How many years did they pupate? Did they eclose in the same year? I've read in some texts (concerning indra supspecies of Utah including i. indra) that the majority of lab-reared specimens took at least 2 years to break diapause. I'm assuming that the lab specimens were exposed to ideal conditions, so why would this be the case?
I've had indra (mostly fordi and phyllisae) diapause anywhere from 4 weeks to 4 years. A very small percentage eclose the same year; most eclose in 1-2 years. I've experimented with all sorts of conditions; temperature/humidity, indoors, outdoors and I still haven't found the magic setup to break diapause. It may be that they are randomly/genetically programmed to wait a certain number of seasons, or perhaps need a very specific temp/humidity profile that I haven't quite hit yet! :-/
@AltAirPilot517 I've reared eight different subspecies of P. indra in the Western U.S. These different populations diapause mostly between 2-5 years depending upon host plant quality/ climate. The reason why differing stimuli in the lab doesn't trigger pupae to emerge sooner is a matter of self protection against population crashes. It is possible to get multi-voltine populations of P. indra minori/kaibabensis to emerge immediately through lush host plant; also rarely with fordi & calcicola.
nice video! sumthing like that happened to my mutant monarch...he actually made it! he's only about 2inches compared to the normal 3-5 inch legthwise wingspan. He actually lived up to his name Micro..He almost fell out of the chrysaliss..i was thinkikng he had sum type of neurological problem because we was very wobbley...he made it though..he was sucsessful at flying and i released him this morning..he came out yesterday..if you want pics...just ask!
I think I've only seen one dwarf Monarch so far. A 2-incher would be pretty unusual but not impossible. You should throw together a quick video (slideshow or whatever) with your pics. If you do, let me know - I'd lke to see :-)
Ahhh that is my "ammo-belt" method of securing loose pupae that came free from the original substrate or which I've had to remove from other surfaces, such as computer cables!
It's a long strip of paper towel, folded in half lengthwise, and stapled at one end. A pupa is inserted tail-first, then a straight pin through the paper next to it, just tight enough to prevent it from falling out. I haven't documented it on my site yet but I can send you photos of more detail if you'd like. :-)
Funny you mention computer cables hehe. Perhaps you saw the pics of my Black swallowtail that had escaped. hee hee. Yes I think this is something I would like to learn more about. I'll send you a PM with my email.
Yes, that was it! I've had that EXACT same thing happen! Escaped Swallowtail larvae are amazingly elusive. In the wild, some search for vertical or semi-vertical stem-like substrates in secluded places, while others such as Indra Swallowtails, crawl down into the deepest, darkest place they can find - usually in loose piles of large rocks and boulders. I've recovered a few of THOSE in the oddest of places, YEARS later! (many Indra have a multiple-year diapause)
It only fell about 2 inches to the top of the table - not enough to hurt it at all. I picked it up with a short stick and placed it back on the cloth so it could finish inflating its wings. Everything was pefectly normal after that! :D
Isnt it always amazing when we see this trasformation from a creature that walks, to one that flies the rest of its life for all to see. we always go OHHHHH what beautiful colors. we never grow tired of admiring that all of our lives. its more than any words i have.
How many years did they pupate? Did they eclose in the same year? I've read in some texts (concerning indra supspecies of Utah including i. indra) that the majority of lab-reared specimens took at least 2 years to break diapause. I'm assuming that the lab specimens were exposed to ideal conditions, so why would this be the case?
AltAirPilot517 2 years ago
I've had indra (mostly fordi and phyllisae) diapause anywhere from 4 weeks to 4 years. A very small percentage eclose the same year; most eclose in 1-2 years. I've experimented with all sorts of conditions; temperature/humidity, indoors, outdoors and I still haven't found the magic setup to break diapause. It may be that they are randomly/genetically programmed to wait a certain number of seasons, or perhaps need a very specific temp/humidity profile that I haven't quite hit yet! :-/
jcmegabyte 2 years ago
Well if you find out the secret I'd love to hear it! Meanwhile I'm going to give it a try ;)
AltAirPilot517 2 years ago
@AltAirPilot517 I've reared eight different subspecies of P. indra in the Western U.S. These different populations diapause mostly between 2-5 years depending upon host plant quality/ climate. The reason why differing stimuli in the lab doesn't trigger pupae to emerge sooner is a matter of self protection against population crashes. It is possible to get multi-voltine populations of P. indra minori/kaibabensis to emerge immediately through lush host plant; also rarely with fordi & calcicola.
butterflyfieldtrips 4 months ago
nice video! sumthing like that happened to my mutant monarch...he actually made it! he's only about 2inches compared to the normal 3-5 inch legthwise wingspan. He actually lived up to his name Micro..He almost fell out of the chrysaliss..i was thinkikng he had sum type of neurological problem because we was very wobbley...he made it though..he was sucsessful at flying and i released him this morning..he came out yesterday..if you want pics...just ask!
big fan!
-Morgan <3
Joshluver1234 2 years ago
I think I've only seen one dwarf Monarch so far. A 2-incher would be pretty unusual but not impossible. You should throw together a quick video (slideshow or whatever) with your pics. If you do, let me know - I'd lke to see :-)
jcmegabyte 2 years ago
i made a slideshow for you...you can go to my channel or look up 'Monarch Struggles .Micro.' (; your welcome
big fan
-Morgan <3
Joshluver1234 2 years ago
What are those little beds you make for your crysallis and cocoons? I'm guessing it's not always necessary.
destroyahdes 3 years ago
Ahhh that is my "ammo-belt" method of securing loose pupae that came free from the original substrate or which I've had to remove from other surfaces, such as computer cables!
It's a long strip of paper towel, folded in half lengthwise, and stapled at one end. A pupa is inserted tail-first, then a straight pin through the paper next to it, just tight enough to prevent it from falling out. I haven't documented it on my site yet but I can send you photos of more detail if you'd like. :-)
jcmegabyte 3 years ago
Funny you mention computer cables hehe. Perhaps you saw the pics of my Black swallowtail that had escaped. hee hee. Yes I think this is something I would like to learn more about. I'll send you a PM with my email.
destroyahdes 3 years ago
Yes, that was it! I've had that EXACT same thing happen! Escaped Swallowtail larvae are amazingly elusive. In the wild, some search for vertical or semi-vertical stem-like substrates in secluded places, while others such as Indra Swallowtails, crawl down into the deepest, darkest place they can find - usually in loose piles of large rocks and boulders. I've recovered a few of THOSE in the oddest of places, YEARS later! (many Indra have a multiple-year diapause)
jcmegabyte 3 years ago
It fell when it got out! Did it die?
keegee1012 3 years ago
It only fell about 2 inches to the top of the table - not enough to hurt it at all. I picked it up with a short stick and placed it back on the cloth so it could finish inflating its wings. Everything was pefectly normal after that! :D
jcmegabyte 3 years ago
Isnt it always amazing when we see this trasformation from a creature that walks, to one that flies the rest of its life for all to see. we always go OHHHHH what beautiful colors. we never grow tired of admiring that all of our lives. its more than any words i have.
sunniski 4 years ago 2
dai si vede ke è accellerato in qlc modo!!
metallara91 4 years ago
Thats awesome!
redwolf1 4 years ago
Wow! That's incredible!
LoriandAneet716 4 years ago
ohhh! amazing!
DanielleMulcahy 4 years ago
Really interesting, thanks for sharing.
kclama 5 years ago