monarch butterfly chrysalis - (danaus plexippus)

monarch butterfly danaus plexippus milkweed subfamily danainae family nymphalidae eastern north american population notable southward late-summer autumn migration northern central southern canada florida mexico fall monarchs multi-generational host plant pupal chrysalis stage caterpillar safe pupation spins silk pad downward-facing horizontal surface turns securely latches hangs upside form letter j-hanging 12–16 hours peristalsis skin splits head sheds green chrysalis long soft amorphous distinct shape opaque pale-green golden dots bottom gold- -black