Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

Question:  How many butterflies can be in a cocoon?
Mindy L Barry

Answer:
Mindy,
Thanks for your question. In my experience I only have heard of
one pupa per cocoon or chrysalis.  I would think that insects would
prefer to work this way since they really have no defense while
they are pupating. If they pupated en masse, when one would be found
(by some predator) many would be found and they would all be eaten.
If they pupate alone, when one is found, the others which are in
different places can still hope for survival.
 
Thanks for using NEWTON!
 
Ric (rickru)