Moth Chrysalis

Description:

I have never come across a chrysalis quite like this one and, as a result, I am struggling to identify the insect (I think a moth, not a butterfly). Most of what can be seen is fairly common. The chrysalis is attached to the host plant by some strong silk threads, which form a tether, at the cremaster (fourth picture). The head, the wings and the abdominal segments are all clearly visible through the outer covering (first three pictures). This is a sure sign that the moth is just about ready to eclose. I missed the event, but the last photo (taken two days after the first) shows where the moth came out, headfirst. Everything that I have mentioned, so far, is familiar to me, but there is one characteristic of this chrysalis that I have never seen before - the abdomen appears to be extremely long, compared to any chrysalis that I have previously photographed.

Habitat:

Spotted in the farm on a Mango Tree (Mangifera indica Linn.) locally known as Mangang-kalabau. Plant information from - http://www.stuartxchange.org/Mangga.html.......................

Notes:

Having observed (and photographed) several moths and butterflies emerging from pupation, I have seen how they hang vertically for a considerable length of time. to allow their wings to inflate and stiffen for flight. When this happens, the wings become much bigger. So, I am reasonably comfortable with the process, but the abdomen of this moth is very long. When I first saw it in the viewfinder of my camera, I thought I was looking at some kind of small, hatchling tree snake :-)