The Third Stage of A Butterfly : The Chrysalis/Cocoon
The Chrysalis/Cocoon Stage
The chrysalis, or more commonly known, the cocoon stage of the butterfly is a very
attention-grabbing stage of the adult butterfly. Following the caterpillar stage, where the caterpillar
has reached its full length & weight, they form themselves into the chrysalis/cocoon. These
caterpillars travel sometimes up to 100 ft. to find the perfect and shadiest branch to form their
cocoon where they will be for the next few weeks. These caterpillars last up to two (2) weeks in their
cocoon. How is it made you may ask? The caterpillar uses its spinnerets located next to its mouth to
create a silk pad, which they usually attach themselves to by their rear end, either in a “J” or “8”
shaped form.
The caterpillar prepares for its final molt, as it gets rid of excess waste and soon
becomes stiff to touch. After about a day or two, the caterpillar sheds its skin as it cracks from the
head and the caterpillar begins to wiggle out eventually leaving the skin to fall to the ground. There
are now special cells, which was present in the lava, working together which is now helping the
caterpillar grow rapidly.
The cocoon usually blends in with the environment so that they would not be easily noticeable to predators. Finally, the caterpillar begins to grow wings and antennas. When completed, the cocoon begins to shed the thick, extra layer where we will be able to clearly see the beautiful colours of the butterfly. Following this, the butterfly makes its way out of the cocoon and begins the adult stage of the butterfly life cycle.
The chrysalis, or more commonly known, the cocoon stage of the butterfly is a very
attention-grabbing stage of the adult butterfly. Following the caterpillar stage, where the caterpillar
has reached its full length & weight, they form themselves into the chrysalis/cocoon. These
caterpillars travel sometimes up to 100 ft. to find the perfect and shadiest branch to form their
cocoon where they will be for the next few weeks. These caterpillars last up to two (2) weeks in their
cocoon. How is it made you may ask? The caterpillar uses its spinnerets located next to its mouth to
create a silk pad, which they usually attach themselves to by their rear end, either in a “J” or “8”
shaped form.
The caterpillar prepares for its final molt, as it gets rid of excess waste and soon
becomes stiff to touch. After about a day or two, the caterpillar sheds its skin as it cracks from the
head and the caterpillar begins to wiggle out eventually leaving the skin to fall to the ground. There
are now special cells, which was present in the lava, working together which is now helping the
caterpillar grow rapidly.
The cocoon usually blends in with the environment so that they would not be easily noticeable to predators. Finally, the caterpillar begins to grow wings and antennas. When completed, the cocoon begins to shed the thick, extra layer where we will be able to clearly see the beautiful colours of the butterfly. Following this, the butterfly makes its way out of the cocoon and begins the adult stage of the butterfly life cycle.
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