He's just taking his time. Swallowtails can be really slow when pupating. I have a Black ST that's been in position since Sunday also.

Oh, thank you thank you! I am so enjoying these guys, and it was really bumming me out to think he wasn't going to make it.

It is incredible how quickly they grow!

Amy

Normally BSTs take about 2 weeks to eclose. If the chrysalis is brown, it's possible that it is going to overwinter, in which case it's anyone's guess as to how long it will take.
-Jmcat

This time of year, my BSTs do not enclose until next spring. I have about 20 that are just 'hangin round till next spring. They will enclose then. Don't worry and keep them from freezing. Put them back out after the weather warms and watch them fly away. "The first BF's of Spring".

Question, if they do not enclose, where do they go? Do they bury themselves in the ground? If I see chrysalis or cats now what should I do?

I think the person who wrote the original post was waiting for the caterpillar to pupate. When I read the post, that was the impression I got. It can take several days for a BST to pupate after it has made its silk harness.

After pupating, it can take 10 days or longer to eclose or come out of the chrysalis as an adult butterfly.

If you find a cat, you can bring it in and feed it parsley or fennel or any other host plant listed in the FAQs for Black Swallowtails. If it's ready to pupate, give it something to climb up on. One really easy thing to do, is to tape a piece of paper towel to the side of the container for the cat to crawl up on to pupate. I use this method when raising a large group of BSTs. You can also use sticks as mentioned in other threads on raising BSTs.

If you find a chrysalis, just leave it. If it's green, it will most likely eclose this fall. If it's brown, there's a good chance it will wait until next spring to eclose.

Hope this helps. :)

Sandy

The person's name is Amy. Sorry Amy, for calling you a person, but I hope I read between the lines and answered your original question. Terms can get confusing.

Have fun! If you get a brown chrysalis, just keep the container in a protected area outside until next spring. When it starts warming up, check the container daily to see if the BST has eclosed. And, when it ecloses, release it as a sign of spring! I am still having cats pupate in green chrys, so I may have another batch of BSTs before cold weather hits.

Sandy

Ah, Sandy, you were right! I meant PUPATE! I thought "eclose" meant "enclose itself in a chrysalis." A newbie like me ought to know better than to try to use the terminology! :-)

So I was worried about my guy pupating, but then he did it tonight. And unless I'm mistaken, it actually happened very quickly. I checked on him after dinner and he was still a caterpillar. I put the kids to bed, picked up the house, wrote a couple emails, checked again, and he was a chrysalis! Yahoo!

For now, he is green. I will watch for him to turn brown.

My other guy is getting huge -- I suspect he will start his wandering tomorrow.

What fun! I'm hooked!

Amy

Congrats, Amy!

Your green chrysalis will probably eclose in about 10 days to 2 weeks!

Sandy

Sandy, you are so funny to apologize for calling me a person! :-) After all, I am a person -- except before I've had coffee -- then I am a monster. :-p

This forum is so wonderful and helpful. Thank you everyone!

Amy