Okay, it's day 8 for the first of my brood of BST. Can ya'll help me with the signs to watch for, and your experiences with the eclosing process? I'm afraid to leave the house, and I've got 24 of these little guys due at different times. I believe the time line is 8 to 12 days after they pupate, they eclose? Help please, I'm as nervous as if I were about to go into labor!!!!
Nervous about upcoming first eclosing BST!!!!!!
HaHa.....Thea, the chrysalis will turn lighter before they emerge. Don't worry, they should be fine...after they emerge they will often climb onto something, like the top or the side of the cage.
I've noticed that my BSTs eclosed any time of day, whereas the Monarchs seem to emerge early in the morning.
The BSTs also are ready to fly quicker. It's really hard to get them out of my cage to release because they won't hold still. The Monarchs almost seem used to it.....they really don't mind being picked up.
They'll be fine...really.
Thanks Fly!!! I'm so excited! I've got the crate stationed in front of a window on the ground floor, so when the new butterflies emerge, all I have to do is unzip the door of the crate (I've been holding my breath since the first one pupated, because I didn't know what I would've done if someone had pupated on the door!) and point it out the window over the flower bed below. It SHOULD be easy. Is it usually a struggle, as they unfold? I don't know if I should watch, it might be too frustrating not to help.
Oh no, it's usually very smooth and seemingly effortless. Occasionally something will go wrong but usually it goes well.
You sound like you are well prepared!
All you need to do is have your camera ready!
Yep! Make sure you have good batteries in that camera! Just sit back and enjoy the show. It usually does happen pretty fast, so keep checking in on them! Good luck that you catch them just as they are emerging! Good luck!
Don't rush to get them to fly away. They usually don't go for the nectar the same day. I guess they are exhausted and just want to rest after the ordeal. The main thing is to let their wings dry. If they don't and are crumpled, they won't make it in the wild.
Oh Thea...I wish mine would c'mon out. They stay in there for months! I think they're hibernating!
Adrienne
Oh my goodness, Adrienne, what kind do you have? I HOPE mine don't take that long!!!!!!
Alright Thea. It is getting close. All your hard work is finally paying off. I am once again thrilled for you and still very much understand your nervousness. You will do great I know. You have been such a great momma to these babies this whole time it melts my heart. You will be so proud when those beauties come out and fly out to live their lives knowing you were such a huge part of the whole process. Good luck and I cannot wait to see any pics you might get.
Leslie
Nothing yet Leslie!! These little guys are taking their time! They look so funny in their odd little chrysalides, all scattered around the crate. It's so quiet in there with no one walking around or chewing, like a little crysalides ghost town. Sometimes when I'm watching them, I almost hear the sound of someone trying to unfurl and break out, but it's just my vivid imagination!
It is almost the weekend, so you shouldn't miss all of them.
So Thea as of today, August 1, none have eclosed, is that right? Boy they are being slow. I keep looking for your thread saying they were coming out and haven't seen it yet so I keep waiting. I am sure your waiting is much more painful than mine. Cannot wait to see that new thread started by you telling about them eclosing (hope I am using the right word).
Leslie
You better make an announcement on this thread!! I don't want to miss it!! LOL!
Absolutely! We are hanging on pins and needles! :-) Soon .....
I'm glad I only have one Gulf Frit in a chrysallis. It's my first one and I don't know if I could handle a whole bunch of them at once. I have some polydamas swallowtail eggs that I'm waiting to hatch so in a few weeks I might be in the same boat. Luckily, Mom works at home so I call from work and have her check on them - I don't have children yet so I guess my cats have to fill that role for now. Thea, I'm so glad someone else out there is new at this - and also that we have all these experts coaching us and rooting us on! I can't wait to see the pictures!
Melanie
Mellie, that's funny...your cats are your children....me too! I don't have any human children but my pets are considered 'my kids'. I haven't been finding any cats or eggs lately and I was kind of going through withdrawal. Until....I was at work and trimming some big Gingers and was stung by a Saddleback cat....geez did that hurt! I thought a snake had bitten me....that's how bad it hurt. I decided I was going to raise him and take care of him...he ate for about 2 1/2 weeks and is now in his cocoon...I'm even afraid that will sting, so I don't get too close to it. You should have seen me taking pics of it..with gloves on......did I say how bad the sting hurts! lol
I'll open a thread after he emerges....he's kind of cool.
Wow, you must be a glutton for punishment! He stings you and you still lovingly care for him - how sweet. : )
No kidding! lol I'd probably do the same thing, though. It's always neat to see a new cat and butterfly/moth. Do share some photos with us! We all wanna see it when it ecloses!
My first eclosed this morning!! I'll start a new thread............