I've got 2 giant swallowtail chrysalids in the house. One pupated about 2 weeks ago and the other about a week ago. I am wondering if there is a chance they will eclose this year or will they wait? Does being inside the house affect that? I don't want to them to eclose and there be no food for them. We aren't quite to that point yet but it is getting cooler out.
Kim
what to do with chrysalids inside?
I have three....I say we mail them to Cat in south Texas! LOL!
Seriously...I have had the BST overwinter before, but not the GST, most of those that I have had were earlier in the season. Guess I will try to put them in a sheltered area where they have a wind break and a bit of morning sun. Hopefully they will eclose soon, if not then I guess Mother nature can be in charge.
Debnes...??? Are you around to give us some pointers?
I have four chrysalis, forgot one that lagged behind.
This message was edited Oct 30, 2008 10:10 PM
I've had GSTs overwinter. I was just thinking the other day that I should think about putting the rest of the GST chrysalises out where they can experience some cold....but then again, one just eclosed the other day, so others may eclose soon.
Kim,
I keep all mine in small Gladware cages overwinter. This way spiders and such can't get to them. All swallowtails overwinter as chrysalids. I keep them out of the way in the mudroom between the back door and the den. The temp in there is cooler most of the time, but not freezing. They have done just fine. I have about 7 BSTs and 2 GSTs and a few stragglers pupating now.
If you can carefully peel away the silk, they can be reattached inside of the 1/2 gallon Glad containers with double-sided tape, about 5 to a container (on its side horizontally). You can mix different species of swallowtails too.
They will not open til the last week in March or April, (usually April). I have found that they open by the position of the sun more than temperature. Last year the GSTs eclosed end of March, and the BSTs, first week in April.
When all of mine are done pupating I will consolidate them better than in this pic. Then I will come back here with some better pics. For now I have them tucked away in this larger mesh cage.
:-D
Sheila...ha ha!!!
Must say we are in butterfly heaven this time of the year!!! Lots of everything flying about and ovipositing and emerging.
Will gladly release them in sunny south Texas if ya'll decide to send them :o)
~ Cat
Ok...just had one eclose today and happily flew away this evening. Unfortunately it didn't stick around for a photo op. The other I have temporarily tied up with floss, but I know it can;t eclose properly secured that way. Is it possible to glue it to the branch or will the glue hurt it? I don't know how to secure it without tying something around it. Any ideas?
Kim
I wouldn't try the glue unless you have some of the silk. I used styrofoam in the spring and it worked very well. You know the angle and the side that should be up; just knotch a piece of styrofoam to hold the chrysalis in place. Put a tiny piece of double sided tape underneath the tail to make sure the chrysalis doesn't tip over when the butterfly emerges.
