chrysalises

Chrysalises are the pupal stage of butterflies, and in some contexts of moths, during complete metamorphosis. They form after the larva (caterpillar) molts into a pupa and encases itself in a protective covering, within which the larval tissues are broken down and reorganized to become the adult butterfly or moth.

In many butterflies, the chrysalis is attached to a surface by a silk pad at the base and, in several species, by a thin silk girdle that helps support the suspended pupa. Some species hang without a girdle, while moths whose pupae are enclosed in cocoons are typically hidden within a silken capsule. The appearance of a chrysalis can be smooth or angular and is often camouflaged to resemble natural surroundings such as leaves, bark, or twigs.

Development within the chrysalis involves extensive tissue remodeling driven by imaginal discs, which give rise to the wings, antennae, eyes, legs, and other adult features. The duration of the chrysalis stage varies widely between species and is influenced by temperature and season; some chrysalises remain dormant (diapause) through adverse conditions or winter and resume development when conditions improve. Emergence of the adult butterfly or moth from the chrysalis is called eclosion.

Chrysalises contribute to ecological strategies such as camouflage and timing with environmental cues. They represent a key transition between larval feeding and adult reproduction, enabling drastic morphological change within the life cycle of holometabolous insects.