Male Monarch Butterfly Ecloses from Chrysalis

When a monarch butterfly ecloses (emerges) from its chrysalis the wings appear small and crumpled. It will hang upside down from the chrysalis or a nearby surface to complete the emergence process. The butterfly must begin the process of expanding and drying its wings before flight is possible. Meconium is pumped into the veins of the wings. Once the wings have fully expanded they will dry and harden giving the wings a sturdy structure that will allow flight. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for a butterfly’s wings to completely dry. If you look closely at the wings, you will notice a small black spot on the top surface of the hindwing, that's how to determine this one is male. The females don't have the black spot.