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I am not sure if this is the best place to post this question.
While clearing vegetation from the edge of the stream at our new property in the Scottish Borders I was delighted to find some Orange Tip chrysalides. There were three along the side of the stream and two others close by. They are all straw-coloured, unlike the previous green ones I have found. However, two of them are hanging upside down. It looks as though the thread that they normally "lean" against has failed. Do you think these chrysalides will be OK? I was tempted to cut the stems that they are on and keep them somewhere more sheltered and try putting a loop of cotton around the stem and chrysalis to hold it upright. But then I thought that maybe they will be OK as they are.
Usually nature knows best, but having seen such a high failure rate of caterpillars this year I was wondering if it needs a helping hand.

Hi Nick,

Firstly, nice find

The failure of the silk girdle on the pupa seems to be a common problem with this species. Apart from other reports, I have also encountered it with reared pupae that I tried to over-winter outside. I don't think that trying to tie them back to the correct position is a practical option. However, if you leave them alone they may get continually banged against the stem by the wind (and damaged) or become completely detached. If they fall to the ground they could potentially become more vulnerable to predation etc. They can still develop normally in this position, but if you decide to take action, then cut the stem and place it in a small container. This can either go in the fridge or a cool shed/garage. The container should be covered with a lid (if in the fridge) or netting if in the shed and be out of any direct sunlight. Monitor them every month, but more regularly from March onwards and watch out for any colour changes. They can come out of the fridge in March and go in the shed thereafter.

Hope this helps,
Vince

Hi Vince,
Thank you very much for your advice. I think I will therefore cut the stems that they are on and put them in the garage. I was half thinking that nature must know best, but also thinking, as you suggest that they may become damaged or detached as they are.
I have a couple of netting containers, so they will hopefully be safe from spiders, etc.
I'll let you know if they are successful.
Nick

Could you cut the stem and then place the stem the right way up (enabling the chrysalis to hang the correct way) into a piece of oasis - the stuff that florists use?

Lee

Lee Hurrell wrote:Could you cut the stem and then place the stem the right way up (enabling the chrysalis to hang the correct way) into a piece of oasis - the stuff that florists use?
Lee

Lee,
They are just dangling by the cremaster so if I do this they will still be dangling upside down. I was worried that being the wrong way up could impact on their development. I hadn't actually thought about them dropping off the stems. I hope they will still be there at the weekend when I go back down. I have read about people laying detached chrysalises on kitchen paper, so guess that their orientation may not matter.

NickMorgan wrote: They are just dangling by the cremaster so if I do this they will still be dangling upside down.

Ah, I misunderstood, Nick. Perhaps lying any detachments on a piece of kitchen towel will be the best thing to do then.

Best wishes,

Lee