catapiller diaries

[David M]

This is pretty impressive for a first attempt, I must say.

[Vince Massimo]

yes all 12 are in there crysalis its really cool to see

Hi Sarah,

That's a great survival rate .

I was not expecting them to pupate so soon because it seemed that the caterpillars still had some growing to do. Clearly they were in their final stage. On the basis of the photos posted so far I would continue to say that they are Small Tortoiseshells. They should be hatching in approximately 14-21 days and you will get an indication when the chrysalis starts to change colour.

It would now be a good idea to clear the tank of old vegetation and droppings. The pupae located on the stem seem to be very close to the ground and I am concerned that the emerging butterflies have enough space to dry their wings. If possible, try to carefully raise the whole stem by tying it to a number of sticks (one at each end and one in the middle), but keep it level so that the pupae continue to hang freely and don't touch the side of the tank. This will not only help the butterflies but will also enable you to observe their development better. If this is not possible then just lean some sticks against the side of the tank close to where the butterflies will emerge.

The best bit is yet to come.

Vince

[feralkitten]

the problem i have is there some handing from the netting on the lid of the tank so i cant get ino the take without having to lift the lid with then on it

[Vince Massimo]

Hi Sarah,

Presumably you're going to have to lift the lid in order to release the adults, so you may as well do it now (but very carefully) . If necessary cut away any piece of netting that has a chrysalis attached it and tie that netting to a twig. If the chrysalises are attached directly to the lid then just lift the lid and prop it up until you have finished in the tank, then put it back. You really need to make sure that the chrysalises at the bottom of the tank have enough clearance from the ground so that the emerging adults can safely dry their wings.

Vince

[feralkitten]

so we have fixed the tank and i got sme photo when we were doing it as i will not get another chance lol



they look a bit like little bats dont they lol

thats there tank now befor we pt the lid back on

[feralkitten]

WE HAVE BUTTERFLYS !!! i was not exspecting them for a few more days yet but they like to shock me lol i will get photo up soon but they wont be the best photo as i'm taken them threw glass

[MikeOxon]

WE HAVE BUTTERFLYS !!!

GREAT NEWS!!! Isn't it amazing how quickly it happens - all that incredible transformation inside the chrysalis in just a few days. Look forward to seeing some photos.

Mike

[Pauline]

Can't wait to see your butterfly photos Feralkitten. Very well done indeed.

[feralkitten]

[Vince Massimo]

Blimey, that was quick . The conditions in the tank must have suited them. Keep an eye on the other chrysalises and you will see them changing colour. When they get very dark they will be ready to hatch and you may be lucky to see one emerge early in the morning.

Vince

[feralkitten]

i'm a little worried abiyt one taht wing is still stick in it crislis and the other wings out it been liek that for a few hours i dont know if i should try to help it or not

[feralkitten]

this is my stuck butterfly but its hard to see



and these are just some more photos

[David M]

Excellent results and thanks for sharing.

[Padfield]

Yes, free it. If its wing dries like that it will mever fly.

Guy

[NickMorgan]

Fantastic. Yes, this has all happened very quickly. How many butterflies have emerged so far?

[David M]

Yes, free it. If its wing dries like that it will mever fly.

Hadn't seen that image, Guy.

Yes, if it's still stuck then try to remove the pupal case. I'd gently pick up the butterfly by its body and try to flake the casing away rather than trying to tear at it. Even if the butterfly loses a little of its wing tip it should still be able to fly perfectly well.

[Padfield]

Sorry for the very hasty answer - I was on the train, going in and out of reception. I have no experience of this myself, but that situation did seem to be beyond the butterfly's ability to solve, so you needed to step in quickly.

I hope it went OK.

Guy

[feralkitten]

its not looking good the wing was so dryed out and the butterfly had been twisting around and round trying to get it out
my dh did a great job and got most if the wing out but then at the last min most snaped off as it was so dryed off so just now it back in the tank bit i dont hink it can fly i will add photo in a min so you guys and advies me wahts best to do
i feel bad for not helping it hours ago but i was not shore if it would get it self out as i niver had butterflys before

[MikeOxon]

Even if you've lost one, you've done very well to bring all the others through! Remember that lots succumb in the wild!

Mike

[feralkitten]