If you spot a chrysalis or cocoon in your backyard, learn how to handle it properly: relocation procedures and circumstances to let it be.
In a lush butterfly garden, the sight of chrysalises hanging from plant stems or branches can be a delightful spectacle. These enchanting casings, home to the transformation of caterpillars into butterflies, come in a variety of colours, shapes, and textures, depending on the butterfly species.
To identify common garden butterflies’ chrysalises, observe visual cues such as colour, shape, and surface features. For instance, Monarch butterfly chrysalises are smooth, jade green with gold dots, while Swallowtails exhibit different patterns. To spot subtle differences, especially in Monarchs, use a magnifying glass or a digital camera with a macro lens.
When it comes to caring for chrysalises, minimising disturbance is key. Handle them gently, avoiding touching the surface as it can damage the developing butterfly. If a chrysalis is in danger, such as being exposed or fallen, relocate it to a sheltered spot with native host plants and partial shade, securing it so it can hang naturally until emergence.
Maintaining a garden rich in native plants and avoiding pesticides is essential. Chemicals can harm chrysalises and caterpillars, so favour manual pest control or biological methods like encouraging ladybugs. Providing shelter and moisture, such as dense shrubs, low branches, and nearby moist areas like shallow water with pebbles or damp sand, is also crucial.
Be mindful when mowing or cleaning to avoid accidentally destroying hidden chrysalises attached to leaves or stems. When moving a fallen chrysalis, it's best to relocate it to a safer part of the garden, amongst plants and partial shade.
If waiting for a butterfly to emerge later in summer or fall, ensure you have fall pollinator plants ready. For example, if moving a Monarch chrysalis, it would be best to relocate it near milkweed or a Monarch-friendly plant.
After relocating a chrysalis, keep a close eye on it and check in every day to make sure it is safe and intact. Emerged butterflies may look drowsy and lethargic, so let them get their bearings and have as much privacy as possible.
To reattach a chrysalis, cut a loop of dental floss and secure it around the black tip (cremaster) of the chrysalis. When handling a chrysalis, take extreme care to be gentle and handle the actual surface as little as possible.
In summary, identifying chrysalises depends on the species that frequent your garden and their common host plants. Caring for them revolves around creating a safe, pesticide-free environment rich in native plants and minimal disturbance. Careful moving and gentle handling are crucial if chrysalises are at risk or have fallen.
Observe the different morphology of chrysalides to identify common garden butterflies such as Swallowtails with varied color patterns and Monarchs characterized by smooth, jade green cases with gold dots.
When tending to chrysalises, ensure they are undisturbed in their habitat, which can be a home-and-garden setting with native host plants and partial shade, to facilitate their transformation into butterflies.
