butterfly not eclosing??

[dje158]

I have a pupa that was black yesterday (see through) that still has not eclosed. I had others that were opaque at the same time that have already eclosed & know that they do not usually take this long. I did have to glue this one back on as it came off while we were traveling (we had to take them on vacation with us). It was hardened when it came off (about 4 days after pupating). Is it possible that it died at this late stage? I had never lost any in pupa stage before this year but those did not appear to develop normally as this one did.

Once again, thank you for all of your help in getting me through this season!!

Deb

[Mona Miller]

There's always the one that gives us worry. Wait at least 2-3 days before you assume that it is completely dead. Is it getting indirect light? Did you mist it with water once a day--our indoor air conditioners take a lot of water out of the indoor air? I mist my pupae as least once a day. Is it warm enough in your house? If it is not 80 degrees, every thing takes longer.

After 2-3 days days, misting, making sure it is warm enough, keeping it out of full sun, then put it into a baggie (double baggie just in case) and freeze it. I always fear that some part of it may still be alive so this is a humane death instead just being tossed into the garbage.

[dje158]

We do not have ac & it is very warm here right now with high humidity (inside also). I will try the misting anyway. Until this year, I have always thought once I get them to pupa, I am home free & always feel a bit of relief. With tachnid flies & other things this year, I can't feel that way until they are released.

Anyway, thank you for all of your help,
Deb

[Mona Miller]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that every thing will be okay.

I highly recommend that every one at least go to their profile and put in their state and country. It really helps me to give advice. Would you believe I can't remember all the locations even if you have told me in the past? I don't have senior moments any more, they are senior hours of forgetting things.