Cat fell off while trying to spin into Chrysalis

[califspaw]

I have a monarch that went into a J around 8 am then around midnight it started spinning like it was going to change into the chrysalis, but it didn't attach itself well enough and it fell down. It has been twisting on and off but nothing is happening even though it's skin is translucent and I can see the green chrysalis inderneath, what can I do?

[califspaw]

Well the cat actually still was able to change into the chrysalis even though it wasn't attached with a button, I just placed it on some paper towels, now the only thing I am worried about is a dark spot on the top of the chrysalis. I have never had a chrysalis with that, what could it be?

[Mona Miller]

Some times when they fall, they are not able to get rid of the skin at the top. You do have to be careful, but you can gently pull that off. If it does not come off easily, spray with water to soften it.

Monarchs can emerge from a laying down position. The major issue is having something to crawl up on to inflate their wings.

Monarch Watch uses an emerging cup:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=648#p3241

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtDbSBnUy7Y&feature=plcp
I took some video about a year ago. Put the net side of the cage towards the light--always put the plastic side away from the light. Line the bottom with paper towel. Each morning I arranged the dark chrysalis so they didn't have to climb over the other pupae.

[califspaw]

Thanks for the info. Mona, I did help it a little to get rid of the skin.