Raising Monarchs - Chrysalis Repair (Help The Monarch Butterfly)
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- On a few occasions, when pulling a chrysalis by the silk off from where it was attached in order to hang it in a new location, the silk has broken off from the black stem, leaving nothing to hang it from. At those times, this video shows the exact method I used to attach the chrysalis to paper towel using an expansive (though not expensive) adhesive glue.
Since I've started making Monarch videos, there have been a few others who have run into this situation, and thus, I thought it'd be a good video to put out there for you all, in case this should happen to you.
Many, many thanks to all who have been on this journey with me! If you get something out of this, please give it that "like" thumbs up, and help get the word out by sharing this information as you see fit. If you have questions that other videos haven't answered, please leave them in the comments section, and it may be featured in an upcoming video!
#RaisingMonarchs
#PlantingMilkweed
#SaveTheMonarch
***PLEASE READ!!!***
If you just watched this video and are about to "engage" in something like this, you may wish to see this first: ua-cam.com/video/kxCzr89Ck3E/v-deo.html
A chrysalis need not be hanging to develop the adult, nor does it need to be hanging in order for the adult to emerge. The link provided here shows an easy set up to allow a non-hanging chrysalis adult to emerge and be able to fill/spread/dry the wings. Good luck!
@Madalyn Mak Cool that you have an entire group that you know and can support each other with help and information. That's gotta be rewarding! Please thank them for me in being willing to take on the work needed to help out the Monarchs. This year, the study that came out in late June really changed what my plans were for making videos and the topics. Next season, I'll be definitely focusing a lot more on milkweed, and how that truly is the way to get long term solution to the issue of their decline. The numbers jumped up this year...is it an anomaly, or is it the start of recovery? If we plant enough, it could be that second option!
it's called chrysalis!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Mr. Lund. We started helping the Monarchs quite by accident but are so glad to be helping. We have released 2 but have 25 chrysalides now, 1 J and 8 caterpillars. I thought I had a bit of a disaster today because 17 of the chrysalides fell when the common silk collapsed. It had been looking more like a spider web and today, the weight just took them out. They were all in a pile at the bottom of the habitat, and I was heartsick. Even though I had watched the other video saying they will be okay, I didn't think a pile of 17 would be a good idea, plus they landed on a caterpillar. Based on this video, i glued the silk of each one to a piece of paper towel and attached them to the top and sides of the habitat. I used a straight quilting pin through the mesh and paper towel. I said I *thought* I had a disaster because as I came back to your videos, I ran across the one talking about overcrowding. So, I kept that in mind when hanging these and spaced them out significantly more than they were naturally. Thanks so much for showing me how to hang them back up. Hopefully I'll have several releases in about 7, 9 and 10 days.
This is our third year raising monarchs and these videos were the most helpful that I have found yet! Thank you so much
Thank you so much for checking them out! When I got started, I searched UA-cam for video help, and while there were some, I agree, many were not what I was looking for. They provided tips here and there (and I certainly thank the posters for them!) but they didn't have a lot info all in one place. After I got the hang of how to do this from trial and error, touch and go, I wanted to make the videos I wished had been on UA-cam. I had no idea they'd be as popular as they are, and I most definitely appreciate people using them. So, thank you, and thanks for your efforts in helping this amazing species!
I just want to say thankyou for doing these videos. They are a huge help. I just renewed an old childhood interest in butterflies and have started photographing them. 3 weeks ago I found 12 instar four or five monarch cats on some common milkweeds neer a parking lot. I'd never seen monarch cats before. A few days later the cats were gone but I found 5 chrysalids. 2 turned brown and died before I decided to bring the remaining 3 inside. I used a 30 inch mesh cage and taped the leaves to the top. Last week I released 2 females and 1 male monarch. I've now just added 6 swamp milkweeds plants to my butterfly small garden.
This is where it gets interesting. I found 6 instar five cats on the plants. I decided to buy 3 more milkweed plants to put into my mesh habitat. So far... I have 4 chrysalids, 1 j hanging cat and another huge cat still eating. I found 6 instar one cats on the plants (all are doing well, ones now instar two I think, and I found 11 eggs, 3 eggs have hatched and the cats also appear to be doing well. One egg had turned black and has now been black for a couple days. I've separated it from the rest for observation. I'm keeping the eggs and instar one and two cats in medium sized rubbermade food storage containers. I line the bottom with a paper towel and place the leaves with the eggs or cats inside. I used your trick of wrapping the stems in wet paper towels to keep them fresh. So far I havn't lost a single cat although I can't seem to find a just hatched instar one cat. the egg disappeared a couple hours ago but I don't see the cat anywhere. I'm hoping he's ok but, They are just too small to keep track of easily.
Thanks again your videos are well done and a wealth of information.
One thing I'm having trouble finding information on is how to identify and naturally control insects that parasitize butterfly eggs, cats, and chrysalids. For instance how do you tell the difference between flying ants and tiny chalcid wasps as these are being purposefully released in agricultural areas as pest control. I was reading about ways to make natural wasp and ant traps but I haven't had any chances to try anything out.
Thanks for checking them out, and I'm pleased to hear that a past interest was rekindled. If any cats or chrysalides are turning brown/black, they are indeed infected with something. It could be OE bacteria, or NPV, or tachinid flies, or even something else. It's tough from my end to be sure. The best advice I can give is to get out there early and find them as eggs, and take them indoors. While it doesn't fully prevent OE bacteria nor NPV, it does minimize other parasites that infect them once hatched in nature.
Good luck to you!
Sorry, I don't have much information on this. The major problem with this is, of course, the best way to control such parasite species is with the same pesticides that will kill the Monarchs. The best advice I can give is what I stated in the other reply: Get the eggs, and start them off indoors when they hatch. I don't have much info on preventing wasps, aphids, ants, etc., from harming the caterpillars mostly because these are a non-problem for me with my system. It's more work, for sure, but gives the Monarchs a much better chance. I hope you get some good adults, though, here at the end of the season!
I was able to repair a fallen chrysalis using your paper towel/glue method on October 7th and a beautiful monarch eclosed today, November 12! Your videos helped me through every step of this incredible process but this is the one I found most helpful. Thank you!!
Man, this channel rocks.
I appreciate that. I hope to keep up the standard.
off a website it was commented that microfiber cloth sticks like glue to the top of the cremaster and WOW, it does work! I have used this on 2 cats that decided to pupate on the ground!
Very informative ive been raising monarchs for about 5 years now and i have been making this much harder then it actually is. Good god im so happy i ran across your channel. Thank You so very very much. God bless the Monarchs and all who ❤ them and do all you can to ensure their population proliferation and migration. Salutations from Toledo, Ohio.
Happy to have helped! If you have questions as you go, definitely ask them. I try to respond to all of them still, plus many come here and read the comments who themselves have valuable information. I hope you've had / are having a good season!
Thank you so much! great advice.There is too many people that don't understand that the butterflies can be crippled if they are not hanging upside down. Again, thank you.
I’m SOOOO happy I found you!! I found my first monarch caterpillar and I decided to try and capture it so my bonus daughters could see the process. I’ve been SO stressed having never done this before (I’ve only realeased) but today, IT HUNG IN THE J SHAPE!! Eeeek!!! I was SO afraid I’d jeopardized this little guy/gal. Anyway, fingers crossed that it all goes smoothly. I wish I had a go pro cam or something like it so I could record it all. I honestly don’t know what to do or IF there’s anything TO do at this point. Like, what if it gets wet in there again? Do I dry the container out? Leave it be? What? Sigh....here comes the anxiety train again! Ha!
This Is my first year raising monarchs, its a lot of work, and very addicting, but I love it! Currently I have 15 cats and 4 almost 5 in crystalise. I've used your gorilla glue method, and wow! It actually saved 3 of my last batch of crystalize. I've also ordered my tag kit to try to tag them. I have one plant with a bunch of eggs, but have yet to see any tony baby cats. I hope they emerg soon.
Excellent work, and thank you for helping them out! (Who said it was that glue? I never said it was that glue. Not saying it wasn't. Just saying, I never said that.)
I wasn't sure what glue go u actually used, but the glue I used didn't harm them. Your right, you didn't say that brand. I just meant I used your glue method.
I actually have about 10 in crstalise. Had to donate a big batch to butterfly world in Fla. They are in good hands.
Gracias por este video.
Varias monarcas te agradeceran
Soy consciente de que. Las mariposas monarca son tan hermosas como importantes.
I have 40 chrysalis right now. And with them like 50 questions. I was trying to send you a private message in Twitter but I couldn’t.
How can i get in touch with you?
@@Mrs.marenholz Easiest way to get in touch with me regarding Monarch questions is right here in the comments section. Perhaps start with the most pertinent questions that you have and we can go from there. Comments are checked daily, though depending upon the volume of questions, it can take me a day or two to get to each one. It's way easier to keep up with it in the summer, but now that school has started, I have less time. Still, I will indeed get to them. Also, when posting questions here, you have the benefit of others answering them too and providing additional ideas/opinions.
We just released our first butterfly yesterday and will release one today. Several friends are raising caterpillars now too. We still have 20+ in line to release! We've loved your videos while we've gone through the process!
Great news to hear! Looks like with 20+ to go, you've taken this full force and are committed! Careful...it's addicting!
I just raised a butterfly 2 days ago, but it is a swallowtail.
Oh boy. I just did this... Had the stem disconnect from the stem I used Elmer’s school glue and glued the SILK, wadded up, back to the stem. It’s holding! But next time, if I need to, I will try this.... thank you for all u do!
There's definitely multiple options, including not doing it at all. Some have reason to still want to hang them, and this video helps with that, but a chrysalis can also develop, and the adult emerge from it, on its side. This video shows such an emergence: ua-cam.com/video/kxCzr89Ck3E/v-deo.html
Thank you some much for all your useful information. I have been helping the monarchs and I’ve noticed a new butterfly flying around laying it’s eggs on my milkweed called the Queen monarch or the Queen butterfly it has three antenna in the caterpillar stage. Thank you so much I appreciate you and your videos.
Hay Rich i use a Q-tip and rub it on the inside cap of elmers glue and attach the Q-tip to the black stem and clip the Q-tip up on a string. Found that this method has worked well and have saved many. Thanks for your videos
Certainly another option. Thanks for the tip!
Thank you!
Very welcome. I hope the info helps!
They are marvelous no matter what..
I felt so bad the other day I was in the process of moving one to another cage and the top half of the chrysalis came off and green goo came out. I have 40 others but I had been pulling from the black and not the silk. That was the first one I ever tried to move. Found your videos and wish I would have saw the technique before.
how and where do i buy primate glue? is there a brand name, PLEASE? ANY OTHER GLUE WORK ALSO?
We were camping when I found three Cats I chose a clear plastic mayonaise jar and put many holes in the cover and a few in the side. I also mounted at the top tiny plastic straws which crossed the top of the jar. The Cats eventually made the Chrysallis hanging from the straws which were easy to remove if needed and hang somewhere else.
Oh, my gosh thank you I'm going on a trip to Florida (24 hrs) and now I know what to do if it falls! Thank you!
You're very welcome. I hope all works out well. Enjoy Florida! Lizards everywhere!
MrLundScience Thanks! Also do you know if their is any milkweed in the Fort Myers area? We brung some other caterpillars with us and we are wondering if there’s any extra milkweed to feed them with.
I've never been to Fort Myers enough to tell you street names or locales where you'll find milkweed. Tropical Milkweed should be in areas. You'll have to ask those around you.
Are you already in Fort Myers? If so, be aware, the OE parasite is ALL OVER THE PLACE there. You really, really need to bleach treat any leaves you use to feed the caterpillars you have brought with you, or it's a very high chance that they may become infected with OE. If you haven't left yet, I'd *definitely* suggest bringig many Common Milkweed leaves with you, wrapped at the base of the leaf with moist paper towel to prevent them from drying out, and keep them in a baggie in a cooler. In other words, bring food you can be confident is parasite free with you.
If you have not, watch the video I have on bleach treating leaves: ua-cam.com/video/2FE9646Z9xs/v-deo.html
Hey! Sorry, I did not get back to you earlier we were getting settled here in Fort Myers and well... looking for tropical milkweed! We took your advice and started looking. We are from the Boston area so we really don't know what "tropical milkweed" was we only knew what common milkweed looked like. So we searched on the internet and found that there are also over 12 types of milkweed at least in Florida! We started searching for a day or two and had no luck finding any. But we did find a plant that when you took the leaves off it started to bleed out milky white sap but the plant stem was wood. Strange considering I've never seen a milkweed with a wooden stem. I really did not trust that plant. Maybe we were just looking in the wrong place. Then I found a garden center that was near our hotel that actually sold milkweed! Perfect right? We decided to go there and save some time. This was today. So we bought the plant, flower pot, and some dirt. Took some of the leaves off and following your method of bleach treating the leaves so they don't get infected with parasites. So far everything is going well and no caterpillars are getting a virus any time soon. Big thanks to you for having these tutorials out on UA-cam it really does help a lot of people.
That sounds like some awesome success! Hope you are settling in well in Fort Myers, and that the bleach treating helps! (Will you be testing for OE?)
This is wonderful!! I have a chrysalis that needs to 'fixed' - perfect timing, Thank You!!
Glad I could help, but there's a correction to be made! They do not need to hang in order to emerge properly. I was misinformed (by a pretty reliable source, at that) and as long as it's in a safe spot, the adult can emerge and climb up somewhere to have her wings receive the fluid, expand, and dry. It's a small window of time, and just like when they come out of a hanging chrysalis, they are vulnerable, but it can happen. A correction video is in the works!
thank you. I wanted to rescue the chrysalis and this this really helped
Happy to have helped! Something to add on to this video is that a chyrsalis does not need to hang in order to develop the adult. Also, as long as you give him/her a way of climbing up and filling/spreading/drying the wings, the adult can emerge from the chrysalis on its side. I show this here: ua-cam.com/video/kxCzr89Ck3E/v-deo.html
Rich Thanks for all the great Video's! I'm unable to raise them indoors. (husband doesn't want Them inside) So, I've been watching many,many Videos to learn everything I possibly can to help!! I've got a few Monarchs that stop by several times a day! I've got a total of 8/7 now plants. Ample leaf supply. I've learned about parasite problems n witnessed Myself the loss of One in the Chrysils state when it couldn't defend it's self. Very sad. BUT, have success evidence all over my Milkweed area of Clear Chrysils broken open n Butterfly gone!! I watched My first a few days ago right after it emerged!! Amazing n Beautiful! Rewarding to say the least! I'm noticing that the percentage tend to go for shaded areas & not to far from the ground. That concerns Me due to lizard's around. I heard they don't like the taste but could bite One n ruin it's life. They sure do journey quite a ways to become a Chrysils. I've watched One now make it through the process. (watched it journey to under a lawn chair & it takes time, but kept checking every 15 min. for hour's) It was the best looking One yet. It was still very wet when completed. I checked further under this chair & found 3 other's in various stages. I've marked My calendar N await My 2nd birth!! They are a bright green when They 1st start then they've turned darker to clear. (the one's I missed were clear, shells that part that remained) I'm worried now that it's getting closer and I can begin to see the color of the Monarch on the newest one but the others r not getting clearer? Their getting darker brownish. I'm going to give those under the chair more time n pray no parasite problems. I've got one on a poll that has been there for about a month. Should I consider it dead? I am also concerned about warnings of the Milkweed plants that have red, orange n yellow flowers referred to as Mexican Milkweed n to get rid of it. I bought My plants at a respectful Nursery. But most of what I have are Yellow flowers. It had to do with the OE parasite. I cut one down B 4 even knowing about it. I didn't like the leave's had internal worm designs. The Cats go for the yellow Milkweed. I'd like to know your thoughts on the Chrysils color n other Milkweed plant. I'm in San Diego CA USA Savings Monarch Butterfly!! 👍
Great to hear you've provided some great milkweed resources for them! It's true, not everyone who wishes too will be able to raise them indoors. The cool thing, though, is the number one way to help them is to give them the milkweed, and you have!
As for the one that's been hanging for a month, yeah, that's probably a goner. Normal chrysalis incubation is about 2 weeks. If that's the case, I recommend destroying it (burning it in a fire is best) to prevent the spread of any possible parasites, especially if it is OE spores!
Good luck with your continued efforts!
Bev, when I have my pop ups inside I find the AC slows down the process. I moved them outside on our front porch and they do just fine.
+Donna Thompson I'm raising my caterpillars inside in a pop up, and they are developing at the normal rate. I have been running the AC because of the humidity. But I set the AC at 79 degrees, so it's not running constantly. So maybe the process slows down if the indoor temperature is set super low.
thank you!!!
Thanks for that! We had a chrysalis fall today and wasn’t sure what to do.
No problem. Happy to help. Also, though, for the future, if they chrysalis has already formed and hardened, it can develop on its side just fine. The adult can also come out of it on its side, provided you give it a way to climb somewhere and fill/spread/dry the wings. This video shows such: ua-cam.com/video/kxCzr89Ck3E/v-deo.html
Hi Rich,
I love your videos! However, you may want to edit this one as I just finished watching the video where you learned that Monarchs can do well even after laying on their side. I would hate for someone to destroy their chrysalis because they assumed it would not survive. I love what you are doing and I have started educating my friends about how they can help the Monarchs!
Hey Tanya!
I hear your logic loud and clear. In fact, I've wrestled with that idea multiple times, and it's always worth revisiting. Let me explain where these internal mental debates have taken me...
First thing to know, though, is once it's posted to UA-cam, there is no editing. It's a done deal. I am not able to get back in there and chop pieces up or around, removing this or adding that.
With that said, my choice is essentially 1) leave the video or 2) remove the video.
So, as I think it through, a couple of things seem to speak out to me to leave the video.
If someone has looked up how to repair a chrysalis and that is why they have found this video, it is reasonable to assume that they were looking for a procedure to use, and this video supplies that. Even if they don't ever see the other video, likely, they are going to attempt to repair the chrysalis in this manner (or something similar).
Next, there are some people who have told me that they don't have an easy way to set up what is shown in the other video. I'm not sure why they didn't, and didn't ask for details, as the other procedure seems easier than this one. Still, since the posting of the two, some have told me that this video helped them out still, even though they were aware of the other way to do it.
These two ideas hadn't won me over yet, but, the third one tipped me over the fence. That being, if someone is in this situation, there is no guarantee that they ever find/watch the other video. So the question being, would I rather have two videos that show a solution, or just one. Having two increases the chances that they will see at least one of them if they are in this situation. Two videos are a greater chance than one.
I certainly hope that if someone finds themselves with this situation, seek out a video and find this one first, that they wouldn't feel that this is too much work and destroy the chrysalis. Most people who have taken the care of Monarchs far enough to reach this point are usually looking to do anything they can to cross the finish line.
But, it's always good to reexamine our previous thoughts about, well, anything, and see if we come to the same conclusion! Your thoughts on this matter are certainly respected.
Thank you for all you are doing to help out the Monarchs!
Thank u very much..worked a treat #allforthemonarchs
Glad to hear it. I'm pleased that this was able to aid you. Good luck!
Thanks for sharing. I use a glue gun for arts and crafts and the wait time is about one minute. works great.
I use a hot glue gun, too! So easy.
Very cool idea, I tried gluing one time and the chrysalis keep moving , so I will defently use your way. Thanks
Glad you found this useful! However, they CAN emerge lying down and find a place to hang to pump their wings. I was wrongly informed, and am making a correction video about it. Still, this glue option does indeed work!
They cannot find a place to hang their wings if they're in a critter keeper, unless one has provided something for them to climb such as sticks, etc.
@@MrLundScience My J-hanging caterpillar fell off. The next day it formed into a chrysalis on the floor. Do I leave the chrysalis on the floor or do I hang it? Please help.
Can use tape if it on a dying leaf and use a clothes pin on the wire of a tomato trellis?
Did not know "Primate" glue did that. I'll be buying some now to keep on hand. Last season I had one without silk.
I tried many things but in the end had to settle with a Sugru stem and some Duck Tape. Chrysalis eclosed just fine!
Good to hear that your method produced a viable adult!
My nephew who was with me at the Detroit Zoo when we found that one will be excited to see that his caterpillar made it to adulthood.
hi Mr Lund. you were wrong about the black stem breaking and the chrysalis most likely not making it. i just had a male that the black stem snapped of completely and some fluid was in the stalk and today he just emerged and had no problems whatsoever
Yes, it can work out. But it depends upon fluid loss, along with the chance for infection if bacteria is in there. I'd never say that such a chrysalis is doomed, but to give it the chance that you did. Great that you didn't give up on it, and I'm pleased it worked out for the guy/gal.
try applying the glue if you use it, with a pin instead of a stick. but a batter way is to use a sewing thread and use that tiny bir of glut to connect the thread and tie the thread around that small bit of silk and glue.
Oh i love those butterflies sir i had a pet once my favorite ones next monday i going to a butterfly event to see some
I hope the event is both fun and educational for you. Enjoy!
Figured out what primate glue was, and used it for a chrysalis which detached from its silk when I removed it from the lip on the inside of an empty sugar bowl (of all places to choose!) I had kept the sugar bowl tilted with a wedge when I saw the cat jay-hanging from the lip so the the chrysalis wouldn’t bump into the side of the bowl when it formed. It was a good three days before I moved it. However, after I glued the cremaster to a paper towel, when the glue expanded, a little bit got onto the top of the chrysalis. Do you think that will harm it?
Just used Elmers glue.
It worked!!
Good stuff.
"A certain primate glue" lol
Nice! I never thought about using that.
What I like about it for this is that it's expansive. That helps give more surface area for the adhesion. I nerd out a bit on that glue's chemistry.
That said, what I do in this video, though, isn't necessary. A chrysalis can develop on its side (assuming it formed correctly first) normally, and a Monarch can eclose (emerge from the chrysalis) on its side just fine, provided it has a way to climb up something and dry its wings. I made this video to show that: ua-cam.com/video/kxCzr89Ck3E/v-deo.html
Hahahai said the same thing. Very funny. Yeah hedidnt want a mark or strike on his channel. Good job ADLIBBING BUD
What’s a primate glue?! I need to get it tomorrow because my first ever chrysalis fell today as it was shedding and turning into the chrysalis just like that without the web.
What happens if they start to pupae on a leaf that is going to dye soon? I don't want it to fall before he is done making his crystalize
Thanks for making this video, it's older so I doubt you'll see this comment, but I had a chrysalis fall, it's undamaged, however the stem is pretty much non existent...I used super glue and attached a twist tie to it, I tried very hard not to get too much glue on the chrysalis...I was wondering is the chrysalis permeable...is the glue going to get inside and hurt the butterfly? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you for your great work!
Mr.Lund, I saw the title of your video and hoped you meant there is a way to repair a broken chrysalis. Teeny chrysalis steri-strips? Band-aids? Surgical glue?
I'm very distraught. I had some chrysalides from my garden set up nicely in a mesh habitat to view eclosure with my kiddos (our first time!).
While, I usually had the cage hung high out of reach, my 4 year old was patiently watching on a table as one of them was about to eclose. My toddler broke through the baby gate and grabbed one of the other chrysalides and ripped it open. 😱
Very distraught and repulsed, I quickly moved to throw it away, but then I remembered how you say to give them a chance. I kept it on a paper towel at the bottom of the habitat.
It is ripped open with a significant gash, there were 3 brown drops of liquid where she dropped it. It doesn't appear to have any more oozing. I estimate it was day 13 and had only the slightest blackening beginning.
Soon after, its friend eclosed beautifully 💔.
My instincts tell me there's nothing to be done for this guy. But figured it couldn't hurt to reach out. Thanks for your awesome videos! We planted milkweed and encourage all our friends to do the same.
Two of mine fell from below the stem in a perfect circle right before hatching... Sadly I didn't catch one of them... I fed the poor girl everyday off my hand, gave her flowers and whatever time I could outside on various flowers outside including milkweed. She eventually died I think it was because her leg went through her wing and caused pieces of her wing to break off. She lived three days, she also got to socialize with many other Monarchs and some gulf Fritillary, think she also mated. Didn't think I'd ever have a it butterfly lol. She'd chill on my hand while watching TV lol
Anyways it happened again and I caught it, literally the day after, but that day I went to Lowe's and bought a bunch of random glue in case it happens again... So it did, I made a video on what I did... And it worked!
Great to hear that the procedure worked! Kind of you to give the Monarch what amount of a life (including a social one) that you could. If it helps at all, wing damage was not a likely cause of death. The wings are like our fingernails or hair. Not chemically the same, but still, similar in the idea that while we can feel a pull or pressure on those parts of us, we don't feel it when they are trimmed. Butterfly wings get damaged out in nature all of the time, but the butterfly shows no behavioral difference to it. There are no nerve endings within the wing, just where they attach to the thorax, and again, that only is allowing them to feel pulling or pressure. Sounds like you gave that one the maximum that you were able to. I certainly commend you for that!
I was wondering if it might help the crysalis if you put some kind of soft organic material at the bottom of the terrarium so if for whatever reason it might fall that there would be little to no damage to it? Maybe I'm just too sensitive about the thought of loosing any butterfly's
It's not a bad idea, and could only help. I really try my best these days to see how well the caterpillar made the J-hang connection. Gives me time to see if any might have a chance at falling. I've been able to spot a few, and I wait until they form the chrysalis and it's hardened before removing. But, I saw one like that this year, and during the making of the chrysalis, that's when it must have fallen. Cushy spots can help, but I think what I'll opt to do in my case is try and make sure to observe it when it's making the chrysalis, so I can take care of a fall when/if it's happening. Remove the lid from my container, and have it form the chrysalis with only an inch to spare. See how that goes.
Note to everyone: if an egg falls off DO NOT USE DAMP PAPER TOWEL TO PICK IT UP. Use a paintbrush or a couple of cat whiskers or dog hairs. The egg was somehow glued to the towel, and of course the head came out on that side and then when it hatched finally, it never ate the egg case and kept trying to escape from the Tupperware and wont stay on the leaf.
I’m about to do this to I need some help where can I get the rope so I can hang up the chrysalis
What if it fell, and a little green fluid came out. Its been on its side all day but I did read they need to hang I dont want to handle it too much. Should I just leave it or no?
This was a reply to another, similar comment you made on the same day:
"Greetings Maria. I'm very sorry that this happened.If a chrysalis has lost too much green fluid, it will not fully develop or even develop at all. Losing just a little of the fluid, though, and there can still be hope. What you're describing, however, especially with the "deflated" part, sounds like plenty of fluid was lost. As for the position, I wouldn't really be able to best advise without seeing it for myself. However, I suppose I'd likely leave it as is at this point. I wish you luck!"
I just tie dental floss around the cremaster and then tie it to a pin and then attach it to the inside of my mesh pop-up.
Rich, it may be a good idea to explain to people that the chrysalides should be in a container that has material on the sides in the event it falls when eclosing. In your videos you exhibit the use of critter keepers. The slats on the top are large and little cats can get through. Additionally, as you know, butterflies cannot climb plastic or glass. This concept is similar to what you explained with the bucket and inverted net when you were demonstrating how a butterfly can eclose laying down and successfully expand its wings after it climbs up the mesh. They cannot do that in critter keepers.
When I first started rearing Monarchs I purchased critter keepers because that is what I saw you were using. However, I found the lids snap on too tightly, the slits are too large and the smooth sides makes them a less than ideal choice for the process. Purchasing mesh pop-ups increased my success rate. After I had two butterflies fall when eclosing resulting in destroyed wings I got rid of them.
Thanks for all the helpful information.
Those are certainly good tips. I suppose one of the reasons I haven't brought up such is because I don't have my Monarchs eclosing in the critter keepers. As Part 4 shows, I remove them from there and hang them on my yarn. To date, I haven't had one fall from there, but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen.
As for the small spacings at the top of those containers and small cats getting out of there, this is why in Part 3, I show that while they are still small, I have them in plastic food "to go" containers so that they can't escape. They don't make it into the larger containers until they are 3rd instar and they can't fit through those ventilation spaces any longer.
Fantastic Rich!!! It's been awhile since I have watched the whole video series!!!
I have 23 J-hanging and Chrysalides, approximately 100 caterpillars and another 20-30 eggs. I just found another 20 this morning.
I've bleached for the first time the other day and they all hatched. I learned from a video from a woman who works at Shady Oak Butterfly Farm in Florida, however, I like your method better. I would much rather prefer taking more time to ensure I don't lose any eggs. I, too, respect and value every egg!!!
In April, my sister found 110 eggs in Tennessee on milkweed that had barely sprouted. I had 50 plants shipped to her and duplicated the shipment to me in Maryland as I anticipated early arrival. Sure enough, at least one arrived 6 weeks earlier than last year. I think I'm becoming a little obscessed. At a nursery the other day they had just gotten a new shipment so I bought more.
I also wanted to tell you that you have mentioned you find more eggs on Common milkweed. Mine is so unsightly I literally want to rip it out. I have:
Common
Swamp
Balloon
Butterflyweed
Tropical
Hairy Balls
By far, I find over 90% of my eggs on the Tropical Milkweed. It's very interesting.
Have a good day and again, thank you for all you have done to help the Monarchs. This is really a lot of fun.
That's pretty interesting about the Tropical Milkweed. I refuse to plant it, as it's not native to Michigan, but still, that's worth further investigation. I wonder if others have similar results.
We just started this summer, and have already released 49 monarchs we reared and now have well over 400 cats/chrysalis now. In our yard we only have butterfly weed (1 plant) and maybe 15 or so tropical milkweed in a small area in our backyard that is my moms "butterfly garden". One day alone we found 210 eggs on the tropical. IN ONE DAY. We do not have any common milkweed, only had a few plants on our 200 acre farm (oddly enough, our farm was covered with either green or spider milkweed, and that is not something that is commonly found in our area. Usually common is what is everywhere, and we have NONE. We are actually swapping spider milkweed seeds for common seeds with a local lady who has been doing this for years.) Anyways, on our county road, and on a neighboring farm, we have been getting the common milkweed to feed our caterpillars, and we may find an egg or two, but nothing like whats on our tropical. Our tropical milkweed has had up to 4 eggs on a single leaf, and 20-30 eggs on a single plant, vs 5-10 eggs total on a patch of common milkweed with 20 or so plants. So from what I have seen just in the past few months, they do like laying on tropical vs other milkweed. However, tropical, in my opinion, is just junk to feed vs common. We plan on getting many different types to start from seed for our yard for next year, but will also still grow the tropical yearly, if nothing else, as a back up plan since it grows fast and easy. (Im in MO so its not native here either)
I’ve been using different sizes of critter keepers for years. I put a layer or 2 of cheesecloth , cut to overhang the container a little bit and snap the lid on it. If the lid is tight to open, I push in on the end of the container a little bit while holding the cheesecloth with one hand and slowly pull up on the lid with the other hand. I’ve never had a problem. Once the caterpillars change instars I can remove the cheesecloth and then next instar I transfer them to the next size up critter keeper with cheesecloth and so on etc….. This system has been working well for me since I’ve started raising Monarchs. I remove the cheesecloth from the containers when the caterpillars are too big to fit through the openings in the lid and keep the cheesecloth off the container when it’s in the last instar before it “ J” hangs. The only problem I’m having now is for some reason the deer are eating my milkweed plants. That started 2 years ago for some reason. 😊🐛
Nice work! I use hot glue and place the stem as the glue cools but is still soft. I place a drop on the screen aquarium lid and then stick the stem into it from the underside. What's strange this year (western monarchs) haven't been producing the amount of silk they normally produce?
Yes. By all means, there's a few different ways to do this that are successful, and yours sounds great too. I thought also, putting out this video would actually save me a bit of time. Next time someone asks the question, rather than typing the steps out, I can just send this link. Strange about that amount of silk being different...
I wonder if it's a dynamic issue? You'd know better than I but if the surface is smooth they make more? The one's I had last year, some were making as they looked for a spot, almost 6 inches worth.
I can say that whether it's smooth or rigid, I haven't seen a noticeable difference in the amount of silk they use. Did have one once that spun a LOT of silk, yet, didn't attach the stem very well at all. When I went to transfer it to the cord by pulling it off, only a small amount of silk stayed attached, and luckily, it was the part I was gripping with the tweezers. That's one of the ones I had to repair in my past using this method.
Cool vid. Nice to see how many milkweed you've got successfully growing!
MrLundScience Thanks!
Hello from New Zealand. I've just started following your channel and am absorbing as many ideas & information as possible so when Summer arrives I am ready. Did you know the butterflies can eclose lying down? I've had to do this on a few occasions where there was no cremaster. If you have them in an enclosure they will come out of the chrysallis and crawl over to the side and up.
Greetings Melanie!
Let me get this out of the way first: THANK YOU for Ernest Rutherford! AMAZING thinking and physicist! And, there's so many cool, and humorous stories that go along with him and his experiments! Truly a treasure from New Zealand.
That being said, I had ZERO idea that Monarchs would do that. Part of me wants to experiment with one and watch this happen, but now that you mentioned this, it makes sense that if it came out of chrysalis on the ground, it wouldn't be likely to just give up and say, "Oh well...looks like this is the last stop for me."
I wouldn't want to experiment with one of these valuable guys/gals if there was a significant risk of him/her not making it. (Actually, IF I were to experiment with one, I'd make sure it was a less valuable one, i.e., male!) Have you ever seen this happen first hand? Was there any difficulty it experienced?
Hi Rich. I was not convinced when I first heard about this method but over Summer I had a couple with broken cremasters. Given that I couldn't tie cotton around anything I figured "What have I got to lose" so I gave this a shot, and to my surprise they popped out of the chrsallis and crawled over to the side of my release enclosure. Up the side he went. I have caught the whole thing on video but I don't really post to youtube. There's a facebook group "The Beautiful Monarch" which I have joined and I have learnt so much through this group (including hearing about this lying down method). You've also given me another idea. I saw how you hang the Chrysallis in your screen porch. Whilst I don't have this option I was thinking of getting a pop up clothes hamper and threading wool from one side to the other and clipping them on that way.
That certainly sounds like it would work. I'm quite pleased to get to be a part of this community, as we all learn from each other. I have learned a TON of information from people who have asked me questions and left me comments. It's so very much appreciated!
I just had this happen. It was going into chrysalis and fell when it was almost done. It fell on big milkweed leaves so it’s okay but it lost its silk button.
How broken would a chrysalis have to be for it to be considered irreparable?
i’ve been watching all your videos about raising monarchs, and they’re so informational! earlier today, i was trying to move one when the stem split in two. i heard you say it could be suspectable to infection since it’s hollow. i’m unable to hang it from anything, but do you think it would be ok if i separated it from the others and just let it be in a container? i know you said they could emerge on their side, and the shell is already hardened. but i don’t have any way to tell if it’s infected. should i just wait it out?
What do you do if they have a small crack
I think i pulled off the crystalis too early? How long should I wait from caterillar to chystalis before I hang the chysralis? I waited 24 hours which she seems too soft for me to touch and now im worried. I also accicentally did not get any silk with the pull
I NEED HELP! Mine got its feet stuck in the tape we used to hold it up! What do I do?
At 0:26 , why is that caterpillar red??
our chrysalis fell.. i tried this method but while doing it some green fluid leaked out of it.. is that bad??
Could you give a link to the name and place to order the primate glue?
Can i use hot gum glue?
What kind of glue do you use
Is there a period of time in southern california where the monarchs refrain fron laying eggs? I havent noticed any in a while. I noticed the one eclosed today was HUGE. Possibly for migration ? I still have 3 more crysalis and two caterpillars getting big. But no other activity in the milkweed yard.
I'm not sure, but what I am sure about...there's *many* things we don't know about the various populations around North America. I've recently learned, there may be a lot of new evidence that has come out that will need to be discussed in future videos. I need to really read through a lot, though, before I press that record button. But, back to what you are mentioning, I can't say at all, other than that there are times where I've expected to find eggs, and have come up dry. Do you know if anyone else in your region is experiencing this?
Can I use any other glue (ELMERS) to repair the chrysalis? We had a chrysalis in our second grade classroom today and it does not have enough silk, also the stem is very short.
It can be tried. That type of glue, though, takes quite a while to dry. Not saying it's impossible, but I would say it wouldn't be easy. Glue of that type could also spread over the chrysalis casing, which does need to breathe. I know I'd try super glue before I'd try white glue.
That said, the chrysalis, if properly formed and hardened, *can* develop just fine on its side. And the adult can emerge from it and dry its wings properly if you give it a way to climb up something. I show that here: ua-cam.com/video/kxCzr89Ck3E/v-deo.html
And i really want her to make it
Rich, I had one go into chrysalis last night and noticed it had fallen to the bottom of container (8" fall). I gently picked it up with tweezers used under it as to avoid putting pressure on any side. I am currently using your method of gluing the stem to a piece of paper towel. My question is, will this have an effect on it's development so soon after forming the chrysalis? I will hang it as soon as the glue dries. I assume it fell from the screen top as it was wiggling to shed it's skin because the skin was still attached to the screen.
Eight inches of a fall has the potential to be okay. If it didn't rupture and lose fluid, it has a good chance, in fact. The question is, did it form a proper, normal shape when it dried/hardened. That's the most important part at that stage. If it's shape is abnormal, it still has a chance to form with little defect, and thus, able to fly. But, if it has too abnormal of a shape, there's a chance the wings may be malformed or something else when it comes out. Gotta give it that chance, though!
Thanks for your response. There was no fluid leak/rupture that I noticed. The only abnormal shape was the dome or top was not as elongated as the others and maybe a little flat on one side (just slightly). You're right, gotta give it a chance. Thanks.
Is it ok to have your chrystalis hanging horizontaly or should I rehang it?
Hi, this just happened to me with three chrysalis. What kind/ name of glue did you use.. I could hear the name clearly. Thanks for sharing. I am in Fl & have released over 100 this season but the last few have had problems. The just fell out of their chrysalis. I carefully picked them up by letting them attach to my finger (not touching wings) but the seemed weak and I had to repeat the process on two of them. The wings look good
Technically, if I name the glue by brand, UA-cam could say that I'm doing a product endorsement, so all I called it was a "primate" type glue. That's as much as I'm willing to say about that. Sorry I'm not more helpful, but UA-cam can be strict.
What can also help, though, is to know that they do *not* need to be hanging to form properly. While this is still a good trick to do if you wish, it's not necessary. If you watch this video I made a bit later, you'll see that you don't need to glue anything. Check it out, and this will solve your problem for sure: ua-cam.com/video/kxCzr89Ck3E/v-deo.html
What do you do if the stem breaks?
The chrysalis does not need to be hung to normally develop. Here's a video showing that they can come out of chrysalis on their side. And from experience, yes, if it lays on its side during development, they come out normal.
ua-cam.com/video/kxCzr89Ck3E/v-deo.html
What about the tadpoles 😍
Do you help rasie them too?
Love your videos btw... binge watching haha
Those tadpoles were from a pool of rainwater outside in a field by my room at the school I teach at. The heavy rains that spring caused the standing pool to be there, and some toads to obviously lay eggs. But the pool was drying up. Those were the ones I was able to rescue. There were probably one or two thousand tadpoles in that pool. Can't save them all. So, I took in what I could, and then after acclimating them to the pool water of a nearby pond, transferred them in there and wished for the best. Since I had them at the time, though, I thought it'd be cool to give them a little camera time!
I have a chrysalis that fell and has no silk on the tip. Would Elmer's glue work? Is there a reason you use expansive glue?
My choice in expansive glue was due to it being relatively fast drying, but able to encompass the paper towel and its pores, rather than just adhering the chrysalis to some of the towel. The more surface area involved, the better the hold.
With yours, though, you could always let it develop on its side. A chrysalis does not need to hang in order to develop properly. And, it can also come out of the chrysalis horizontally. As long as you set it up so it easily finds something to crawl up to let its wings hang properly and dry, this can be done. I urge you to check out this video that shows what I'm talking about: ua-cam.com/video/kxCzr89Ck3E/v-deo.html
@@MrLundScience Thanks, I did watch all of your videos, I just thought hanging would give it the best chance of drying properly. I'm still so upset about the one who fell and got Tangled in silk prior to drying. I also had another fall just after forming the chrysalis and I don't know what happened...the shed skin was at the bottom of the chrysalis attached by strands which I think now we're the antennae. It turned black within a day and looks like something out of a horror movie. I'll get a pic and post it in a few. I am mostly having success though and have released 21 so far and have 41 cats at different stages. I even ordered my tagging kit and will start tagging some of my later releases! I love your videos and thanks for all of your help from all of us monarch lovers!
It's eyes glow copper in the light photos.app.goo.gl/nm8sJtSw5f2WnGEK7
Hello Mr. Lund! greetings from California. I have a question that I cannot find an answer to. My cat has become a chrysalis as of today in the early a.m but I just noticed that it has a clear spot with two tiny, tiny black dots. I'm afraid it's a Tachinid fly maggot. But, I'm hoping it's really not because out of the twelve I started with which were infected with this maggot, this is the only one that survived and is now a chrysalis and I don't want it to die. I wish I could post a picture so you could see it. any idea as to what it could be? Thanks in advance and thanks for creating the best monarch videos!
Greetings! Yes, it does sound like something is an issue, and based on your others having tachinid fly infestation, that's the likely culprit. I typed "tachinid fly monarch chrysalis" into Google Images, and what you are describing is pretty spot on to what Google spits out from that search. Keep an eye on it, but yes, things don't look too hot.
I have never had a tachinid fly, and part of the reason is that I take in almost all Monarchs in the egg stage. The tachinid fly lays eggs inside the caterpillars. Thus, if you collect them as eggs and keep them in containers as I do, this will never be an issue. It's more commitment, but the results are worth it.
Thanks for checking out the vids, and I wish you luck! I hope this doesn't discourage your efforts for what I feel is a worthy cause!
+MrLundScience Thank you for your reply! Aw man, bummed to read that. I found the caterpillars on a milkweed in a parking lot here at my apartment as I was heading out to do some errands and decided to buy a milkweed to help care for them but had no idea about rearing caterpillars until I began researching and found your videos and others and sure enough they began dying. But, I think I'm better prepared for next time. Thanks a lot!
It's good to hear that you're still hungry for more despite early set backs. Keep at it!
July, 2018,San Diego, My first season,They are around even attacking the tiniest, 1s instars, was all I brought in in my second batch, !st and very tiny 2nd's,and they fall prey(dangly white thread, off chrysallis.)mainly eggs, so most are hatching, but once they get close to J, So Sad. Next(3rd) batch, eggs only, after inspection. They can even get the eggs.We are predator central, out here. Very Hot summer,after an, el nino yr. They are everywhere. But so are the Monarchs this yr.
Mr Lund doing another fantastic video awesome! Hows teaching doing?
Thanks for giving it a look. Teaching is, as always, a perfect fit for me in the sense that I love it, and while it can be hard work, the benefits of getting to help students when I can make it all worth it.
In fact, that's part of what tomorrow's song, "Scrap Welding" is about. Give that one a look, for sure. Way different than the previous Atomic Hip Hop songs.
I feel for teachers who are trying to make a difference in kids lives when kids don't want to try. I will give it a look you were an awesome teacher and I thank you you taught me wonderful things.
+MrLundScience I live in IL we just got our monarchs a few weeks ago I'm feed my caterpillars swamp milkweed
I have 7 caterpillars do I have to hang them
I'm not sure exactly what you mean, as caterpillars don't hang unless they are getting ready to form the chrysalis, in which case, they will take care of hanging in a "J" position on their own.
Have you watched Raising Monarchs Parts 1 - 5? It shows the entire process and can give you more of a feel for what each phase is like.
i have one that fell while making the silk. i tried putting it back near the silk and it's just hanging by some miracle but not where it made the silk. will it make a chrysalis and do i still hang it like in your video?
If a chrysalis is just barely hanging on, once it has formed and dried, I would not allow it to still hang. It risks falling, which could damage it, depending upon the height it falls from and what it falls onto. Best not to risk it. At that point, if you remove it, you could either try to use the method in this video to rehang it, or, it's actually perfectly capable of developing normally on its side. In fact, the adult can even emerge from the non-hanging chrysalis, provided you give the adult a way to climb up something and dry its wings. I show this in this video: ua-cam.com/video/kxCzr89Ck3E/v-deo.html
Does anyone know what brand of glue was used?
I have a hatching butterfly in my palm bc my sister stupidly took them off of the stick and I need hlp
I’m a little desperate, can someone please let me know what the glue is that Mr. Lund uses? Thank you
What is name of glue you use? I understand it must be safe! You Did not give this info. Thank you for the info. I too am a Monarch butterfly caregiver! 😊
Have you ever done swallowtails? I have a swallowtail chrysalis that partially fell (it is hanging upside down). Its sling must have broke and it doesn't have any silk at its top end to tape it back so it is hanging upright. Do you think it will form normally? Another one is looking like it is going to form its chrysalis on the bottom of the container...It is looking mor like a J and wont eat anymore when i put it back on the parsley. It just rolls on its side and stays in the j shape. I'm worried if it forms the chrysalis on the paper towel, it will get damaged while it dries and end up flattened on one side. I cant see any silk on it to hang it from. Help! :)
I don't know that I can say I've successfully raised Eastern Black Swallowtails. I've had two experiences. The first involved me having a female lay 30 eggs on some parsley I purchased. My fault, though, I purchased "organic" parsley, assuming if it was chemical free, they'd be fine. Nope. If it's "organic", it can be sprayed with "organic" bacteria as a pesticide, and a very effective one. After about 5 days in with the caterpillars, they started dying off. Two made it to the instar where they'd soon form a chrysalis, and then, those two died as well. Zero success.
My second experience, I just found two ESB caterpillars on some home plants. I have NO IDEA what they were eating during their time in my yard. I'm clueless. But, they were at the stage where they were about to form the chrysalis, so I put some kebab skewers in some styrofoam at an angle in a small container, and they did their chrysalis hammock thing just fine. Came out as adults, and were released. But I wouldn't say I raised them. Just had them as house guests.
When it comes to what you're dealing with though, first, of all the moths/butterflies I know about, and while that's not a lot, they all can develop fine in a non hanging chrysalis/cocoon. In other words, the development is not gravity dependent, and which direction gravity is pulling on the pupa, development happens all the same. Second, if the lil' guy has options of where to form the chrysalis, but it is still choosing to do it in a spot you don't think is wise, we should probably default to the animal's judgement. We might not think it's correct, but when it comes to forming a chrysalis and where to do it, the caterpillars are the authority. Can they make incorrect decisions? It's possible, sure. But I know I'd trust their judgement beyond my own. I hope that helps!
@@MrLundScience Thanks for the reply. I have a few more that didn't climb the sticks, they just laid there and formed their chrysalis right on the paper towel. They seem to be ok. I was just worried that the new soft chrysalis would get damaged (flattened)on the paper towel before it hardened and I would end up with deformed wings.
It's a worthy concern. But, if the caterpillar chose it, it might instinctively know better than us icky hairy humans, right?
I forgot to add that the clear spot with two tiny, tiny black specks are located just underneath the yellow and black line going across the chrysalis.
Hi Mr. Lund, I clipped a chrysalis from the black stem today. Having watched this video just now, I realize it is susceptible to falling off. I only have Elmer’s glue and wood glue. Do you think wood glue would work?
I think it would, yes. HOWEVER, the chrysalis can also develop just fine (assuming it's already hardened) while laying on its side. Seriously. No issues. I mention the hardened part, though, because if a chrysalis falls while still drying, that can cause part of it to be somewhat flat. When they have a flat side, or other ways are malformed, that can sometimes cause deformities in the wings or other parts. So, as long as it's a normal shape, on its side is fine. The development of the adult body is not gravity dependent. Also, they can eclose out of the chrysalis as an adult with the chrysalis being on its side too. Just have to give them a way to climb up and dry the wings. Here's a video showing this: ua-cam.com/video/kxCzr89Ck3E/v-deo.html
Awesome! Now I have two options. Thanks!
Any suggestions I have had several caterpillars go into J hang and then die, any thoughts or suggestions??
That's pretty tough to diagnose. Of the ones that have made it, if you have any, have you tested them for the OE parasite? Do any make it to a successful chrysalis? If yes, do any of those chrysalides end up not having an adult emerge out? Do they turn a color? What color? Do they have black markings as a chrysalis?
In the caterpillar stage, are they eating normally? Have you tried bleach treating your eggs/leaves?
Have you watched the video on the prevention of diseases? --> ua-cam.com/video/2FE9646Z9xs/v-deo.html
Have you watched the video on bleach treating the eggs? --> ua-cam.com/video/oZYzzcGiZRA/v-deo.html
I hope something in there helps. If you have more information on what is happening, that could help pin it down, potentially.
I have a noctua comes moth pupa which I raised from a caterpillar. I made a terrarium with dirt and it burrowed and formed a chrysalis but I noticed small centipede like bugs crawling in the dirt so I moved him out to a more controlled environment without dirt but he had white spots resembling guts which I removed and cleaned from the chrysalis but I notice now he has a breach in his sida just under the wing. Is there anything I can do to fix it or would he be fine? He doesn't look fine. Thanks. Ps. I named him Coronado; we've grown very close.
I'm sorry, but Monarchs are my thing. I don't have experience raising any moths. I wish you luck though!
MrLundScience Okay thanks anyway. I found a caterpillar in my shoe and decided to raise it, I'll reply when I know if he died or not as soon as I know to prevent anyone from dying of suspense.
Hey there.. i think i may have an albino monarch. It's still in crysalis but you know how you can see the orange color of the wing pattern through the crysalis? I see a black body and white wings.
Has it come out yet?! I've yet to experience that! How cool!
I also had 1 albino one and the caterpillar was completely white you cannot see black and yellow stripes and when it emerged the black was very faint and there was no veins it kinda looked like a queen butterfly
Ok, I have a Chrysalis that just formed. It was hanging upside down! I was able to tie a suture thread around the black stem and hung it right side up. However, it is dripping. Should I leave it or discard? It looks a little shriveled.
I found a spot where it was dripping and put a dab of tissue on it like a guy does when he cuts himself shaving. The drip stopped. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
If the drip has stopped and sealed, you did excellent. Despite losing some of this fluid, the adult body can still form. But, it does depend upon how much was lost. Still, I'd fully give it the chance and see what happens.
Good luck to him/her!
MrLundScience sadly the Chrysalis turned black and I discarded it.
@@bethmorano1452 they are SUPPOSED to turn black just before then turning clear where you can see the butterfly inside before it merges
I heard you mention the Detroit zoo so are you local in southeastern Michigan? Me too
I'm originally from Port Huron. These days, the most I say on the internet as to my location is that I'm in the Lansing area. But yes, easily within driving distance of the Detroit Zoo. That place rules!
MrLundScience yes I am sure you need to maintain your privacy sorry I got a little carried away when I saw all the MI references.
If there are any local events, seminars classes etc I would love to attained I am not too far from the areas referenced.
@@bella61567 No need for apology. I did not interpret your question beyond what it literally asked. Hey, I get excited when I see someone on here mention they are from Michigan too. It's a normal question.
@@bella61567 I haven't done such a thing before. Such things tend to cost money, and I'm not looking to make a profit over any of this (nor make someone else a profit, for that matter). But, funny you should ask... The "Friends Of The Detroit River" recently asked if I'd give a talk at one of their events, and as they are non-profit, I said yes. They asked what my "fee" was. I didn't know what to say, so I told them that they could throw me $20 for gas money, and if they didn't, that's fine too. The speaking engagement is October 11th, but I don't know if they pinned down a location for it yet, and I don't see anything on their website about it just yet, which is here: www.detroitriver.org/events-detroit-river-events.html
I believe they are still planning on it being somewhere in Wyandotte, but specifics beyond that, I'm not sure of. When more specifics happen, I'm not likely to mention them much through UA-cam, but I will be mentioning it through my Instagram account, which is "mrlundscience" as well.
I have a monarch that is in his j form but when he made his silk instead of sticking his butt to the silk he stuck it on the laundry net I was keeping him in, and I was wondering if this has happened to you and if it will fall and die during pupation? because there is no silk to hang on and he made his chrysalis on the top of the net which is 3/4 of a meter tall and will explode if he hits the ground from that height, I am also very concerned about why he didn't stick to his silk pad
Sometimes, for whatever reason, something doesn't feel right when they are making the silk pad, and they move somewhere else. Not sure always why. If it has attached in a way that you feel is not secure, yes, you should relocate it rather than risk it falling. Now that it has hardened, understand that it can develop perfectly fine on its side. You then could have it eclose in this manner:
ua-cam.com/video/kxCzr89Ck3E/v-deo.html
Good luck!
i just used floss... worked just fine.. but i didn’t realize the stem was hollow ..
Glad that it worked out for you. You're braver than I. I always felt that floss might not be able to be tight enough, and a breeze could have the stem slip out. I might be being overly cautious, however, as others have reported to me that floss or thread has worked for them.
MrLundScience thanks for sharing this wisdom! I had no idea the stem was hollow so i’m being extra cautious. We’ve released our 13th butterfly this week!
Can I pin it to a plastic pin ?
i have always used a non-waxed organic silk dental floss, is there a reason you prefer glue?
I don't know that I do prefer glue, as I've never used the floss. This was my first idea, and it worked for me the first time, and then the 6 (or 7 now?) times after that.
What do you do with the dental floss? Do you tie it around the black stem? I suppose if that's tight enough to secure it, that would work as well.
I mostly made this video as people were often having this problem and asking me in the comments for help. I typed this procedure many times, and realized, it'd be good to just have a video on it so that I could send people the link in the future. So, if floss is working for you, that's certainly an alternative.
Hey, MrLundScience im razing 38 monarchs and its getting crowded we might be posting a video soon today follow my real channel called.... Alexis Zeller i just made a fake name though for my safety :D
Super sad, can you please help me?.. My caterpillar was J shape, found on the bottom of habitat, with partial chrysalis formed on abdomen. Seems to be struggling to for the chrysalis. It has been 2 days. I have quarantined and provided cotton and soft paper towel for it to form the chrysalis, but nothing has happened yet. Should I euthanize humanly using freezing method, or will it form the chrysalis? Sad to let it suffer if it is suffering, or morphing. I just cannot tell. Please help if you can.
Hi Mr Lund! I have a question. If you have a butterfly that falls from its Chrysalis and wings were not fully out and it can not fly is there anyway to repair them? I have one this happened to. So far I just keep him fed fresh fruit he drinks the juice from it and take him out side to get fresh air and flower nectar he still tries to fly sometimes but I hate it he cant fly. Seems like if a person could apply something super light that is water resistant to open up the wings some how. But he is doing well so far the last 3 to 4 days. I raised others along with him, another male and 3 females, they did fine, they flew away one of the females came back the first day and ate at our butterfly bushes then left have not seen any since. It has been a wonderful experience that I do want to do again. I have learned a LOT from your videos! Thank you!
I would LOVE for someone to correct me here if I'm wrong, but to my understanding, there's nothing to be done. When the wings are to unfold, have fluid pumped into the veins, expand, and dry, that is when the Monarch is absolutely the most vulnerable. (During that time, it also has to fuse its proboscis together.)
I had this happen once to a male who emerged when I wasn't home, and he fell. When I returned, I found him with one wing perfect...and the other severely folded in the middle. He had absolutely no luck with flying, just a spiral plummet each time. Luckily, it was male, which many love when I point out, is the less important member of the sexes for Monarchs.
When this happens to a male, you can certainly keep him for as long as you like. For a female, you could do the same. With females this happens to, though, I have heard of some keeping her, and eventually hand pairing her with a male (causing mating), and then having her lay eggs. This allows her to still pass on her genes, and since she's not going anywhere, you can place her on a milkweed plant, and she'll potentially lay many while on there. Adults are sexually ready from what I know, about 3 days after emerging, and will lay shortly after mating, sometimes even the same day.
When I had my male who couldn't fly, I froze him. It's the most humane way to kill an insect. I gave him plenty of nectar first so he could at least enjoy that. Afterwards, though, I thought that he could at least still serve some value to my students as a preserved specimen, especially knowing I'd never freeze and mount one that was viable for release and continuation of the species. My Science Olympian students now can compare Monarchs to Viceroys much easier, and get to easily see the pheromone sacks on the hind wings that denotes it's a male. He serves as an educational tool.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but yes, sadly, it happens.
Thanks Rich, I don't feel as bad being it can happen. He looks like he is going to end up fat not much for him to do but eat and wobble but kind of neat to watch him eat. They LOVE water melon. and this boy likes the 20% honey to 80% water real well to. I soak a paper towel in it put it in a jar lid he stays with it lol
Hey...I never tried watermelon. Good idea!
I dont use glue, (I think thats bad) I use a cotton ball and swirl it on the black steam to create a teather of the cotton they seem to be fine.
Tadpoles!
Indeed. Saved from this very temporary wet spot in the lawn of the school I teach at. Each year, tadpoles are there, and each year, it has about a 3 week time span before that pool is dried up. So each year, I rescue as many as I can (can't save them all) and relocate them to a different nearby, permanent pond in the woods.
MrLundScience Tell people they’re a primary predator of mosquitos and their eggs/larvae and people will be right there with you lol
Truth!
Is it "Primate" Glue or "Primate" Super Glue? They seem to make two.
No "super" was involved in this video, though I would expect it could equally be used. What I prefer for a more reliable hold is the idea that the glue is expansive and will fill in niches. Also, though, hanging the chrysalis is not a requirement. If set up correctly, a Monarch can fully develop in a chrysalis that is on its side (provided it was able to form correctly) and emerge from it on its side as well. See here: ua-cam.com/video/kxCzr89Ck3E/v-deo.html
Adore you Mr Lund🦋
Mr Lund, an idea for a video.. I've had this happen a few times.. when the cat is J hanging but hasn't attached first. Anything we can do in this situation? I currently have one on a piece of cardboard, so it can form it's chrysalis & I'll then follow your instructions here with the glue. Not really sure what else I can do for him, since he's busy pupating.
Thanks again.
Shortly after making this video, I found that the chrysalis doesn't actually need to hang to develop. Certainly gluing in this way is still an option, but give "Eclose Without Hanging" a look: ua-cam.com/video/kxCzr89Ck3E/v-deo.html
Please help me,I have a butterfly who has tiny wings who can hardly move them
Here's the video I made for such a situation...
ua-cam.com/video/XfuTlASal_U/v-deo.html
What was the brand of glue you used?
Hey Bin! UA-cam is kinda funny about endorsements. I'm probably overcautious, but if I were to name a brand, that could be interpreted as endorsing a company. Doing such without officially declaring to UA-cam that I'm endorsing a company could further be interpreted that I have some undisclosed deal with that company, making money and keeping UA-cam out of the cut. Thus, I stay far away from such things. What I can say is that any quality type of glue that expands as it dries should work out, using roughly the same amount I show in this video. I hope that helps.
Do you tag your butterflies?
I have not yet, but am looking into doing this next year. Data is awesome!
Um
I would like to share this story.. I had a caterpillar in a cage thriving..etc.. when i noticed another who appeared a few days younger. About half the size of the first one. After 10 days of #1 I was expecting some j hooking but not until day 13, when #2 was ready, and j hooked and went into crysalis simultaneously. Interesting...
There can definitely be a variety of masses/sizes with the Monarchs. I've had a Monarch that was about half the size of some of my larger ones. So, it may have appeared a few days younger, but if you didn't know for sure, it could have been the same number of days old. Size won't always give us a true indicator of age. In fact, instars won't either, as depending upon temperature and how much is being eaten, instars can be sped up or slowed down.
Had some dinky chrysalides, produce full sz butterflys. Just like people, I'm short/petite too.
hey rich, since we're both in mid michigan, when do the eggs get laid, regarding each generation?
I have found this diagram to be pretty consistent with what I observe in Michigan.
learner.org/jnorth/images/graphics/monarch/annual_cycle_wheel.gif
+MrLundScience rock on man, you ever try swallowtail rearing or luna moths?
Swallowtail, yes, Lunas, no.
With the Eastern Black Swallowtail, I went about it all wrong! I caught a wild female, and had her lay on parsley in an enclosure. In order to avoid pesticides, I went with "organic" parsley, thinking I was intelligent "hot stuff". She laid many eggs, and for three weeks I had MANY EBS cats. Then, they started dying. One by one, until there was only a few left that were close to pupating, and they too kicked the bucket. After trying to research why, my assistant coach for Science Olympiad, who is quite the naturalist, knew exactly what happened. "Organic" crops still use pesticides, just not chemical ones. They intentionally are given types of bacteria that will kill pests, but because the bacteria is "natural", they still get to be titled and sold as "organic".
Then, one year, I grew my own parsley and dill, and found 2 EBS cats in my yard. Fed them the parsley, and they pupated and emerged successful adults.
Holy hell! I suppose I'm lucky mine haven't been touched, good god man. How are we as a species so intelligent yet dumb as a rock at the same time...
Not sure which dumbness you're referring to. If it's the organic company using the bacteria, I'd say that's pretty smart. It was proven effective at its job by my blunder!
As for my dumbness in the situation, I think I was just not well informed on the laws and specifics of "organic" farming. I don't disavow that I can be dumb at times, oh yes, I'm quite capable. However, this time around, I don't beat myself up too much about not realizing that natural and specific bacteria are used to naturally control pests. It's not something that just pops into your head if you aren't in the industry, I would assume.