exhibit & display of chrysalises

[Semjase]

>Subject: exhibit & display of chrysalises
>From: Jsbtfly at aol.com
>Date: 5/3/99 4:54 AM Pacific Daylight Time
>Message-id: <36e0a486.245ede51 at aol.com>
>
>
>I recently visited a local conservatory that has an ongoing butterfly 
>display. A caretaker informed me that they receive a variety of chrysalises 
>each week from 3 different farms in Florida. The pupae are then attached to 
>strips of foam and displayed in a glass-fronted "condo" until the butterflies
>
>emerge. She mentioned that right now, they are attaching each pupa to the 
>foam strips using a hot glue gun. While they take care to expose the pupae to
>
>as little contact with the hot glue, she said there is considerable movement 
>from the pupae for a minute or 2 after each one is attached and that they are
>
>experimenting with alternative ways to attach the pupae to strips.
>
>Can anyone comment on whether this practice is indeed harmful in any way to 
>the pupae? Also, any suggestions for alternative ways to attach the pupae?
>
>J. Smith


The acid test of whether or not it is harmful is whether the pupae do not
emerge properly. I prefer white glue or carpenters glue for this myself.

S.