As you’ll know the stage before the moth itself is the chrysalis. The Lawyer acquired some last autumn, to see what emerged this year. He kept them in a cool place over winter and now’s the time to ready for the moth’s appearance. Ideally you need somewhere where the newly emerged imago can climb and dry its wings before it is ready to fly. And since one cannot watch then all the time and there is this habit of flying away it is good to have somewhere for climbing but netted so we can see and photograph the beauties before sending them on their way.
Since the lawyer is working abroad just now guess who is charged with the task of setting this up. Anyway this is what we did…
first the chrysalis are taken from their box
then we half fill a pot with soil and make a frame for some netting.
next we place the chrysalis on the soil
some of the cotton wool in which the sat over winter stick to them
and finally we tie on the net… lots of twigs to climb up too
Like this:
Like Loading...
About TanGental
My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline.
I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy.
I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere.
These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
TanGental 
And when the female Emperors emerge I trust you will try assembling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like a shot. We need to see if we can meet up and sort this. Will keep you posted.
LikeLike
Wow, this is really cool, Geoffle! I hope you keep us posted about the development!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had no idea you could handle chrysalis like this – amazing! I used to encourage Monarchs in my garden – providing many swan plants for the edible delight of the caterpillars and later for the hanging of the chrysalis. I kept them in pots so the little shrubs with their inhabitants could be moved about as required. When I was teaching the young ‘uns it was a living nature lesson and we kept watch over the process in the classroom. It was a lot of work, but such a wonderful process to observe. I shall enjoy to keep watch with you as your moths progress – though I have no idea what your brother is referring to – do fill us in on that too ……..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dad taught us to hold the crysallis against our bottom lip. The heat and moisture would make it squirm so you can tell if it’s alive! Can’t do that with those in the woven homes of course but v cool for kids to do.
LikeLike
Wow! You had a cool dad!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool? He had a range of temperatures I think!!
LikeLike
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have come across these in the garden but never observed what happens as they look a bit off-putting(!). But this was fascinating, thanks! Look forward to their transformation and emergence 🙂
Saw some lovely butterflies on a walk this weekend, but they were not rare ones.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadly it sometimes feels any butterfly is rare.
LikeLike
Fascinating. I look forward to seeing what emerges from your chrysalises. Like Pauline, having butterflies in the classroom was one of my favourite things. I do miss the experience. Grandson brought a pet mealworm home from school today. That will be interesting too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is so cool! Of course, now all I can think of is Silence of the Lambs. You’re not a serial killer, are you? Hahaha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not that I’m admitting to. A blogger I follow Noelle Granger of Sayling Away bred the moths for Silence.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How cool is that?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating production!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I look forward to seeing how they come along 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will update. Promise
LikeLiked by 1 person