chrysalis ID

paulinemiller10 · #1 (**permalink**) 13-02-2011, 12:22 PM

I found this chrysalis in my old bumble feeder, I expect it might be some kind of moth, I have it wrapped in tissue paper in my new bumble feeder, I'm hoping to find out what it turns into.
Anyone know what it is?. Pauline.

xSarahx · #2 (**permalink**) 13-02-2011, 12:34 PM

Looks like a red admiral chrysalis to me. As a rule, most moths tend to pupate under the ground, whereas butterflies pupate above ground. If you have wrapped it in tissue paper, make sure it can still emerge, without being trapped.

Johnny81 · #3 (**permalink**) 13-02-2011, 12:38 PM

Agree. I am no expert but it does match Red admiral chrysalis looking on UK butterflies site.

paulinemiller10 · #4 (**permalink**) 13-02-2011, 01:06 PM

Ooooo thats exciting, I did have some Red Admirals in the garden last year.

I wrapped it in tissue paper with plenty of room and the ends open, and very safe in the new bumble feeder, I m still working on it, so will keep a look out for this butterfly, thanks for the quick reply. Pauline.

Matt Smith · #5 (**permalink**) 16-02-2011, 11:05 AM

It does look like a Red Admiral chrysalis, but I would expect it to be dead, it should really have emerged before the winter months. Red Admirals belong to the group of Nymphalids that hibernate (or attempt to) as adults.

Dogghound · #6 (**permalink**) 16-02-2011, 02:42 PM

Yes a Red Admiral, this is actually damaged there is a dent on the right hand side of it, at the top.

paulinemiller10 · #7 (**permalink**) 16-02-2011, 06:06 PM

Did'nt notice the dent Dogghound, hope she will hatch, anyone know when she will hatch out.

I m sure she moves about as I left her laying sideways, and she's almost upright now. Pauline.

Wild-Woman · #8 (**permalink**) 16-02-2011, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Yes a Red Admiral, this is actually damaged there is a dent on the right hand side of it, at the top.

Maybe parasitised? Still worth seeing what actually might hatch out!

Dogghound · #9 (**permalink**) 16-02-2011, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulinemiller10

Did'nt notice the dent Dogghound, hope she will hatch, anyone know when she will hatch out.

As has been mentioned it probably wont hatch or if it does it wont be a butterfly that comes out. Red Admirals overwinter as adults not pupa.

Hedgehoggy · #10 (**permalink**) 16-02-2011, 10:33 PM

Pauline, I meant to reply to this pic on your Bumble Bee Story thread, but totally forgot

. I found one that looked remarkably similar to yours wedged in the rim of the lid of my hedgehog box which had bumbles nesting in last year, which was invaded by Wax Moths. It fits the description the Bumble Bee Conservation gave me of the Wax Moth chrysalis. Do you think yours could be a Wax Moth chrysalis too?