Crumpled wings from chrysalis

[Andria & James Wood]

To the Lepid-lovers,

   That almost sounds like a disease doesn't it!?  Anyway, my wife is a
2nd Grade school teacher and every year they do a module on butterflies,
during which time they recieve a kit with caterpillars and food.  The plan
is for the kids to enjoy watching the marvelous transformation from 'worm'
to 'winged wonder'.  This year, though, several of the butterflies emerged
with crumpled and otherwise disfigured wings to the point that they
couldn't fly.  These are Painted Ladies _Vanessa cardui_, and my wife says
she has never seen such a rash of grounded butterflies (and they really do
look pitiful!).  Our question to you (the experts) is what would cause
this abnormality in the first place, and secondly, why so many at one
time?  Are they emerging prematurely?

   Thanks for any thoughts on the subject.  

   Sincerely,

-- 
    Andria & James Wood
     Birmingham, AL  USA
archilochus at mindspring.com