Hummingbird and Butterfly Gardening: DAILY PICTURES # 106, 2 by Sheila_FW

Sheila_FW wrote:
Steady, if you see a early blackening of the chrysalis it may mean problems. If a parasite has gotten to them as a caterpillar late instar, they will make a chrysalis and then it never forms a butterfly. What happens is the larva of the parasite feeds on the part of the cat that forms the bf. Then when it is ready it will emerge.

This is both sides of one chrysalis, the second picture shows the parasite nearby. It is important if this blackening starts to show to fold in a paper towel and crush. At least it will keep the parasites multiplying and killing more Monarchs.

Also happens to chrysalis of other butterflies. BST in the third pic.