Cocoons and Chrysalies, How to tell the difference
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Butterfly, Moth, or Monarch Cocoons, Chrysalis, or Pupa?
Most of us grow up saying 'butterfly cocoon' or 'monarch cocoon'. Actually, although some moths make cocoons, butterflies do not! |
Neither butterflies or moths are a 'cocoon'. Some moth species make a cocoon and change into a pupa inside the cocoon. Confusing? A butterfly and a moth goes through four stages of life; 1) Egg 2) Larva (caterpillar) 3) Pupa (or butterfly chrysalis) 4) Imago (winged adult butterfly or moth) (Although female bagworm moths only have rudimentary wings - which never become large.) A butterfly pupa is called a pupa or a chrysalis. A moth pupa is called a pupa. Some species of moth caterpillars make a cocoon covering and change into a pupa inside the cocoon. The cocoon is simply a covering, like a sleeping bag. Other species of moths fold over leaves and make their pupa in the leaves. Still other species of moth caterpillars go into the leaves or dirt and make thier pupae in leaf matter or soil. Butterfly caterpillars sometimes hang in a 'J' or a ')' shape and change into a chrysalis. Other caterpillars fold or sew (with silk) a leaf or several leaves together and change into a chrysalis inside the cocoon or 'nest'. Caterpillars have spinnerets on their bottom lips. Their silk is a bit different than spider silk. Caterpillar silk shrinks as it dries, pulling leaves and other items tightly together. |
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Hyalophora cecropia makes its cocoon. |
is inside its cocoon found at the base of host trees. |
Citheronia regalis is made in the soil |
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Antheraea polyphemus cocoon |
Xylophanes tersa is made in the soil |
Utetheisa ornatrix in a leaf nest. |