Longtailed Skipper Chrysalis (new)

This chrysalis is newly made. Over a number of hours it will harden and then exude a wax that makes the outside of the chrysalis appear frosted. Skipper caterpillars have wax glands on their abdomen that allow caterpillars to produce wax, much like bees do. Many grass skippers incorporate wax into the walls of their leaf shelters that protect caterpillar and chrysalis alike.