cocoon
Pupa-case of many insects, especially of moths and silkworms. This outer web or ball is spun from the mouth by caterpillars before they pass into the chrysalis state.
| Originally the word was only applied to the cocoon spun by the silkworm Bombyx. It is now extended to all similar structures (for example, the silken case spun by spiders to receive their eggs). The pupal stage may last a long or only a short time. The emerging insect splits the covering when it is ready to emerge. |
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