Planting choice is paying off ... I've found a chrysalis!

Discussion in 'Wildlife in the Garden' started by Bernieh, Apr 18, 2015.

  1. Bernieh

    Bernieh In Flower

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    In an effort to encourage even more butterflies around my place, I planted a few Oleander shrubs last year. I'm so pleased to say that I've now found my first chrysalis.

    Common Crow Butterfly chrysalis 3-001.JPG

    It's the chrysalis of the Common Crow Butterfly, commonly known as the Oleander Butterfly.

    I've seen many Common Crow Butterflies come and go here over the years, but I knew that the females lay their eggs on leaves of plants that have milky sap. Plants like the Oleander. I didn't have any of those in my garden, so I searched, ordered and planted just a couple.

    Common Crow Butterfly chrysalis 2-001.JPG

    Considering that I only planted these Oleanders early last year, I've been over the moon with how quickly they've attracted the females.

    Common Crow Butterfly chrysalis-001.JPG

    It seems that I now get to enjoy the sight of this rather distinctive pupa, which is short and shiny, reflecting silver to gold. This pupal stage is supposed to last for about two weeks. The time is nearly up.

    I'm now waiting patiently to see if I'm lucky enough to be here when the butterfly emerges. Knowing my luck it will all happen while I'm at work!!!!

    IMG_8547.JPG

    Here's what I'm hoping to see.
     
  2. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    Oh I do hope you get to see your butterfly emerge and that you have your camera at the ready. There are some really beautiful chrysalis's and yours certainly fits the bill.
     
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  3. Bernieh

    Bernieh In Flower

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    I'm keeping a close eye on it, Eileen.
     
  4. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    Wow, that's a beautiful chrysalis! I love the sharp black and white coloring of the butterfly.
    I was thrilled to watch a Gulf Fritillary emerge two summers ago, they love Passionflower vines and I see lots of eggs but have only found one chrysalis over the years. Hope you get to see it's debut.
     
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  5. Bernieh

    Bernieh In Flower

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    That would have been a wonderful sight, Toni, lucky you! I've been on term break for two weeks watching this chrysalis closely every day for signs of the emerging butterfly. Nothing yet. I can guarantee though, given that I return to school tomorrow for the start of our new term, the butterfly will emerge this coming week and I'll miss it completely!!!!!
     
  6. Tooty2shoes

    Tooty2shoes Hardy Maple

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    Wow, that is so neat. What a beautiful chrysalis and butterfly it turns into.
     
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