When shall I put my wintering chrysalis outside?

by Dee
(Long Island, NY, USA)

Black Swallowtail Caterpillar Just Before Making Chrysalis.

Black Swallowtail Caterpillar Just Before Making Chrysalis.

I watched a caterpillar last summer as it went through the stages from small to large, then, it made it's chrysalis.

When it began getting cold, I brought the pot and the parsley with attached chrysalis into my tool shed, which is dark inside.

I live on Long Island, NY, and today I noticed that the chrysalis has changed, as if I can almost see a pattern inside.

While we experienced some unusually warm weather about 2 weeks ago, it is back in the 50's here. There are not a lot of flowers in bloom yet, but I do have a yard full of Daffodils.

My question is, what time of year would be safe for me to bring the chrysalis back outside? What should the consistent outdoor daytime temperatures be?

Thank you. Here is a photo of the Caterpillar before he went into Chrysalis mode. I think it is a Black Swallowtail.

Karen says:
Dee, I am so sorry...somehow I missed this submission. Please tell me what happen with your black swallowtail chrysalis. Did the butterfly emerge??

Thanks for the great photos!

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Overwintering chrysalis
by: Susie

Well, this warm weather is doing a number on my chrysalises. I've had them in the shed to overwinter and one eclosed yesterday the 27th and another today on the 28th of October. Luckily I still have flowers in the garden that are blooming, including a butterfly bush, but it's supposed to get cold tomorrow. Guess these two won't have that long of a lifespan. Hope the others decide to overwinter once it gets cooler.
Overwintering chrysalis
by: Susie

I put my chrysalises in the shed about a week ago. I thought they would all overwinter at this point. In the past week 4 have proven me wrong. I just released another one today. It has been warm during the day here in southeastern PA but the nights have been chilly.
The Black Swallowtail Emerged!
by: Dee Rocanello

Hi, Karen!

About a week after I submitted these photos of the caterpillar stages and chrysalis, I went into the shed. It was very warm that day.

When I opened the door to the shed, a beautiful Black Swallowtail came fluttering out!

I have 2 Butterfly Bushes near the shed, (Buddleia), and all summer I watched many butterflies, including the Black Swallowtails, enjoying the nectar!

I have a photo of the Black Swallowtail if you'd like to put it up!

Karen says:
Dee, thanks so much for writing back :) I would love to see a picture of the Black Swallowtail butterfly. Submit your butterfly photo here. Thanks again!

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