Difference between Chrysalis and Cocoon

Though the terms are interchangeably used, chrysalis and cocoon are completely different. Cocoons are particular to moths, while the chrysalises are formed by the butterflies. The moths whirl around themselves and the molts are within the silk casing. This renders surplus warmth and protects from the ambient environment. These cocoons are usually attached to the edge of something or are in the leaf litters or are buried in the ground.

On the other hand, butterflies molt into a Chrysalis, it is not silk. It is a hard exoskeleton that covers the butterfly developing underneath. These are typically found on something else, hanging on it.

The differentiating factor between a chrysalis and cocoon lies in the fact that chrysalis refers to the hard and stiff body of the butterfly pupa. On the other hand, a cocoon is the external structure formed by the larvae to safeguard itself at the time of pupal phase. Typically, moths are associated with cocoons.

Chrysalis

• It is the pulpal phase of the development of the butterfly
• Before the final molt, the butterfly caterpillar swirls rings of silk to attach itself to the inside of a twig or leaf
• As the pupa takes shape, the caterpillars shed their skin for the last time
• Then, the exterior surface of the pupa stiffens into an outer protective covering. This usually takes shape and colour, which helps camouflage into its surroundings

Cocoon

• In order to protect itself at the final transformative stage in the absence of a hard outer shell, moth caterpillars tend to twine cocoons of silk around themselves. This is before it reaches the final molt stage
• The silk stiffens into a protective case, which allows the pupa to undergo metamorphosis without any such hurdle
• Silkworms spin the cocoons completely from silk, some others use plant matters, leaves and hair from their own body to form cocoons
• Some other entities, apart from the moth that constructs cocoons are fleas, ants, wasps etc. wherein the development has a pupal phase which should be safeguarded by cocoons

Key Difference between Chrysalis and Cocoon

The table below depicts the difference between Chrysalis and Cocoon.

You read some differences between Chrysalis and Cocoon.

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