How do cocoons form

Well, the answer is actually more complex than it seems. Certain types of insects build cocoons, and cocoons are different from other types of insect casings. How do you know the difference, and which insects are responsible for creating them? The first thing to understand about cocoons and other pupa casings is the purpose that they serve. Insects that create these undergo a full metamorphosis with four complete life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult.

Insects will build cocoons or other casings during the pupal stage of development. While the insect lies still to complete its development, the cocoon helps ensure that it reaches adulthood unharmed.

As mentioned, cocoons are not the only type of insect casing. They are commonly confused with other types of pupa casings , but have a slightly different appearance and composition, as cocoons are made of silk. There are a number of insects that create cocoons , and the list might surprise you. These include:. A common pest in the homes of pet owners, fleas reproduce rapidly, with a single flea laying up to 50 eggs a day.

Larvae hatch from these eggs, form cocoons and pupate for weeks, after which adult fleas emerge. Flea cocoons can be resistant to some pesticides, which can explain why they can be so difficult to get rid of when an infestation is present. Nearly all species of moths and some species of butterflies create cocoons.

Caterpillars, the common name for the larval stage of these insects, spin silk to create the cocoon. Butterflies that do not spin cocoons will have a chrysalis, a covering similar to a pupal casing. These small, brownish-black insects are commonly found near bodies of fresh water, such as ponds, lakes, rivers, creeks and streams.

Certain species of caddisflies will form cocoons using sand, twigs and other types of debris found along the bottom of the water, which will serve as camouflage and protection from predators throughout the pupal stage. The amount of time required to transform completely varies from one species to another, but in general it takes about two weeks. For species that survive the winter by staying in the chrysalis, it can take months. According to research at Georgetown University, the caterpillars and butterflies that emerge from the chrysalises may remember some of their lives as caterpillars [source: Blackiston ].

When caterpillars in the study were conditioned to avoid specific smells, they remembered to keep away from those scents as adults -- but only if the conditioning happened in the last instars of the caterpillars' lives. If you want to learn more what happens once the chrysalis opens, read How Butterflies Work. Aside from the damage hungry moths can cause to clothing, most people think of the butterflies and moths that emerge from the chrysalis as beautiful and beneficial.

But not everyone feels the same way about caterpillars. Read on to learn what to do if hungry caterpillars are destroying the plants in your yard. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Prev NEXT. Wild Animals. A monarch caterpillar twists to embed its cremaster in a silk pad.

We agree! The Wonder says that a caterpillar forms a cacoon, transforms itself, and becomes a butterfly! What an awesome connection to our growing Wonder, Julie! Nice work! It sounds like you've seen this Wonder up close and personal in 2nd grade- how neat! We loved learning about that cool experience in your classroom and we appreciate all the WONDERful facts you have shared today! If you could be any type of insect, what would it be? Thank you for sharing your awesome comment with us today, Wonder Friends in Mr.

Johnson's Class! It sounds like you have learned something new about the cool changes that take place inside a cocoon! Thanks for visiting us to Wonder! Hey there, Rainbow Dash! Thanks for telling us all about your caterpillar adventure with your dad. We're sorry to hear that none of the caterpillars survived, but we are so happy that you learned all about their lives while you cared for them.

Hey there, Emma, we hope Jack and Rose stay safe and sound in your class today! It sounds like you're in for a real science treat! Thanks for telling us all about your cool science class! Thanks so much, Beau! We Wonder if you have ever seen a cocoon in your backyard Hey there, Crackers! Thanks for sharing your suggestions about the types of Wonders you'd like to learn about!

We've got a few others to share with you: Wonder What's in a Name? Hey there, Emily, we're so glad you are here today! Cocoons are strong enough to keep the caterpillar safe while it changes and grows.

Isn't it incredible to learn all about the stages of life before a butterfly can soar in the sky? Thank you for sharing your far-away Wonder guesses- nice work! Thanks for sharing your comment, we really appreciate it! We're so happy that you enjoyed today's Wonder, Kate! The life within the cocoon is certainly fascinating! Science rocks! We are undergoing some spring clearing site maintenance and need to temporarily disable the commenting feature. Thanks for your patience. Drag a word to its definition.

Want to add a little wonder to your website? Help spread the wonder of families learning together. We sent you SMS, for complete subscription please reply. Follow Twitter Instagram Facebook. What goes on inside a cocoon? What is a cocoon made of? Which insects make cocoons? Tags: See All Tags adult , animals , biology , butterfly , camouflage , casing , caterpillar , cell , chrysalis , cocoon , covering , digest , egg , fly , holometabolism , imaginal , insect , larva , larvae , life cycle , metamorphosis , moth , nature , process , protective , pupa , science , shell , silk , species , spin , stage , transform , undifferentiated.

Wonder What's Next? Try It Out Grab a friend or family member and explore one or more of the transformational activities below to help extend your learning about butterflies: Ever feel like crawling up in your own life-size cocoon? On cool nights, it can be fun to wrap yourself in several blankets when it's time for bed. It can also be fun to pretend that years and years have passed while you've been resting in your cocoon.

Grab a friend or family member and some sleeping bags or blankets. Have them help you build your own personal cocoon. Crawl inside with a notebook and a pen and pretend that you're in the cocoon for about five years. Take some notes as you think about these questions: Share your thoughts with your friends and family members.

Feeling crafty? Try out this fun arts and crafts project that helps you turn what you learned today into an artistic outlet for your creativity! Macaroni Metamorphosis. Did you get it? Test your knowledge. What are you wondering? Wonder Words butterfly shell digest species fascinating unique secrete transform cocoon caterpillar miraculous imaginal undifferentiated holometabolism chrysalis pupa larva camouflage metamorphosis Take the Wonder Word Challenge.

Join the Discussion. May 25, Apr 25, Carter's Dog Jun 26, I Google "What happens inside a cocoon" for my inquiry and I find wonderopolis! This answers my main and 1 of my sub questions! Jun 28, We hope you'll visit again soon!