Is this normal behavior? At first I saw 2 cats attacking one of my GST chrysalis then a little later a different one was attacking GF chrysalis. There is plenty of room in the cage for everyone so what do you think may be the reason?
Thank you!
Caren
GF cats attacking chrysalis??
Caren,
I've noticed that sometimes they get cranky or curious or want that particular spot. If I can I usually try to keep live cats separate!
Adrienne
How do you move the chrysalis with out damaging it?
I either cut it or pull it loose. It depends where it's attatched. It's probably easier to move the cats.
A
I've never had the Gulf Frits be that bad, but my Polydamas are horrible about wanting to be in each other's spots. If I can peel the silk up I move the chrysalis to another cage. Swallowtail chrysalises are pretty sturdy but I would be very careful about moving a Frit - they're much more delicate.
Melanie
Thanks guys! I had 3 GF chrysalises on the bottom of the cage this morning the darn little boogers! At least the offenders have made their chrysalises and I should have no more problems with them lol!
Now what to I do with the once that have fallen? I was thinking of useing some very fine thread to tie around the silk fluff at the top or will the silk stick to the new cage?
Thank you again for all the help!!
Caren
Silk isn't that sticky; you'll need to help it. At MOSI (where I volunteer) we use straight pins and stick them through the silk into styrofoam, but I've also pinned them to my screened-in butterfly house. I use plastic critter keepers so sometimes I just scotch tape them up. Whatever you use, just make sure you only touch the silk and not any part of the chrysalis (which can be easier said than done with the Frits).
Melanie