In the last post we left off with mature chrysalids. Now we will watch a butterfly eclose (emerge). In the first photo, if you look carefully at the left side of the chrysalis, you can see it beginning to split open.
Eclosure begins
As the butterfly pushes out of its tight enclosure the antennae pop up and the first free legs aid in the escape process.
Pushing with all its might
The now free butterfly flips itself upright and starts looking for a perch so when the wings expand they will be free of any obstruction. They are very delicate and vulnerable at this point.
A clean escape! Male Marine Blue (Leptotes marina)
The wings expand as the butterfly pumps fluid into them. In the case of these small blue butterflies, this happens quite rapidly.
Expanding wings
In a matter of minutes the wings are fully expanded and in less than 15 minutes the butterfly is ready to fly off. This is much faster than the larger butterflies like swallowtails and Monarchs who sometimes hang for several hours after eclosure .
Male Marine Blue (Leptotes marina), ready for flight
Newly eclosed Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus) on Buddleia marrubifolia
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