Help with anise swallowtail pupa stage, please

[Xi Wang]

Dixie,

In my experience with Black Swallowtails (Papilio polyxenes asterius), eclosion
usually takes place after roughly 15 days, but this may vary depending on
temperature.  Before it emerges, you will actually be able to see the butterfly
within the chrysalis.  You should be able to make out the wing outline, as well
as pattern, and other basic anatomical features such as the abdomen, head,
antennae..etc.  At the point, eclosion within the next 24 hrs is pretty much
guaranteed.  If you observe the chyrsalis continually, you will actually be able
to see the wings and abdomen detach from the inside of the chrysalis over time,
eclosion usually follows with in a matter of hours.

Peace,
Xi Wang

Rusty6356 wrote:

> Could someone tell me about how long an anise swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon)
> will remain in its chrysalis? And/or how to tell when it's about to emerge?
>
> This is my first try at raising a butterfly and has been fairly successful so
> far, although the caterpillar turned out to be something of an escape artist
> and had to be rescued from the dish drainer--
>
> It started making its chrysalis yesterday, Aug. 8, at the top of a shaded
> kitchen window, behind a set of mini-blinds, and I want to make sure the
> butterfly doesn't get trapped in there when it emerges.
>
> Thanks,
> Dixie Jordan
> Oakland, CA


 
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