tiny chrysalis

[anakalias]

Hi, I have been growing a variety of milkweed and raising monarchs for a few years. I am new to this forum, so I am sorry if my question is already answered elsewhere. I had one of my cats escape and is now a very small chrysalis hanging on a citronella candle on my porch. My others are always about an inch long, but this one is only about a half inch. First, am I correct to assume this happened because the cat could not find food? (I'm not sure how long it was wandering, but I am thinking about one day) Second, what will become of this little guy? I have never had this happen.

Thanks for your help!

[Mona Miller]

Yes, it pupated because it couldn't find food. It will be a tiny butterfly. Give it some protection. If you need your candle. Wait the the tiny pupa/chrysalis hardens. Then you can spray with water, wait a few seconds and the silk will loosen. I pin them up in a net container.

[anakalias]

Thank you for the information!