Can you slow down a catterpillar's metapmorphisis?

Question

I am a teacher with a set of caterpillars in my classroom (they are contained in plastic vials). My question is - can you slow down the process of them forming their chrysalis? Ideally I would slow it down by three days or so as an important visitor will be coming to the classroom and they would be well impressed if they saw them in action.

Answer 1

Two factors could slow down the metamorphosis:Temperature and hormones.
Lower the temp a little bit and use the hormone or hormone analogue that keeps it juvenile and keeps it from undergoing metamorphosis.

Answer 2

All stages in metamorphosis are temperature dependent, so putting eggs, larvae or the chrysalis/pupal stage in the cool section of a fridge will help slow the stage down.

The species must be a cold tolerant one otherwise a temperature of 5°C could actually kill the specimens. A cool box might suffice for tropical species.


If you have plenty of specimens you could experiment, but it is probably a good plan to have a complete range of specimens at different stages so that eggs, larvae, pupae and adults are on display for your visitor.

Answer 3

I dont think it is possible. possibly cool them down. cold makes things slow. i would try it on one, but i wouldnt risk freezing all the fellows to death.