bringing chrysallis indoors

[stacey16]

Should a monarch chrysallis be brought indoors if the weather is 60 to 70 degrees during the day but in the 40's at night? Will the cooler nights cause the chrysallis to hatch later? I noticed the advice about bringing the cats indoors so I would think it would be the same for a chrysallis.

[Mona Miller]

Lower temperatures slow down the whole process. I noted that you are in Wisconsin. Not many days left before the weather is too cold for them to travel. Adults can withstand temps that the other stages cannot. If not wet, adults can withstand freezing temps for up to 3 days. Not many nectar sources would be available either.

I would bring them in and let them hurry up.

Got to go! Got to go! Got to go to Mexico!

[stacey16]

That's what I thought so I brought them in. The reason I raised them in the screenhouse was because I was concerned about the proper day/night cycle (so they know they are supposed to migrate) not realizing that low temperature would slow everything down. As always, thanks for the advice. I'll keep it in mind for next year!

[sbannister]

Can the pupae withstand one night at 30-32F? I have several outside b/c the weather has been above 40 for a few weeks but we are getting a cold snap tonight. They are "wild" b/c I am participating in a study of wild overwintering Monarchs/OE here in the South.

Thanks

[Mona Miller]

They would need to be sheltered. I know someone who actually covers her Monarchs with a laundry hamper and uses a light to keep them warm.

Monarch adults would have trouble with wet, freezing temps, too.

[sbannister]

thanks, Mona

I can cover some of them that are close to the ground. I will bring the others in - they are not in a container - some are on the fence, some under the house. I think the ones under the house will stay warmer too. The only adults around here are wild also - I have not seen many so nothing I can do. At least I can save some of the pupae.

[Mona Miller]

Let me know how it goes. We are having high winds and snow showers. Temps going below 30 tonight.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/west ... ssage/4601
Here's more info from a message I posted to the Western Monarch listserv that details the laundry hamper and light.

[Paul Cherubini]

Can the pupae withstand one night at 30-32F?

Yes they can. I'd worry much more about your currassavica plants than the caterpillars or chrysalids. If your currassavica plants are in pots I'd move the pots up against the foundation or sliding glass window of your home. Or put them in the garage for the night.

[sbannister]

I did put the potted plants in my shed. I have some in the ground too. I brought some of the pupae in and left some outside - the ones I could not reach as they were in between my fence and a wall nest door.



Thanks

[sbannister]

Oh, and this morning I went outside and saw a cat nibbling away apparently unfazed by the weather. Of course it is sunny out there now.