Possible dehydration

The last chrysalis is still there, but it is not looking good. The outside is a brown, papery husk. The closest looking image I could find of one like it were chrysalises that died due to cold, but it does make me suspicious that something has gone wrong. I think dehydration may be the problem. The garden did not get watered for five days due to the long July 4th weekend, and it has been very hot and dry for weeks. Our second chrysalis may have failed and dried out.

I think all of our plants survived, though!

http://monarchbutterflygarden.net/common-monarch-diseases-prevention/ has some information about dehydration and monarchs:

6. Dehydration

I realize this isn’t a disease, but it’s a far too common problem that is taking precious monarchs away from us before they bloom into beautiful butterflies. Dehydrated monarchs can get stuck inside their chrysalides causing deformation and death. They may also have issues forming them.
Prevention Tips:
  • spritz milkweed and caterpillars daily with a  spray bottle filled with water- make sure the caterpillar cage has good ventilation (i.e. a mesh cage) so the water evaporates and there isn’t condensation inside the habitat that could cause disease
  • Hydration of monarchs must start at the egg stage for healthy development

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