a crafts store, these are used for needlework projects. It is likely that all of the caterpillars will eventually attach themselves to the mesh top, that is their nature.
weed30 St. Louis
14 years ago
Have you taken a good look at the chrysalis? My experience with butterflies was with Black Swallowtails ...very, very cool. However, last season was my first time with Monarchs. I had seen some photos of their chrysalids, but had NO IDEA about the sparkly gold ring near the top and the sparkly gold dots below. THAT is what blew me away!

Fine examples below from the net --- I couldn't get a good photo of mine.

{{gwi:515181}}

{{gwi:457037}}

I have 3 chrysalids right now, and I am still amazed at those gold dots!

I have a chrysalis - what do I do now?

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weed30 St. Louis

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I have a chrysalis - what do I do now?

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weed30 St. Louis

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