It didn't occur to me that maybe I could transfer the hardened chrysalis to the eclosing cage. these cups are 16? Oz clear McCafe cups with their lids. I tuck a strip of paper towel along one side of the cup nearest the chrysalis in case the butterflies need somewhere to cling in addition to their own silk and empty chrysalis.
One in fact has eclosed, and there is certainly enough room to eclose, but looks cramped for the 24 hr wing drying time, not to mention not sufficient air circulation.
Would you say I can put her in with the rest of the eclosed butterflies in the community cage at this point -- we're having a rush today, and there are 6 other butterflies that eclosed this morning.
So my real question is -- once they appear to have successfully pupated and eclosed -- no black goo (NPV), no tachnid drama, and no unsuccessful eclosure (OE) -- would it be considered safe to transfer let the butterfly join the ... What was it ? Flight? ... OK had to go look that up ... Yes, "flight", but also "kaleidoscope" of butterflies! Ooh! I LIKE that!!
P.s. If you see the word "eclipsed" anywhere it's the autospeller replacing everywhere I typed "eclosed"
