I found this beauty on my porch yesterday. It is outside in the world now, sipping nectar from the Spring flowers.
The Swallowtail emerged from this chrysalis, attached all winter to my porch screen by the finest of threads.
You can read more on saving Black Swallowtail butterflies here: Raising Swallowtail Butterflies
I’m posting an update on the caterpillars I saved from the hard freeze. The beginning of their story and first update can be found at the links below:
The Big Save
One Week Update
I was surprised when the smaller and weaker of the two caterpillars was the first to complete his metamorphosis into a chrysalis. He didn’t attach himself to any of the twigs or plants, but instead transformed on the soil. Today I noticed the larger caterpillar, who has been very still for days, had spun a web and seems to be beginning his metamorphosis too.
Can you see the thin thread of web anchoring the caterpillar in place? I’m leaving a place holder below for a photo of the second chrysalis, probably complete by tomorrow morning. Check back for the posted photo.
I removed the photo place holder I originally posted. The caterpillar is very still, yet has not formed a chrysalis. As the days pass I am losing hope that he will begin metamorphosis. Something seems to have gone awry.
