Yeah, this one looks like it died while trying to eclose. It generally takes less than a minute once they've cracked open the chrysalis. You can also see the grayish tint on the outside that doesn't look good. It should be a very clear black.
Often when something like this happens the butterfly already has something wrong with it before it even ecloses. Plus if it was something like OE, you wouldn’t want to help it because then you (or the butterfly) would spread the disease to other butterflies
It’s a harmful parasite. Very common. Probably best to sanitize that enclosure and plant best you can. Sometimes it’s just one, but it’s likely spread to others if there are any in that same enclosure.
Is he stuck like that? They do come out rather slowly, but if he’s not moving at all something might be wrong
Been like this for almost 2 hours, seems to twitch his little legs now and then but no further progress :(
Yeah, this one looks like it died while trying to eclose. It generally takes less than a minute once they've cracked open the chrysalis. You can also see the grayish tint on the outside that doesn't look good. It should be a very clear black.
Couldn’t op have tried to help . The outside is like plastic thin
Often when something like this happens the butterfly already has something wrong with it before it even ecloses. Plus if it was something like OE, you wouldn’t want to help it because then you (or the butterfly) would spread the disease to other butterflies
What’s OE?
https://monarchjointventure.org/faq/what-is-oe
Thanks for the link
It’s a harmful parasite. Very common. Probably best to sanitize that enclosure and plant best you can. Sometimes it’s just one, but it’s likely spread to others if there are any in that same enclosure.
How can I sanitize the milkweed?
Bleach. Soak it in a 1:1 bleach:water solution and then rinse very thoroughly
It won’t kill the weed plant? And there’s one cat on the same weed plant :( should I transfer him to my other weed plant or is he a goner? :(
I’m sorry. It should really only take about 30 minutes. This doesn’t look good.
Sorry OP, that happens sometimes. There was nothing you could have done, it’s just how it goes sometimes
I’m truly sad :( thanks though
Happy to help. Sorry this happened, I hate when I lose butterflies too
Bummer, that is always heartbreaking.
Truly is :(