Butterflys???
Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 6:54 pm
I am doing a experament with butterflys and the catterpillars have formed a chrysalis but one has fallen from the top. Can it still develope? Or will it die? 
Thanks for your question. Sorry to hear that the chrysalis fell, but not to worry
Your chrysalis is probably just fine and can still continue to develop, though the question is if it needs to be hanging to continue development. Some pupae, like monarchs, don't need to be hanging in order to emerge as long as they have access to a vertical surface near by to climb up on and hang to expand their wings. You can use a plastic drinking cup with screening on the inside placed over the pupa.You may choose to hang it up instead, but should be very careful about it. There are a few ways of doing this:
1. You can tie a thread (dental floss also works well) around the cremaster (set of hooks at the tip of the pupal abdomen) and hang it immediately. Depending on the height at which it fell and where it was in the pupation process when the fall occurred, the pupa may develop a flat spot. However, whether or not this will affect development/emergence is highly variable.
2. You may choose instead to glue the chrysalis using the following instructions: http://www.butterflyfunfacts.com/gluepupae.phpThis however, does require the use of a glue gun so be sure to have an adult help you with this for safety reasons and always wear protective wear just in case.
Hope this helps and good luck with your butterflies and project!
-Melissa H.