Black swallowtails wings won't open completely

by Steve
(Vernon, NJ)

I have a black swallowtail that just emerged,but the wings aren't opening completely. Is there anything I can do to help? It has been three days since it emerged.

Karen says:
The deformed wings could be caused by a parasite, disease, bacteria or genetic. The swallowtails do not have a specific problem for which it could be attributed. There isn't much you can do but try and feed it some Juicy Juice or Gaterade (maybe saturate some crumpled kleenex or however you can get the butterfly to feed). If you will be raising more butterflies you should sterilize with 20% bleach and water any equipment that you use for raising butterflies. I hope this helps.

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