The chrysalis has darkened considerably over several days. Looking at it this morning, I could see details of the butterfly and knew it was about to emerge. This is 10 minutes before its emergence at 9:53 a.m. The few I've watched over the years usually emerge in mid-morning.Note that there is normally a silk sling steadying the chrysalis to the substrate. I had dropped this one while transporting it to show a friend, and the silk lines broke. (OOPS!) Luckily, the chrysalis case is tough.
I love the wing of a freshly-emerged Pipevine Swallowtail--it is glittery, like mylar.This one was not completely unfolded, so it still had a bit of a wavy texture.PCCA20080807-4277A