I think I spotted some butterfly cocoons!

Discussion in 'Butterfly / Moth' started by cherylad, Oct 23, 2011.

  1. cherylad

    cherylad Countess of Cute-ification Plants Contributor

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    While working around the yard today, I noticed this "thing" hanging on the old water pump. Then while checking out the gazillion Gulf Fritillary caterpillars on the Passion Flower vine... I spotted another. And then when I moved the bucket under my rain barrel... yet another one!
    Am I about to be "mom" to some new butterflies?

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    ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )





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    ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )





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    ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )
     
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  3. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    Yep, that's a Gulf Fritillary chrysalis. They look so much like dead rolled up leaves that they sometimes are accidentally destroyed when cleaning up a garden.
     
  4. cherylad

    cherylad Countess of Cute-ification Plants Contributor

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    Neato! Approximately how many days until I'm a new "mom"? :-D
     
  5. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    It depends on the weather....the warmer the temperature the shorter time in the chrysalis....but usually it is 1-2 week. In winter they can spend several months in that stage waiting for warm spring temperatures.
     



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  6. Sherry8

    Sherry8 I Love Birds!

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    Those are so neat....I was like a proud momma when my monarchs came . It felt good to think that I helped them get here in my yard. I was surprised to still see some butterflys still flying around in our cool weather.

    Congrats and I hope you get to see what happens to them.
     
  7. cherylad

    cherylad Countess of Cute-ification Plants Contributor

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    I'm so silly... every time I walk by them, I have to stop and take a close look!
     
  8. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    Lucky you!! :D
    I'm sure I will have some chrysalis in my own garden but there's so much out there that I wouldn't know where to start looking. :rolleyes:
    My daughter, however, found one on her ferret house and, like you, she can't resist checking on it every day.

    Here it is:

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    Now all you both have to do is wait and hope you see the butterflies emerging.
     
  9. kathyd

    kathyd In Flower

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    How exciting. I sometimes spot caterpillars, but hardly ever spot the chrysalis or cocoons.
     
  10. cherylad

    cherylad Countess of Cute-ification Plants Contributor

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    They remind me of bats hanging from a rafter for some reason.
    :D

    Yep... keeping a close eye on them.
     

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