Monarch Chrysalis

The next big step for any Monarch caterpillar is to pupate! That’s when it turns from a caterpillar into a chrysalis. I learned that you can tell whether a butterfly is male or female while it’s in its chrysalis. There is a little seam at near those black dots at the top of the chrysalis. Very interesting! Maybe next time around I’ll know to photograph… 🙂 …hindsight is 20/20, huh?

I thought this monarch chrysalis was very interesting. The caterpillar pupated on a leaf that had been resting on the “ground” of its hotel. I attached it to the stick so it could develop properly. But the reason I found it interesting is how you can still see part of the caterpillar outside the chrysallis. I really don’t know the technical term for this, my apologies.

For purposes of disclosure, I should mention that I rehung most of the chrysalises… they were either on tin foil that I secured to the twig, or tied up there with dental floss. I did a bit of research beforehand so as to avoid damaging the creatures, don’t worry. But I wanted to let you know because these photos have been photoshopped — to remove the unsightly dental floss, tin foil, etc. I did my best to give an accurate rendering and not depart from reality. Maybe next time I’ll be brave enough to try the super glue method!

Location: Dexter, MI.

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