About Butterfly Chrysalises

Formation

• When a caterpillar instinctively "knows" to start the transformation into a chrysalis depends on the climate and species. Most caterpillars spend several weeks eating, gaining energy reserves, before they start to get ready to for the pupal stage. Once beginning this process, the caterpillar usually attaches itself to a sturdy object, such as a tree branch, with its head facing downward. The caterpillar uses special sticky silk-like substance to do this. It then sheds its outer skin, exposing the soft, rounded chrysalis shape. The chrysalis then dries and hardens, forming a protective shell.

Appearance

• Butterfly chrysalises can be many different shapes, sizes, and colors. This all depends on the species of caterpillar that has constructed the chrysalis. Many chrysalises are formed to have camouflage. For example, a chrysalis might have the same shape or color as a leaf or a piece of twig. This helps to protect the chrysalis from predators. Many butterfly chrysalises become opaque as the butterfly within nears the moment of emergence. As hours pass, getting closer to the emergence, more and more of the butterfly can be seen.

Transformation Within the Chrysalis

• The main function of a butterfly chrysalis is to provide a safe, protective shell, within which the internal transformations of the insect can take place. Chrysalises protect the soft inner organs from weather and predators. As the transformation continues, the caterpillar's body will resemble a butterfly's more and more. The unnecessary pieces of the caterpillar will be broken down, and used as nutrients for the growing butterfly. Wings and a reproductive system will develop before the caterpillar is ready to emerge.

Emerging From the Chrysalis

• Some caterpillars only spend a few weeks within the chrysalis -- transforming -- while others may spend an entire winter in the chrysalis. All of this depends on the climate and the species. Once the transformation is complete, the butterfly emerges. Most butterflies are positioned with their heads down, and they push down and out, using pressure to crack out of the chrysalis. Other species have special mouth parts designed to bite through or soften the material of the chrysalis.