Cocoons That Hang in Trees
Some insects go through a metamorphosis process, where they change from an immature form into a mature adult form. After the immature insect feeds, it creates a cocoon in which it stays to go through the physical transformation to become a mature insect. Some of these insects attach their cocoons to trees.
Forest Tent Caterpillar
The forest tent caterpillar creates a loose silk cocoon with white or yellowish crystalline substance scattered throughout the cocoon. This crystalline substance could cause skin irritation if touched. The forest tent caterpillar locates the cocoon in the rolled leaves of a tree to hide it from predators. The mature insect emerges from the cocoon in three weeks.
Cecropia Moth
A Cecropia moth cocoon measures more than 3 inches in length. Tough silken threads make up the cocoon, which is attached horizontally along twigs or branches. A cocoon located at a higher level tends to be long and compact, while a cocoon lower on the tree tends to be bulky and loose.
- The forest tent caterpillar creates a loose silk cocoon with white or yellowish crystalline substance scattered throughout the cocoon.
- The forest tent caterpillar locates the cocoon in the rolled leaves of a tree to hide it from predators.
Columbia Moth
The Columbia moth spins a cocoon with brown silken threads. The cocoon usually measures 1 1/4 inch to 2 inches in length, has an oval shape and sometimes silver streaks on its sides. It attaches lengthwise to the twig or trunk of a tree, usually 2 to 6 feet away from the ground, near the tips of the branches.
Promethea Moth
A Promethea moth cocoon looks like a curled leaf that doesn't fall from the tree in autumn. As the insect spins the silken threads, it pulls a leaf around its body so that the cocoon sticks securely to the twig. The cocoon measures 1 to 2 inches in length and hangs vertically from a twig. Promethea moth cocoons tend to be located near one another.
- The Columbia moth spins a cocoon with brown silken threads.
- The cocoon measures 1 to 2 inches in length and hangs vertically from a twig.
Polyphemus Moth
The Polyphemus moth camouflages its cocoon with leaves. The insect fills the fibers of leaves with a fluid that turns white and chalky. Measuring about 2 inches long and having a more rounded shape than the promethea moth cocoon, the polyphemus cocoon is usually found on shrubs and small trees.
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Writer Bio
Edriaan Koening began writing professionally in 2005, while studying toward her Bachelor of Arts in media and communications at the University of Melbourne. She has since written for several magazines and websites. Koening also holds a Master of Commerce in funds management and accounting from the University of New South Wales.
