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Silkwormswhat is this cocoon?
Hi I came across this cocoon about 2 weeks ago on the ground. It has been scratching on the inside ever since. I’ve determined it might be a polymorphous moth. Any thoughts? Also how long will it take before it will hatch? Thanks,
Ryan

Hi Ryan,
We are nearly positive that this is a Luna Moth Cocoon, but it might be a Polyphemus Moth. Without meaning to sound smug, it will hatch when it is ready. The complexity of insect metamorphosis is not like a three minute egg. Some combination of time, temperature, humidity, length of day, and perhaps airborn pheromones will trigger the hatching.

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Comments 1
This isn’t a Polyphemus. My Polyphemus cocoons (sitting right next to me) are a bit rougher.
Posted 17 Mar 2009 at 10:59 pm ¶Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.
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