chrysalis or cocoon
Location: Mountains of North Carolina
December 2, 2011 9:51 am
Found on Physocarpus , a North American native shrub.
What is inside it?
Thank you for your help.
Signature: Carol
Dear Carol,
This is the cocoon of a Giant Silkmoth in the family Saturniidae. A Cocoon is generally a silken structure that is spun, possibly incorporating leaves, branches or the hairs from the caterpillar in its construction. The cocoon helps to protect the naked pupa inside. The pupa of a butterfly is often called a chrysalis. We hope that helps some with the proper terminology. We believe this may be a Polyphemus Moth Cocoon (see BugGuide) or possibly a Luna Moth Cocoon (see bugguide), though the cocoons of the Luna Moth generally fall to the ground among leaf litter where a blanket of snow helps to insulate them from the cold.
