How to care for your Chrysalis

Now that you have the miracle of nature in your hands, here are a few tips to get the most enjoyment out of your new Monarch chrysalis. 

• The monarch chrysalis can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, however, a good rule of thumb would be what ever temperature is good for your is good for your chrysalis.

• Remove the cellophane wrapping at least 3 days prior to the date that is on the card, or as soon as you get it.  You can place the stick in a flower arrangement or pot or simply in a vase by itself…somewhere you can see and enjoy the butterfly as it emerges.

• The day before the butterfly emerges, the chrysalis will turn dark in color.  Soon you will be able to see the butterfly inside.  It will usually come out in the morning hours.

•  As the butterfly emerges, it’s body will be full and wing will be small and shriveled.  In a few minutes, your butterfly will completely extend its wings to their normal size.  Be careful not to handle it at this point; as the wings are still very soft.  The wings will become firm as the butterfly hangs from the stick in about an hour. At this point, you can begin to handle the butterfly, however keep in mind that the butterfly will excrete  several drops of  waste.  Remember, it’s been inside cooped up all this time with no way to release it’s waste.  Try to keep the butterfly away from anything that might stain easily until this has happened. 

• Now you can take your new butterfly to be released.  It may not start to fly immediately, so place it outside, perhaps in your garden, on a blade of grass, or on a plant or flower.  Keep in mind, butterflies do not fly in the rain, so if it’s raining, you may want to keep you butterfly inside until the next day.  The butterfly already has enough stored nutrition to sustain itself for a few days. 

• I hope you have enjoyed this unique experience as much as I still do after all these years.  Feel free to email me if you have any questions, or leave your comments on my feedback page.