I found a caterpillar and its now a chrysalis/coccoon. How long will it be before the butterfly/moth emerges?
This can be a difficult question to answer. The best answer is usually, “wait and see”! But that’s not very helpful. The time it takes for a butterfly or moth to emerge depends on a number of factors. What is the normal life cycle of the species in your area? For example, does the species overwinter in the pupal stage? Temperature can also play an important role in the development of the adult insect in the pupal stage. A species which is “programmed” to emerge in the spring after overwintering in the pupal stage may emerge much more quickly if kept inside a warm house. If all else fails, try waiting about three weeks.
