This has happened many times in my cages - there are two piggy-backed black swallowtail chrysalides in one right now - and they have both emerged perfectly every time. This year, before the BSTs did this, a red-spotted purple pupated on a spicebush swallowtail chrysalis, and both eclosed in great shape before I released them. I don't think it's possible to pull the last one to pupate off the first one without damaging both of them and ruining your future butterflies, but if you must, try to scratch the silk pad off the chrysalis. I do this on the rare occasions when I move a chrysalis from the inside of their cage to another place - taking the entire silk pad with the chrysalis ensures that you don't cause a leak that kills the butterfly. Trying to scratch the piggy backer's silk off the first chrysalis without pricking (and therefore killing) the first one would be difficult. Sherry

Hi there, I don't know if he is in diapause, but chances are he is.Especially since fall is right around the corner.Any way I wouldn't take him on the trip with you unless you know his or her host plants grow there and ETS are native to where ever your going. If your worried he will hatch while your gone maybe you could ask a neighbor to watch him while your away, or if you have a closed in porch put him out there with a few potted nectar plants. I hope this helps:)

Second image.

embee, don't feel bad. Remember, you took it in under the best of intentions. The fact is, even those that are better informed about how to raise butterflies and moths lose a large percentage of them when they bring them in to 'protect' them. It's absolute 'carnage' over there in the butterfly forum some weeks! It really takes some know-how to succeed. They are simply fragile insects. There is a large possibility that your butterfly would have done the same thing in the wild. Know, too, that moths and butterflies in ALL stages of development are prey to a host of diseases, predators and parasites. It is my own personal belief that Nature does a far, far better job at driving the bus than humankind, and I pretty much let Nature take her course. If I were to happen on a butterfly chrysalis, I would leave it be, but keep an eye on it. I've had many great experiences that way....my favorite with a Giant Swallowtail Butterfly. However, I have also seen some fat and happy birds make off with them, too. That does not disturb me at all. It sounds like you have an acute love of the natural world, and the more you learn about it...the more fascinating it all becomes. Don't feel bad about this experience; just learn from it.