Author Koh Lin ◦
The chrysalis and cocoon describe a protective covering for certain types of insects during metamorphosis. Chrysalises are created by butterflies, whilst moths create cocoons.
One of the things that butterflies and moths have in common is that both are holometabolous, which refers to insects that undergo complete metamorphosis — a biological process that involves distinct development stages, referred to as larval, pupal, and adult stages.
The life cycle of butterflies and moths begins as eggs, which are laid by adults of the species. The eggs hatch into the larva stage, which is the caterpillar for both butterflies and moths. The next stage of the larva is when it becomes a pupa (a transitional stage). The pupa for butterflies is known as the chrysalis, whilst the pupa for moths is known as the cocoon, from which the adult insect then emerges.
Following are some examples of chrysalises and cocoons… in the first photo you can see the instars of the Belenois java teutonia and developing chrysalis that are attached to a mantis ootheca. The casing protects the mantis eggs within the ootheca.
In the following photo is a failed metamorphosis of the Belenois java teutonia on the Caper Bush (Capparis spinosa var. nummularia) in Alice Springs. For unknown reasons, the butterfly failed to fully emerge from the chrysalis.
The Saunders’ Case Moth (Metura elongatus) in the following photos, was seen crawling to the final spot, before closing the cocoon casing from where it will pupate.
In the following photo is a Witchetty grub cocoon, from which an adult Cossid moth (Endoxyla leucomochla) will emerge.
The following cocoons are of the Resin Pot Bee in Alice Springs.
Another type of cocoon, thought to belong to a group of leaf case moth (family Psychidae). This cocoon appear in an unusual position in that the cocoon is not hanging downwards.
The following photos are of the Caper White Butterfly (Belenois java teutonia), emerging from the chrysalis.
Also check out our page on Case Moths (Variety of Cocoons).
