1st Butterfly after a few losses

[tartandtiny]

Our first butterfly emerged this morning around 9:00 am. I didnt get a chance to determine the sex as I had to leave for work before it's wings were fully open. There was another chrysalis on the verg of emerging but had not done so before I had to leave. I expect to see it when I get home.

A week ago I had one chrysalis turn black two days after it enclosed. That is the first time I have ever had one turn black on me so early. Needless to say it never emerged.

I lost two chrysalis - one was unable to fully enclosed and the other did enclose but the surrounding green shell of the chrysalis sort of ozzed down the center of what was left of the cat. First time for that as well.

I also lost one cat during pupating into 2nd stage.

So far not bad odds considering the amount I lost last year.

[Mona Miller]

Okay, pupating is when the 5th instar turns into a chrysalis. Eclosing is when the butterfly emerges from the chrysalis. And, molting is when the caterpillar sheds its skin from first through 5th instar.

There can be many causes of failure to progress. Exposure to herbicides and pesticides, bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.

Major rules to follow are fresh food, clean containers, not too much sun (indirect only), and do not place them near air conditioning vents. I have the one air conditioning vent in my dinning room blocked off.

[tartandtiny]

Thanks for the vocabulary lesson. I should have looked it up before posting. There are so many terms to remember.

I do have them in a room with AC, however the air conditioner is at one side of the room and the cats are located on a table on a far wall of the room which is blocked off by our couch. They are not exposed to direct AC, do you still think that the cool room could cause problems?

[Mona Miller]

If it is too cool, yes. The area where I keep my butterflies would you believe is around 80 degrees. I blocked off the air conditioning vent.

Sorry to correct your lingo, but it is better to start off on the right foot. I knew what you were trying to say.

[tartandtiny]

I will have to relocate them so that they are in a better temperature for rearing.

No need to apologize, I appreciate the education, that is why I come to the forum.