Chrysalis, << KRIHS uh lihs, >> is the third, or pupal, stage in the development of a butterfly. A caterpillar (butterfly larva) changes into a chrysalis after it is fully grown. It spins a small pad of silk and hangs from it by the small hooks of its cremaster, a structure at the end of its abdomen. The caterpillar then molts, or sheds its skin, to become the chrysalis form. Unlike many moth larvae, butterfly larvae do not form cocoons (see Cocoon ). Adult butterfly features develop inside the chrysalis. Finally, the chrysalis skin splits open, and the butterfly emerges. However, it cannot fly immediately, because its wings are moist and folded. The butterfly must hang upside down and pump body fluid through the wings. Both the fluid and gravity help the wings expand to full size. Finally, the butterfly is ready to spread its wings and fly. See also Butterfly ; Caterpillar ; Metamorphosis ; Pupa .
