Chrysalis with skin

[blazing star]

Hi there,

I did a quick search and cannot locate any info on this topic. My cat just went to chrysalis a couple days ago. It neglected to discard it's skin, fully, so the skin is on the top of the chrysalis. I'm afraid to pull it loose fearing I may dislodge the chrysalis. Am I ok leaving it be, or does this impair butterfly development?

[dje158]

I've had this happen with quite a few. I always leave it alone and have not had any issues and all have been healthy fully developed butterflies. I believe that Mona posted recently that you can spritz with water and gently remove it.

Deb

[Mona Miller]

Wow! I love it when people pass on advice. Thanks. Some times the skin can cause problems if left at the top. I make sure it is not embedded in the chrysalis. And, I do exactly what you said. I spray with water to soften the skin and gently pull it off. Usually the pupae wiggles and wiggles to dislodge the skin after it attaches the cremaster to the silk button, but some times it doesn't fall off. That skin actually stays attached to the prolegs until the cremaster makes that long reach up to attach to the silk button.

[blazing star]

OK. I'll leave it there as whenever a chrysalis falls, I have no luck with the butterfly living. Thanks for the info.