Moth Cocoon

Cocoon hanging down off of a lilac bush. Most moths in temperate regions spend the winter as pupae. Most borrow into the dead leaves, but hairy species usually mix their hairs with silk, making a flimsy cocoon. When emerging from these tight cocoons, moths secrete a fluid that softens the silk. Moths construct cocoons around their bodies as they grow. At maturity they fasten the finished cocoons to twigs with silk.