Emergence of pupae is a question of shared concern for both suppliers and exhibitors, both for economic reasons and as a simple question of animal welfare. As producers and exporters of butterflies, we at Heliconius Butterfly Works have observed widely varying results in emergence rates for our pupae in different exhibits, a phenomenon noted by other producers as well.
How well butterflies emerge depends on a host of factors, many of which are beyond the control of the exhibitor. These include apparently innate differences in emergence rates for different species, problems originating in breeding (disease, inadequate handling, parasitism, inbreeding) and in transport. Nevertheless, how pupae are treated in conservatories undoubtedly also affects emergence and quality.
To try to get a sense of how conditions and practices vary amongst different exhibitors, we sent out a questionnaire to over 100 permanent and temporary exhibits around the world. We received responses from 28 facilities, detailing kinds of emergence cage, environmental conditions, techniques for hanging pupae, and other practices. We summarize the results here, in hopes of contributing to a discussion within the industry about best practices to ensure optimum results for pupae and butterflies.
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