Chrysalis

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Butterfly chrysalis

Monarch Butterfly chrysalis

For the record label created in 1969, see Chrysalis Records.

For the episode of the sci-fi series Babylon 5, see Chrysalis (Babylon 5).

A chrysalis (Latin chrysallis, from Greek χρυσαλλίς = chrysallís) or nympha is the pupal stage of butterflies. The term is derived from the metallic gold-colouration found in the pupae of many butterflies referred to by the Greek term χρυσός (chrysós) for gold.

The chrysalis stage in most butterflies is one in which there is little movement. However, some butterfly pupae are capable of moving the abdominal segments to produce sounds or to scare away potential predators. Within the chrysalis, growth and differentiation occur. The adult butterfly emerges from this and expands its wings by pumping blood into veins. This sudden and rapid change is termed the metamorphosis and in this particular case is called complete metamorphosis (see also holometaboly and hemimetaboly).

With moths, sometimes the chrysalis is itself contained in a protective silk case called a cocoon.

An old term synonymous with chrysalises is aurelia from which is derived the term aurelian for one who studies the emergence of butterflies from chrysalises.

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