In an effort to encourage even more butterflies around my place, I planted a few Oleander shrubs last year. I'm so pleased to say that I've now found my first chrysalis. It's the chrysalis of the Common Crow Butterfly, commonly known as the Oleander Butterfly. I've seen many Common Crow Butterflies come and go here over the years, but I knew that the females lay their eggs on leaves of plants that have milky sap. Plants like the Oleander. I didn't have any of those in my garden, so I searched, ordered and planted just a couple. Considering that I only planted these Oleanders early last year, I've been over the moon with how quickly they've attracted the females. It seems that I now get to enjoy the sight of this rather distinctive pupa, which is short and shiny, reflecting silver to gold. This pupal stage is supposed to last for about two weeks. The time is nearly up. I'm now waiting patiently to see if I'm lucky enough to be here when the butterfly emerges. Knowing my luck it will all happen while I'm at work!!!! Here's what I'm hoping to see.
Oh I do hope you get to see your butterfly emerge and that you have your camera at the ready. There are some really beautiful chrysalis's and yours certainly fits the bill.
Wow, that's a beautiful chrysalis! I love the sharp black and white coloring of the butterfly. I was thrilled to watch a Gulf Fritillary emerge two summers ago, they love Passionflower vines and I see lots of eggs but have only found one chrysalis over the years. Hope you get to see it's debut.
That would have been a wonderful sight, Toni, lucky you! I've been on term break for two weeks watching this chrysalis closely every day for signs of the emerging butterfly. Nothing yet. I can guarantee though, given that I return to school tomorrow for the start of our new term, the butterfly will emerge this coming week and I'll miss it completely!!!!!
