Black Swallowtail chrysilas hatched!

[mrsclem]

I found 4 swallowtail caterpillars on my dill plants on my deck. I brought them in , put them in a large jar with fresh plants and within 24 hours 3 formed chrysalis. Unfortunately the 4th fell into the water for the plants. I had hoped they would hatch this fall but had read that they may not hatch till spring! Then today, surprise!

 

[BarbO]

How many days did it take?

 

[RobAmy]

Very nice

 

[mrsclem]

Less than 2 weeks! When I found the caterpillars they were maybe 1/2". Within 2 days they were 1 1/2" and the next day chrysalis. 8-10 days for hatching. I noticed this morning one chrysalis has started to turn dark . 3 hours later, butterfly! Tropical storm Florence is acting up outside so release will have to be postponed.

 

[GBBUDD]

sweet ..... I guess I need to learn my caterpillars I have been finding all kinds . mainly 4 different types have been devouring the plants.

Congrads

 

[j.w]

So pretty! Did you get to see it come out? So neat it happened for you!

 

[mrsclem]

The swallowtails hatch fast! I had 2 more in a jar next to the tv. I checked it and the chrysalis was dark but no sign of hatching. 10 minutes later, butterfly! Going to keep the jar close so I can maybe catch the last one hatching.

 

[Gemma]

That's a beautiful butterfly!

 

[mrsclem]

The males are so much more impressive than the female. They are also more aggressive! Any movement towards them and the wings spread. Supposedly when the males hatch out, they will defend the females. I'm hopin the 3rd one is female.

 

[j.w]

Wishing you luck on seeing one actually come out @mrsclem

 

[ashirley]

I found some on my milkweed yesterday! How long does it take them to form the chrysalis? I hope I can catch one hatching.

 

[mrsclem]

With it being on milkweed, that would be a monarch. Cats can go weeks without forming chrysalis. 1 1/2" or larger. They will wander off to form chrysalis where they feel safe.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

With it being on milkweed, that would be a monarch. Cats can go weeks without forming chrysalis. 1 1/2" or larger. They will wander off to form chrysalis where they feel safe.

Milkweed makes the Monarch butterfly poisonous.
Black Swallowtail butterflies are pure bird food.
Beautiful. And with no defensive help.
Very nice.
I've always been a "secret" admirer of butterflies.

 

[mrsclem]

From what I have read and learned from monarch societies, they are not enough to be poisionous to anything that may eat them. Swallowtails are really bold and will spread the wings to try to the big, bad butterfly! Going to plant plenty of food for both species next year. The last one flew off while I was at my monthly get-together with co-workers.