cocoon

emperor gum moth: cocoonCocoon of the emperor gum moth (Opodiphthera eucalypti).

cocoon, a case produced in the larval stage of certain animals (e.g., butterflies, moths, leeches, earthworms, Turbellaria) for the resting pupal stage (see pupa) in the life cycle. Certain spiders spin a fibrous mass, or cocoon, to cover their eggs.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title: cocoon
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 23 May 2017
Access Date: April 21, 2025