08/20/2026
Monarch update: Our caterpillars are becoming chrysalises! 🐛➡️🦋
These photos show several steps in the amazing transformation. First, a caterpillar spins a small silk pad, attaches itself by its back end, and hangs upside down in the shape of the letter J. This is called the “J hang,” and it usually lasts around 10–24 hours. During this time, the caterpillar is preparing for one final molt.
Then things get a little weird…in the best way! The caterpillar’s striped outer skin splits and is wiggled off, revealing the soft, bright-green chrysalis underneath. The newly formed chrysalis may look wrinkled and lumpy at first, like the one pictured, but it soon hardens into the smooth jade-green shape decorated with tiny metallic-gold spots.
So, where did the caterpillar go? It didn’t crawl inside the chrysalis: the chrysalis is the caterpillar! It forms beneath the caterpillar’s final layer of skin.
Inside, the caterpillar’s body is being completely reorganized. Many of its tissues break down and are recycled, while special groups of cells that have been present since it was very young grow into wings, long legs, antennae, compound eyes, and the other parts of an adult butterfly. Some organs remain but are remodeled for butterfly life. It’s less like the caterpillar is simply growing wings and more like nature is renovating the entire house!
Our monarchs will remain in their chrysalises for approximately 8–15 days. As they get close to emerging, the green covering will darken and become transparent enough for us to see their orange-and-black wings inside.
We’ll keep sharing updates as we wait for the big reveal and, eventually, their release! 🦋
