Hummingbird and Butterfly Gardening: Pop Up Hamper for Monarch Caterpillars, 1 by Sheila_FW

Sheila_FW wrote:
Sorry just now seeing this.
ADBorJWB....Great that you spotted them and such a treat that you managed to see the transformation! The Monarch is pretty on spot when it comes to emerging. After they form the chrysalis it only takes 10 days for the butterfly to eclose. They turn dark; with the chrysalis being clear you can see the orange wing color (see one in pic) also the morning they will emerge. The wings are very tiny at first. They use the fluids that they took in from the chrysalis to pump out their wings. The wings aren't wet, just limp like a tissue. They then remain in place for an hour or so to allow them to harden. If they are disturbed too soon the wings will not expand and harden properly and they may be unable to fly. Here is a monarch just at the moment it flipped out of the chrysalis. Notice how tiny the wings are and how full the abdomen is.