Studies on the Cocoon of the Oriental Moth, Monema (Cnidocampa) flavescens, (Lepidoptera : Limacodidae). I. Emergence of the Moth from the Cocoon

Abstract

It is well known that the larva of the oriental moth, Monema (Cnidocampa) flavescens Walker, constructs a very hard cocoon shaped as a sparrow-egg. The moth emerges from the hard cocoon by opening a hole at the upper part of the cocoon, and the mature larva makes preparations for the eclosion. A part of the inner wall of the cocoon corresponding to the opening's edge shows a circular area which is thinned presumably through the pressure of the scoli and setae located on the thorax of the larva. The cocoon is cracked along the circular and thinned area line by pressure at the time of eclosion. © 1984, JAPANESE SOCIETY OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY. All rights reserved.