What bug was in this cocoon? - Ask Extension
Found these on the ground, under our oak tree, at different times. Just curious.
Knowledgebase
What bug was in this cocoon? #486958
Asked September 25, 2018, 1:08 PM EDT
Found these on the ground, under our oak tree, at different times. Just curious.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
I am sorry, cocoons are similar to each other and identification without the bug is very difficult and often impossible.
At that size and with your location, the two most likely species are the polyphemus moth and the luna moth. If the silk is quite tough and almost leathery, it would be the polyphemus. Luna cocoons are not as thick, they feel like paper.
