My Citrus Swallowtail Butterfly is about to Break from its Chrysalis!!

About four months ago, I ecstatically shared with you that I had discovered the larva of a Citrus Swallowtail butterfly on my lemon tree. I carefully placed the caterpillar in a container with enough air vents, water and lemon leaves. I watched over a few days as its movements slowed down and it spun a wonderful chrysalis as it transformed into its pupa stage.

And then I stressed. According to my research, they usually spend 5 - 10 weeks in that stage before the butterfly appears. Mine was taking months and I was worried it had died. We were in the dead of winter though, and further research revealed that a pupa may decide to prolong its stay if the weather is too cold and wait for the warmth of spring.

And now spring is here with the spring equinox fast approaching at the end of this month. And still, there was no sign that the pupa was alive. I looked around at the place I had placed it to rest. There was sun coming in, but it was diluted by a veil curtain and by the shadows of my bonsais. So I thought, maybe the pupa hasn't realise it is spring because it is so dark and cold.

I moved the pupa to the window sill and sprayed the wings to make sure they don't dry out (which is what the internet said I should do). It has been three days now and wow, what a transformation!! The wings are so clear through the chrysalis now and you can clearly see the patterns of the Citrus Swallowtail forming!

Of course, I know I cannot keep it. Once it does emerge, I will open a window so it can leave the warmth of its home and be free to locate my garden in the front and find some food and water. It will be sad to see it go, but that is the sweet sorrow of protecting and nurturing life: sometimes you need to let them go.

I am hoping I will see it in its butterfly form for one last photo before it leaves me.

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Header Image: Wikipedia

Other images are mine: ©2018 Shaun M Jooste

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Kind regards

Shaun M Jooste

Joint-Owner: AIR Entertainment (https://airentertainment.biz)
Director: Celenic Earth Publications (https://celenicearthpublications.wordpress.com)
Author, Screenwriter, Gamewriter, Journalist (https://celenicearth.wordpress.com)