Proboscis -- how long to zip?

[skates4marty]

Hello. I've searched but cannot find the answer to this: How long should it take for the newly-eclosed B to zip its 2-part proboscis into a tube? i.e., at what point do you know its not going to happen and that the B is infected with O.E.?

[Mona Miller]

Even before it is inflating its wings, the butterfly is putting together its proboscis. If it has not happened by the time the wings are inflated, it is not going to happen. It can also be a genetic problem--defect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l67SLCOYoHA&NR=1
Put this video on large and you can see the palpi moving up and down, while the butterfly fixes its proboscis. This is going on before the wings are inflated.

[Mona Miller]

http://www.butterflyfunfacts.com/butter ... boscis.php
Butterfly Proboscis Details (Crosscut Photo Below)

This website has more details about the proboscis.