Home >> Science & Nature >> Insects & Science

Care Of Chrysalises

The chrysalis is the intermediary stage between caterpillar and butterfly or moth, during which the insect's organs liquefy and reform into a new body. A chrysalis in the wild needs no external assistance and should be left alone. If you are raising caterpillars, however, some gentle care may be required to keep the chrysalis safe during the process of metamorphosis. For the most part, all you'll need to do is watch and wait while the magic of nature slowly unfolds.

Instructions

- 1
  Keep the chrysalis in a safe environment. If you raised the caterpillars in a small jar and are intending to keep the butterflies after metamorphosis, move the twig or piece of paper supporting the chrysalis to your butterfly house within a couple days of formation.
- 2
  Maintain a steady temperature of roughly 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Slightly warmer temperatures will speed the metamorphosis, while cooler temperatures will slow it. Mist the chrysalis with fresh water every day if you live in a particularly dry region.
- 3
  Place the chrysalis on a piece of paper towel if it has detached from its support and position it near a wall in your jar or butterfly house.
- 4
  Wait for the butterfly to emerge. Complete metamorphosis can take between seven and 14 days depending on the species. Once the butterfly comes out of the chrysalis it will take a couple of hours before it reaches full strength and is able to fly.
- 5
  Offer the new butterfly some food, whether you are releasing it immediately or keeping it in a butterfly house for a few days. Mix a teaspoon of sugar with ½ cup of water and drape a small piece of paper towel over the edge of the cup to allow the sugar water to wick out. Alternately, place a slice of watermelon or orange near the butterfly. Don't be alarmed if it does not eat; butterflies often don't have much of an appetite after emerging.

Insects & Science