How to Identify a Butterfly Cocoon

Butterfly cocoons often dangle from branches and the stems of plants.

Butterflies are not born the beautiful insects that we see flying around our gardens. They start as caterpillars just like moths do, and spend some time wrapped up in a cocoon made of silk before climbing out of it with beautiful wings. Butterfly cocoons are called chrysalises, and telling them apart from moth cocoons is easy if you know what to look for.

Instructions

1. Research what types of butterflies live in your area, and what time they come out of their cocoons. In most parts of the United States this is in the early springtime.

2. Go to a habitat that is inviting to butterflies and caterpillars. Gardens or areas with a lot of flowers and lush foliage is a good place to start. You can also check in healthy forested areas.

3. Look for butterfly cocoons dangling from the branches and stems of plants. Butterfly cocoons are more delicate than moth cocoons and will therefore be hidden more carefully in the shade or in deep foliage.

4. Look at the cocoon and identify if the outside of the cocoon is hard or covered in silky thread. If the cocoon looks soft, it is a moth cocoon. If the cocoon is hard and green, it is a butterfly cocoon.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask what kind of butterflies live in your area at local gardening stores.

• Attract butterflies to your garden by planting sweet-smelling flowers.

• Do not touch the cocoon or try to open it, to prevent damage to the butterfly.

References

• Cocoon.org; "What Is A Butterfly Or Moth Cocoon?"
• BUTTERFLY AND MOTH CATERPILLARS: IDENTIFICATION GUIDE; Bill Oehlke
• The Library of Congress; "What is the difference between a butterfly and a moth?"; 2010