Hi Bev, the chrysalis will eclose in about 10-14 days. IF it's healthy and hasn't been parasitized, or perhaps found by a predator and eaten, or some other hazards that could befall the chrysalis. However, it's already beaten enormous odds to make it to this stage (as you've noticed - lots little cats, not many make it to pupate). Perhaps next year you can help them along and bring some in to raise? :-D Monarchs are a tropical species. They can't overwinter in a temperate climate. They can't even fly below approx. 50 degrees F (10 C). In North America, there are 2 primary over-wintering locations - along the coast of California, and some fir forests in the mountains of central Mexico, where they are occasionally exposed to harsh weather, but many still manage to survive. Black Swallowtails, on the other hand, ARE a temperate species, and many of the chrysalises that I have in my tank right now will probably over-winter with me (in the garage) and eclose next Spring. Amazing that they can survive snow, ice, and freezing temps outside! (PS. We are pretty smart on this forum, but the real knowledge about b-flies is on the Butterfly forum! :)

Let's see now----I've had them on piles of old brick,under the leaves of zinnia's and penta's, on the milkweed stem itself and of course in captivity on the screen that was at the top of the container. The only thing I can tell you is that they are great little disguisers so just make sure you check any and all weeds and dead flowers before you pull them up. Also, you may want to keep this in mind for the butters like the BS that overwinter as we have one right now attached to the brick on the side of my mom's house that has been there since early spring and one in the back of her pickup that is also overwintering. I've never knowlingly pulled up a plant with one on it and hope I never do but I do check them each time I am weeding. I have the most luck spotting the monarchs when the sun is shining brightly as i can see the gold ring better. Butterflutter

MissSherry, I think I must have a smaller than normal one then because it's definitely smaller than a Monarch chrysalis. Thanks, and I will detach it like you said. It's just not at a very good spot right now. Jmcat, Ha, I can certainly believe that if they're like the BST chrysalids that started squirming when I took the lid off of the container they're on to look at them. It kind of scared me because I'm used to Monarchs and they don't do that. Thanks for the warning. Now I know to expect that. Cathy

Normally, they leave the spicebush to make their pupae (chrysalis). If you are getting 30/40 degree nights and 50/60 degree days that is another reason the caterpillar isn't pupating--it's too cold. They can also eat Sweet Bay. I think it still has its leaves. I'd find some Sweet Bay and bring the caterpillar inside so it can finish its pupation. As soon as it pupates and hardens, I'd take it back outside. Another possible reason for it not to pupate is it could have a parasite or disease.