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How to Hatch a Cocoon

Caterpillars spin cocoons, and while they are inside the cocoons, they change into butterflies or moths. The process of watching a butterfly emerge from a cocoon is one that teaches children a great deal about the way that insects develop and change. If you find a cocoon that you wish to bring inside, you can watch as the butterfly slowly emerges and spreads its wings.

Things You'll Need

Wire cutters
Rocks
Terrarium with mesh lid.
Plant mister

Instructions

- 1
  Locate a cocoon by looking on the underside of leaves and branches. Look in locations where you have previously seen caterpillars or where you have seen butterflies the previous year. Cocoons range in size and color depending on the butterfly that laid them, but they are typically small, cylindrical structures that are dull white or yellow.
- 2
  Cut the branch holding the cocoon away from the tree or plant using a pair of wire cutters or garden shears.
- 3
  Trim the branch down until it fits in a terrarium
- 4
  Place two piles of small rocks in the terrarium.
- 5
  Place the branch across the two rock piles, leaving the cocoon suspended from the branch in the center.
- 6
  Place the wire mesh lid on the terrarium.
- 7
  Touch the branch that the cocoon is resting on every few days. If it feels dry to the touch, gently mist it with a very small amount of water.
- 8
  Wait until the insect inside the cocoon emerges.

Insects & Science