giving chryalises as gifts

[Laurie]

I have a few people I would like to give a chrysalis to as a gift. Any recommendations on a cheap, disposable-type container for the butterflies to emerge from? I don't want to give away any of my cages.
Thanks,
Laurie

[jen]

Hi Laurie,
I am giving away chrysalisses as favors for my daughter's birthday this year. She is having an insect-themed party, and I bought those cheap, dollar store bug cages on strings. However, they don't look wide enough for proper wing expansion. I think I am going to get clear plastic ( wide top) deli containers or even soda cups ( could probably get them donated ) with lids, Chrysalis inside, the cup turned upside down, chrysalis resting on the inverted lid, on napkin. I then think a piece of mesh screen inside to fit, the emerged butterfly will have something to climb and dry wings. Do you guys think yhis will work? I am going to try it on a chrysalis this week, just to see if it works out okay. ( birthday is the first week of September ) Wish me luck!
Jen

[RozieMozie]

thts such a neat idea!

would a mason jar work? ... line it with mesh then screw on mesh instead of the lid

[jen]

great suggestion rozie,!
use whatcha got! I actually have a box of mason jars in my basement, I was going to make candles with them, But that's a great idea. I'd have to make sure the kids were very careful with the glass, however.
Thanks,
Jen

[Jim]

[jen]

Jim
YOU are GOOD!
Jen

[Laurie]

Thanks for the photo. What is the monarch holding onto at the top? Is there screening in the top (or I guess tecnically it's the bottom) of the glass. Did you detach the chrysalis and just have it laying on the bottom (top) of the glass? Do the monarchs have any problem getting out of the chrysalis if it isn't hanging?
Laurie

[Jim]

What is the monarch holding onto at the top? Is there screening in the top (or I guess tecnically it's the bottom) of the glass. Did you detach the chrysalis and just have it laying on the bottom (top) of the glass? Do the monarchs have any problem getting out of the chrysalis if it isn't hanging?
Laurie

No screening on the "top" of our cups but you could do that as well. Yes, the chrysalis was removed after it hardened, set on a paper towel, and covered with the emergence chamber. No, pupae do not have to be hanging to emerge properly - as long as you have a rough vertical surface nearby for the monarch to climb and hang immediately after emergence.

[donnap27]

LOVE this idea ... so simple !
i suppose you could leave a small area free of screen for better viewing by first-timer viewers!
i really appreciate people's willingness to share their ideas on this forum.
Thanks !